Apple Malus domestica 'Red Falstaff' (PBR) (D)
ABOUT
'Red Falstaff' apple is a visually pleasing cultivar known for its striking fruit and foliage. This variety of apple tree is decorated with vibrant blossoms in the spring, transitioning from pale pink buds to white flowers with a subtle pink blush. As the seasons change, the foliage emerges with a lush green color that offers a stark contrast to the blossoms. The true showstoppers are the apples themselves, which typically have a smooth, glossy skin that boasts a deep red hue, sometimes mixed with flushes of orange and yellow undertones. The apples are usually round, with a slightly flattened appearance at the poles, giving them a distinct shape that is recognizable among apple cultivars. The flesh inside the fruit is firm, crisp, and creamy white, often described as juicy and sweet with a hint of tartness which is usually popular for both eating fresh and cooking. In addition, the branches of the apple tree tend to have a spreading habit, forming a canopy with a good amount of foliage that provides cover for the ripening fruit beneath it. The leaves themselves are oblong to oval, with a serrated edge, and provide an attractive backdrop that highlights the bright fruits as they mature. Throughout the growing season, 'Red Falstaff' maintains a robust and healthy appearance, making it not only a productive fruit tree but also an attractive addition to the garden space where it grows.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Red Falstaff Apple.
Common names
Malus domestica 'Red Falstaff' (PBR) (D).
ToxicityTo humans
Apple trees, including the variety known as 'Red Falstaff', are generally not toxic to humans. The edible fruit is widely consumed with no adverse effects. However, the seeds inside the apple contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting large quantities of apple seeds may lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, rapid breathing, and even death in severe cases. It is worth noting that an individual would need to consume a very large number of seeds, and they would need to be crushed or chewed, to experience significant toxic effects.
To pets
Similar to their effect on humans, apple trees are not typically toxic to pets, and the 'Red Falstaff' apple tree is no exception. The fruit itself is safe for pets to eat in moderation. However, as with humans, the apple seeds contain amygdalin and can be toxic if a pet consumes them in large quantities. Symptoms of apple seed poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In extreme cases, ingestion of a substantial amount of seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal. It is therefore advisable to avoid giving apple seeds to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12 feet [3.66 meters]
Spread
12 feet [3.66 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Malus domestica 'Red Falstaff' is known for being a hardy and adaptable tree, making it suitable for a range of growing conditions.
- High Yield: This cultivar is a heavy cropper, often producing large quantities of fruit.
- Pollination: It is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another apple tree nearby to produce fruit.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The tree delivers beautiful spring blossoms and attractive red apples, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Extended Harvest: 'Red Falstaff' apples typically have a long picking season, giving gardeners more time to harvest.
- Storage Quality: The apples store well, maintaining their quality over an extended period when kept in suitable conditions.
- Wildlife Support: The blossoms provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Versatility: The harvested fruit can be used for fresh eating, cooking, or cider making.
- Improves Garden Biodiversity: Planting apple trees can contribute to a diverse garden ecosystem.
- Educational Value: Growing fruit trees like 'Red Falstaff' can be an educational experience for children and adults alike, teaching them about the lifecycle of plants and the importance of agriculture.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: Apple skins, particularly from red varieties like Red Falstaff, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- Fruit Pectin Source: Apples are a rich source of pectin, which can be extracted and used as a natural thickening agent for jams and jellies.
- Floral Arrangements: Cut branches of apple trees when in blossom can make for striking and fragrant features in floral arrangements.
- Woodworking Material: Apple wood can be used for small woodworking projects such as carving or turning on a lathe to create household items.
- Photography Props: The attractive appearance of apples and apple blossoms can be used as props and subjects in still life photography.
- Apple Vinegar: Excess or damaged fruits can be fermented to produce apple cider vinegar, which has a variety of culinary and household uses.
- Education and Crafts: Apple seeds and cross-sections can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology and for art projects.
- Natural Potpourri: Dried apple slices and peel can be added to potpourri mixes to give a pleasant aroma to a room.
- Garden Compost: Fallen leaves and decomposing apples can be added to compost piles to enrich garden soil.
