Apple Malus domestica 'Red Windsor' (D)
ABOUT
The Red Windsor apple tree is a cultivar known for producing apples that are aesthetically appealing and delicious. This apple tree is adorned with leaves that have a classic green hue, which offers a lush backdrop for its fruiting bounty. During the blooming season, the tree features a captivating display of blossoms, which are typically white, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance. The standout feature of this tree, of course, is the apples it bears. The fruit of the Red Windsor apple tree is medium in size and is covered with a skin that ranges from deep red to a striking crimson hue. This outer skin may have a slightly mottled appearance or may present with delicate streaks which add character and visual interest to the apples. The flesh of the Red Windsor apple is firm and crisp when bitten into, inviting a delightful crunch. Its color on the inside is generally a creamy white or pale yellow. Taste-wise, apple connoisseurs will appreciate the balance between sweetness and a tangy acidity that these apples offer, making them a favorite for fresh eating, as well as for cooking and baking. This variety tends to bear fruit that is uniform in shape, commonly round with a slightly flattened base and a gently dimpled top around the stem. The stalk of the apple is short to medium in length, providing a sturdy connection to the branches of the tree until the fruit is ripe and ready to be plucked. Overall, the Red Windsor apple tree is a delightful addition to any garden, not just for the delicious fruit it produces, but also for the natural beauty it brings throughout the seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Red Windsor Apple, Alkmene
Common names
Malus domestica 'Red Windsor' (D).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as apple is not toxic to humans when the fruit is consumed. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. While ingesting a few apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of amygdalin, consuming a large number of seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, seizures, and potentially loss of consciousness or even death in severe cases.
To pets
Apples, the fruit of the apple tree, are generally safe for pets like dogs and cats to consume in moderate amounts. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Small quantities may not cause a problem, but ingestion of a significant amount of seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets might include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is best to remove the seeds and core before offering apple slices to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Produces fruit: The Red Windsor apple tree is a cultivar known for its delicious and nutritious apples, providing a source of home-grown food.
- Attracts pollinators: Blooming with flowers in spring, it attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Aesthetic appeal: It offers ornamental value with its attractive blossoms and fruits, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Shade provider: As a tree, it can grow to provide shade in gardens and outdoor spaces, creating cooler areas during hot weather.
- Carbon sequestration: Like all trees, the Red Windsor apple tree absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Home gardening: It offers the opportunity for home gardening, which can be a rewarding and educational hobby.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant content: The apple fruit is known for its high antioxidant content which can help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Dietary fiber: Consuming apples has been associated with digestive health benefits due to their dietary fiber content.
- Cardiovascular health: The fiber, vitamin C, and various phytonutrients in apples may contribute to heart health.
- Blood sugar regulation: Apples can potentially help in regulating blood sugar levels due to their fiber content which slows down the absorption of sugars.
- Dental care: Chewing apples stimulates saliva production which can reduce tooth decay by lowering bacteria levels.
- Weight management: Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a supportive food for weight control strategies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: 'Red Windsor' apple peels can be boiled to produce a natural reddish-brown dye for fabrics or Easter eggs.
- Woodworking: The apple tree wood can be used for small woodworking projects such as carving or crafting utensils due to its density and pleasant grain.
- Plant Grafting: Branches (scions) from the 'Red Windsor' can be grafted onto other apple tree varieties to combine characteristics or improve hardiness.
- Educational Tools: The lifecycle of an apple tree can be demonstrated with this plant, making it a practical tool for educational purposes in schools and nature programs.
- Photography Prop: This apple variety, with its vibrant red apples, can serve as an excellent photography prop for fall-themed photo shoots.
- Composting: Fallen 'Red Windsor' apples can contribute to a compost pile, adding nitrogen and organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil.
- Natural Potpourri: Dried apple slices from 'Red Windsor' can be mixed with spices to create a homemade aromatic potpourri.
- Tannin Source: The bark of the apple tree can be a source of tannins, which are useful in tanning leather or as a natural mordant in dyeing.
- Wildlife Habitat: 'Red Windsor' trees can provide habitat and food for birds and beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in a garden.
