Apple Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D)
ABOUT
The Scrumptious apple is a visually appealing fruit tree known for its lush green foliage and attractive blooms. The leaves of this apple tree are typically oval in shape, with a crisp, dark green color that provides a rich backdrop for the flowers and fruits it produces. In spring, the Scrumptious apple tree is adorned with beautiful blossoms that can range from pure white to soft pink. The flowers are usually arranged in clusters, which adds an ornamental charm to the tree as it begins its fruiting cycle. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to the development of the tree's namesake apples. The skin of Scrumptious apples is smooth, with a base color that can be described as a greenish-yellow. As the fruits ripen, they often develop a striking red flush that can cover a significant portion of the surface, sometimes adorned with subtle red striping. This red blush contrasts beautifully with the underlying color, making the apples visually appealing whether on the tree or in a fruit bowl. The apples themselves are usually round and show a classic apple silhouette, featuring a slightly tapered shape towards the base. The size of the apples can be considered medium, ideal for hand-picking and snacking. Upon maturity, the flesh of the Scrumptious apples is crisp and juicy with a sweet flavor, embodying the perfect balance of sugar and acidity that many seek in a dessert apple. The combination of the tree's verdant foliage, vibrant blossoms, and eye-catching, flavorful fruits, make the Scrumptious apple a delightful addition to any suitable space where it can be grown and admired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Scrumptious Apple, Scrumptious.
Common names
Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D).
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D) is apple. Apples are not toxic to humans and are widely consumed around the world without adverse effects when eaten as the fruit. However, the seeds inside an apple can be toxic if consumed in large quantities because they contain a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested in the stomach. Eating an occasional apple seed is not harmful, but consuming extremely large amounts can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can be fatal. It is important to note, however, that it would take a very large number of apple seeds to reach a toxic level.
To pets
The common name for Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D) is apple. Apples themselves are not toxic to most pets and can be fed in moderation as a treat. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities due to the potential release of cyanide upon digestion. While it is uncommon for pets to consume enough seeds to cause cyanide poisoning, symptoms could include drooling, panting, difficulty breathing, shock, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Always remove the seeds and core before offering apple pieces to pets to prevent any risk of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
12 feet (3.65 meters)
Spread
12 feet (3.65 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Delicious fruit - Produces sweet, juicy apples that are great for eating fresh.
- Attractive tree - Offers ornamental value with its blossoms and foliage.
- Pollination partner - Acts as a pollinator for other apple varieties, encouraging cross-pollination and fruit set.
- Homegrown produce - Allows for the cultivation of home-grown apples, ensuring freshness and reducing the need for store-bought fruit.
- Environmental benefits - Contributes to local ecosystems by providing habitat and food sources for pollinators like bees.
- Educational - Can be used as an educational tool for teaching about plant growth, fruit development, and gardening.
- Seasonal interest - Offers seasonal changes in appearance, from spring blossoms to fall fruit and leaf coloration.
- Food production - Encourages self-reliance and sustainability through home food production.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood from apple trees can be used for smoking foods, such as meats and cheeses, to add a sweet and fruity flavor.
- Small branches and twigs of apple trees can serve as perches or toys for birds, both in aviaries and wildlife gardens.
- Fallen leaves from apple trees can be added to compost piles as a source of carbon, helping balance nitrogen-rich materials.
- Apple pomace, the solid remains after juicing the apples, can be used as livestock feed, particularly for pigs.
- Dried apple tree wood can be carved into small decorative items or kitchen utensils, like spoons or bowls.
- The apple tree's dense foliage can provide a natural privacy screen or windbreak in a garden landscape.
- Pruned apple branches can be repurposed as garden stakes or supports for climbing plants and vegetables.
- The strong fibers from the bark of the apple tree can be used in the creation of textiles or ropes in traditional crafting methods.
- Apple trees can be used in agroforestry systems to provide both fruit and a beneficial environment for other crops or animals.
- In educational settings, apple trees can be used to teach students about plant biology, the life cycle of fruit, or organic horticulture practices.