- Animal Feed: Apples can also be used to feed domestic animals like pigs and horses as part of a controlled diet.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The apple blossom, a feature of the Malus domestica, is a symbol of beauty with its delicate and visually pleasing flowers.
- Love: Apples are often associated with love and sometimes temptation, linking back to the story of Adam and Eve in many Western cultures.
- Knowledge: The fruit of the apple tree is also a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, again drawing from the biblical tale where it represents the forbidden fruit that grants knowledge.
- Eternal Life: In Norse mythology, apples were believed to grant eternal life, and this concept has persisted as apples symbolize immortality and youth in some folklore.
WaterWhen watering the apple tree, a thorough soaking is preferable to frequent light watering, ensuring the water penetrates deeply to reach the tree's roots. Newly planted apple trees require regular watering until they are established, which usually means weekly if there is no significant rainfall, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per watering depending on the tree size and soil conditions. Mature trees may need less frequent watering, but during prolonged dry spells, they should be watered every two weeks with approximately 2 to 4 gallons per session. Always check the soil moisture before watering to ensure the tree is not overwatered, as apple trees are susceptible to root rot. During the growing season, water needs may increase, especially for trees that are bearing fruit.
LightApple trees thrive in full sunlight, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The Red Falstaff apple variety should be planted in a spot that gets full, unfiltered sun throughout the day to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid areas that are shaded by larger trees or buildings, as insufficient light can reduce fruit set and quality.
TemperatureApple trees like Red Falstaff require a period of winter chill to break dormancy and produce fruit, which necessitates exposure to temperatures between 32°F and 45°F for a certain period of time. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F, but flowers and fruit buds can be damaged if spring frosts occur when they are in bloom. The ideal growing temperatures during the growing season range from 60°F to 75°F. Avoid planting in locations susceptible to late spring frosts or where winter temperatures consistently fall below the survival threshold.
PruningPruning apple trees, like the Red Falstaff, is essential for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and improving air circulation. Prune during the dormant season, late winter to early spring before new growth starts, which reduces the risk of infection and allows for clear observation of the tree's structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to promote a strong framework of fruit-bearing spurs and ensure that sunlight penetrates the canopy. Pruning should be conducted annually, and for young trees, it is also important to shape the tree early on to establish a strong, productive form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Falstaff apple tree prefers a well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of one part loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will support healthy growth. Amend the soil with organic matter annually to maintain fertility and structure.
RepottingRed Falstaff apple trees, being a type of apple, are not typically repotted as they are grown in the ground. However, if grown in a container, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth. Mature trees may need repotting every 4-5 years or root pruning to manage their size.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like the Red Falstaff do not require specific humidity levels, as they are adaptable to the outdoor environment. Average outdoor humidity is generally suitable for their growth, and they do not have particular humidity needs when grown in their natural, outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires full sun, pollination, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and provide regular watering.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as the 'Red Falstaff' apple, its life cycle begins with germination where the seed starts to grow roots and a shoot after stratification (cold treatment). The seedling then develops into a young tree, establishing a strong root system and beginning to grow leaves and branches during its juvenile phase. As it matures, the Red Falstaff apple tree enters a phase of flowering and pollination, typically requiring cross-pollination with another apple variety for fruit set. Following successful pollination, the tree bears fruit, with apples developing and ripening over the summer months. Each apple contains seeds that have the potential to grow into new trees, thus continuing the cycle. After reaching full maturity, the tree may enter a period of decline, though it can live and be productive for several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagating 'Red Falstaff' apple trees, a cultivar of Malus domestica, is through grafting. This technique typically takes place in late winter or early spring when the rootstocks are still dormant. The process involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or twig with desirable characteristics from the 'Red Falstaff' apple tree, and joining it onto a compatible rootstock. The scion is carefully cut to have a sloping end, and a corresponding cut is made in the rootstock. The two pieces are then fitted together such that the vascular cambium tissues align, allowing the scion to fuse with the rootstock and establish a new tree. The graft union is sealed with grafting wax or tape to prevent drying out and protect from pathogens. With proper care, the grafted sapling will grow and eventually bear fruit that is true to the 'Red Falstaff' variety.