- Apple Syrup: Excess 'Red Windsor' apples can be reduced down to a syrup and used as a natural sweetener or dessert topping.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge and Wisdom: Commonly known as the apple tree, it has been associated with knowledge and wisdom since the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible, where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was typically depicted as an apple.
- Forbidden Desires and Sin: Due to the same biblical story, apples are also symbols of temptation and original sin.
- Love and Fertility: In Greek and Norse mythologies, apples were linked to love and fertility, often considered an offering to goddesses like Aphrodite and Idun.
- Immortality and Eternal Life: The apple is also a symbol of immortality in many cultures, linked to the fruit's long-lasting freshness and the storied "elixir of life".
- Peace and Friendship: In some traditions, apples represent peace and are given as a sign of truce or friendship.
- Health and Wellbeing: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" exemplifies the apple's connection to health and wellness.
- Abundance and Prosperity: Apple trees with abundant fruit often symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
- Beauty and Perfection: Due to the apple's symmetrical shape and appealing look, it sometimes represents beauty and perfection.
WaterThe Red Windsor apple tree should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the tree and the soil moisture level. In the absence of rain and during dry spells, increase watering to twice per week. Reduce watering in the winter when the tree is dormant. Avoid watering the leaves directly to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the tree. Young trees in their first growing season will require more frequent watering to establish a strong root system.
LightRed Windsor apple trees require full sun to produce the best fruit, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is an open area away from tall buildings or shade trees that might block the sunlight. Morning sun is particularly beneficial as it helps dry dew quickly, reducing the risk of diseases.
TemperatureRed Windsor apple trees thrive in a range of temperatures but generally prefer the average climate of USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, where winter temperatures don't drop below -20°F and summer temperatures are typically below 100°F. The ideal growing temperature for fruit set and development is between 60°F and 75°F. Proper winter chilling is necessary for the tree to break dormancy and for successful blooming in spring.
PruningPruning is essential for the Red Windsor apple tree to maintain its health, ensure good air circulation, and encourage the growth of fruit-bearing branches. Prune annually in late winter when the tree is dormant, before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased wood as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Thinning out the canopy helps to improve sun penetration and air flow, which can lead to a better fruit set.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best soil mix for an apple tree (Red Windsor variety), aim for a well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the native soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingTypically, apple trees (Red Windsor variety) are not repotted since they are grown outdoors; instead, they are planted in the ground where they can spread their roots indefinitely.
Humidity & MistingApple trees (Red Windsor variety) are adaptable to a range of outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing Red Windsor apple trees indoors is not practical due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space adequately, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name of Malus domestica 'Red Windsor' is Apple 'Red Windsor'. The life cycle of this apple variety begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Following stratification, roots and shoots emerge in the spring as the seedling begins to grow. The young apple tree enters a vegetative state where it develops a root system and foliage, focusing on growth rather than reproduction. After a few years, the tree matures and enters the reproductive stage, producing flower buds that blossom typically in spring, subsequently leading to the development of fruit, in this case, red apples. Upon reaching maturity, the apples are harvested in late summer or early fall, and the tree prepares for dormancy over winter, completing the annual cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Malus domestica 'Red Windsor', more commonly known as the 'Red Windsor' apple, is most popularly propagated through grafting, which is typically done in late winter or early spring to ensure the best chances of success. Grafting involves taking a scion, a cutting from a desired apple tree with the proper variety and characteristics, and attaching it to a rootstock, which is a seedling apple tree that has a strong root system. The scion is usually a 4 to 8 inch (10 to 20 centimeters) piece that has a few buds, and it's often cut at a diagonal to increase the surface area that will connect to the rootstock. During grafting, matching cuts are made on both the scion and the rootstock, so that the cambium layers (the part where growth occurs) are aligned. These parts are then firmly fastened together with grafting tape or a similar material. The graft union is then usually sealed with grafting wax to prevent desiccation and disease while the graft heals. With proper care and under the right conditions, the scion will begin to grow as part of the rootstock, resulting in a new 'Red Windsor' apple tree that combines the best attributes of both the scion and the rootstock.
