Apple Grafted (Anna) Organic - 100cm

Botanical name: Malus domestica 'Anna'.

Will grow well in QLD and such states.

Origin: Developed in the 1950s by Abba Stein at the kibbutz Ein Shemer in Israel, to produce an apple suited to warm climates with low chill hours.

Chill requirement: Very low — around 200–300 hours (hours below ~7 °C), making it ideal for warmer-winter regions.

Climate & zones: Suitable for USDA Zones ~5-10, especially good in warm/warm-temperate zones where many apples struggle.

Tree size: Varies depending on rootstock; many are semi-dwarf or compact varieties.

Growth habit: Precocious (produces fruit early in its life) and generally heavy-yielding in appropriate conditions.

Fruit Description

Appearance: Medium to large apples, skin background is yellow-green, overlaid with a red blush (extent depends on sun exposure) and some subtle green speckles.

Flesh: Creamy white to light yellow, firm, crisp when fresh.

Flavor: A sweet-tart balance; early harvests tend to be firmer and more tart, fully ripe fruit sweeter.

Season / Harvest: Very early season apple — in warm climates ripe around late June to July.

Use: Excellent eaten fresh, and retains shape reasonably well for cooking/baking.

Storage: Will keep for about 2 months under good refrigeration in many cases.

Warm-climate friendly — A standout choice for regions where winters are mild and many apples fail.

Early reward — Gets to harvest sooner than many traditional apple varieties.

Reliable yield — Good productivity, especially when conditions are right.

Dual purpose fruit — Great for fresh eating and also usable for light cooking or baking.

Attractive fruit — The red-blushed apples are visually appealing.

Compact/Manageable size options — Suitable for gardens where space is limited (if grafted on dwarf/semi-dwarf rootstock).

Planting & Care Tips (Compact Summary)

Site & Sun: Plant in full sun (6+ hours direct light) for optimum fruit colour and quality.

Soil: Well-draining soil, pH approx 6.0–7.0 works well.

Watering: Regular water during establishment; mature trees need moderate watering, especially in heat.

Pollination: While Anna is sometimes self-fruitful, planting a compatible low-chill variety (e.g., Dorsett Golden) nearby will improve fruit set and yield.

Fruit thinning: To maintain size and quality, thin excess fruitlets once set.

Pruning: Maintain open canopy, remove dead or crossing branches, allow sunlight penetration.

Harvest timing: Pick when apples have developed the red blush, yet remain firm; over-ripe will soften and lose storage potential.

Pests & diseases: Monitor for standard apple tree issues (e.g., mildew, scab) though warm-climate adapted trees like this may differ; ensure ventilation, sunlight, and hygiene in orchard.

Storage: Cool and crisp storage will maximise keeping quality (up to ~2 months under good conditions).