Pink Lady
Pink Lady (officially Cripps Pink) is a late-season apple variety bred in Australia. It flowers in spring, ripens in late autumn (October–November in the Northern Hemisphere), and produces crisp, tart-sweet apples with a distinctive pink blush over green-yellow skin. Trees are vigorous, upright, and yield reliably with proper care.
🍎 Characteristics of Granny Smith Apple Variety
🌳 Variety
- Pink Lady (Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink’), developed in 1973 in Western Australia by crossing Lady Williams × Golden Delicious
🌱 Planting Time
- Best planted in late winter to early spring while dormant; requires full sun and well-drained soil
🌿 Growth Habit
- Vigorous, upright tree; medium to large size; requires pruning for shape and airflow
🌸 Flowering Time
- Blooms in spring; needs 500–600 chill hours, making it suitable for temperate climates
🍑 Harvesting Period
- Late-season harvest; typically October–November in the Northern Hemisphere (April–May in the Southern Hemisphere)
😋 Fruit Taste
- Distinctive sweet-tart flavor with a refreshing balance of sugar and acidity
🧵 Fruit Texture
- Firm, crisp, and juicy flesh; excellent crunch without graininess
🎨 Fruit Size and Color
- Medium to large apples; Medium to large apples; pink blush over greenish-yellow base; highly attractive appearance highly attractive appearance
📈 Yield
- High-yielding with proper pollination; consistent annual crops; requires thinning to maintain fruit size
Additional Notes
- Origin: Bred by John Cripps in Western Australia in 1973, hence the name Cripps Pink. The trademarked name “Pink Lady®” is used for apples meeting strict quality standards..
- Climate Needs: Best suited for temperate regions; not ideal for subtropical climates due to higher chill requirement.
- Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with compatible varieties (e.g., Granny Smith, Gala) for best yields
- Storage: Excellent storage life; can remain crisp and flavorful for several months under proper conditions.
- Use:: Primarily a dessert apple, eaten fresh; also suitable for salads and baking due to firmness.
In summary, Pink Lady apples are late-season, crisp, tart-sweet fruits with striking pink coloration and long storage life. They thrive in temperate climates, yield heavily, and are prized worldwide for their flavor and appearance.
