Red Fuji Apple Tree

The Red Fuji Apple Tree (Malus domestica 'Red Fuji') gives you the crisp, honey sweet apple most Australians already buy at the shops, grown at home where it tastes considerably better. Grafted trees settle at around 3.5m tall and 3m wide, small enough for a suburban backyard or a large pot. Pink tinged white blossom covers it in spring, and the leaves colour before dropping in autumn.

Why you'll love it

• The apple people actually want to eat. Fuji is dense, crisp and high in sugar, and it keeps its texture in storage better than most home grown varieties.
• Backyard sized. Grafted stock holds to about 3.5m by 3m rather than becoming an orchard tree, so it works in a small garden or a half wine barrel.
• Two ornamental seasons. White flowers flushed pink cover the bare branches in spring, and the foliage colours in autumn after the harvest.
• Roots that behave. Non-invasive, so it can be planted near a fence, a path or a paved area without concern.

Where it works best

Small gardens and backyards. One tree in a sunny corner is enough to crop for a household. Give it an open position with air movement rather than tucking it against a warm wall.

Pots and containers. It grows well in a pot 500mm or wider with free draining mix, which holds it smaller. Potted trees need more regular watering and feeding.

Feature planting. Blossom, fruit and autumn colour make it genuinely ornamental, so it does not need hiding in a back corner.

Growing Red Fuji Apple in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, at least six hours a day, with air movement to keep the foliage dry. This is a cool temperate and warm temperate tree, frost hardy and wind tolerant. It needs a genuinely cold winter to set fruit, so subtropical and tropical gardens give a tree that grows but barely crops.

Soil. Deep and free draining, with compost through the backfill. Waterlogged roots are the quickest way to lose an apple tree, so mound the position on heavy clay. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Water deeply and regularly from flowering to harvest, since inconsistent moisture while fruit is sizing causes splitting and drop. Feed a complete fertiliser in late winter as the buds move, and again after harvest.

Pruning. Prune in winter while the tree is bare. Build an open vase shape by removing crossing and inward branches, and take off any growth below the graft union. Thinning young fruit in spring gives fewer but better apples.

What to expect when it arrives

We supply it in two sizes: single 300mm plants, and 250mm plants in packs of three. The pack of three suits a small home orchard, and is worth considering because apples crop far better with company. The 250mm pack is currently on backorder, so check timing at checkout.

Fuji is not self fertile, so plan on a second, compatible apple variety flowering nearby if you want a proper crop. A neighbouring garden's tree will often do the job. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95. Expect a settling season, with the first useful crop in the second or third year. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Planting and caring for fruit trees through the seasons
• Compare the full apple tree range
• Granny Smith Apple, a suitable pollinating partner
• Browse all fruit trees for the home garden

Common questions

Do I need a second apple tree?

Yes, for a decent crop. Fuji needs pollen from a different apple variety flowering at the same time, so plant a partner such as Granny Smith within about 15m, or rely on a tree next door.

Will it fruit in a warm climate?

Not well. Apples need accumulated winter cold to break dormancy and set fruit, so cool and warm temperate gardens are the range. In the subtropics and tropics the tree survives but crops poorly.

How long until I get apples?

Usually a light crop in the second year and something worth picking by the third, provided a pollinating variety is nearby.