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- Love and Affection: The apple, being a fruit associated with Venus, the goddess of love, has frequently symbolized love and affection throughout cultures.
- Knowledge and Wisdom: In many stories and myths, such as the biblical tale of Adam and Eve, apples represent knowledge and the pursuit of enlightenment.
- Temptation and Sin: Stemming from its role in the story of the Garden of Eden, the apple symbolizes the lure of temptation and the concept of original sin in some religious contexts.
- Fertility and Abundance: Apples are often associated with fertility and abundance due to their plentiful harvest and the many seeds they contain, which represent new life and growth.
- Immortality and Eternal Life: In Norse and Greek mythology, apples are seen as providing immortality or eternal youth to those who eat it, like the gods of Asgard or Hesperides' golden apples.
- Health and Vitality: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the fruit's association with health and well-being, signifying a life full of vitality.
WaterFor an apple tree like the Scrumptious apple, it is crucial to water the tree deeply and thoroughly to establish a good root system. Newly planted trees should be watered once a week with about 5-10 gallons of water, especially during dry spells. Once established, they typically require watering every 2 weeks, unless there is sufficient rain. During the growing season, if there's less than an inch of rainfall in a week, provide additional water. Over the winter months, watering can be reduced, but make sure to water the tree if the ground is dry and not frozen.
LightScrumptious apple trees thrive best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting is an area that is open to sunlight throughout the day without shade from buildings or other trees. Too little light can lead to poor fruit development and increased susceptibility to disease.
TemperatureScrumptious apple trees grow best in temperatures ranging from 32°F to 75°F. They can tolerate winter lows down to about -20°F and summer highs up to around 90°F. However, to enter dormancy and subsequently bloom and set fruit, they need a period of winter chill with temperatures between 32°F and 45°F.
PruningPrune Scrumptious apple trees to remove dead or diseased branches, to open up the canopy for better sunlight penetration and air circulation, and to shape the tree for optimal fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, usually late winter or early spring, but avoid pruning during very cold spells. Regular pruning each year encourages the growth of new fruiting wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe 'Scrumptious' apple tree prefers well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Create a soil mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, and aged manure to ensure nutrient-rich composition for optimal growth.
Repotting'Scrumptious' apple trees, typically grown as permanent outdoor trees, do not require repotting. Instead, they should be planted in a location where they can grow undisturbed, as they have extensive root systems.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Scrumptious' apple tree thrives in average outdoor humidity. It does not require specific humidity levels, but adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases is advantageous.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing 'Scrumptious' apples indoors is not recommended due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide space for roots, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Scrumptious' apple tree (Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D)) begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root tree or grafted sapling planted in late winter to early spring. As temperatures warm, the tree breaks dormancy, producing shoots and leaves, and enters a vegetative growth phase. Flower buds develop into blossoms in spring, with pollination by bees or other pollinators leading to fruit set. Over the summer, the fruits mature, changing from small green orbs to larger, sweet apples with full coloration by late summer to early fall when they are harvested. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of preparation for dormancy, where leaf fall occurs, and it stores energy for the next cycle. The cycle repeats annually, with the tree also gradually increasing in size and producing more fruit as it matures over the years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the 'Scrumptious' apple, a cultivar of Malus domestica, is through grafting. This process is typically conducted in late winter to early spring before the graft and rootstock begin active growth. In grafting, a piece of the 'Scrumptious' apple cultivar containing buds, known as a scion, is precisely cut and attached to a compatible rootstock. This union must be made with care, ensuring that the vascular tissues of both the scion and rootstock align closely to facilitate the successful movement of nutrients and water. The graft junction is then sealed with grafting tape or a sealant to prevent drying and infection by pathogens. Over time, the tissues of the scion and rootstock grow together, combining the desired fruit characteristics of the 'Scrumptious' apple with the hardiness and disease resistance of the rootstock. Grafting not only perpetuates the specific traits of this patented cultivar but also ensures earlier fruiting compared to plants grown from seed.
