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Anna Apple

Malus domestica 'Anna'

A remarkable low-chill apple variety that thrives in warm climates where traditional apples fail. Developed in Israel, Anna produces crisp, sweet-tart fruits with beautiful red striping over yellow skin. This early-ripening variety is perfect for southern gardeners who thought they couldn't grow apples in their climate.

Harvest

90-100d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

15-30 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Anna Apple in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 fruit-tree →

Zone Map

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Anna Apple · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing15-20 feet (standard), 8-12 feet (dwarf)

SoilWell-drained loamy soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, deep watering

SeasonPerennial fruit tree

FlavorSweet-tart with crisp texture and tropical undertones

ColorYellow with red stripes and blush

SizeMedium, 2.5-3 inches diameter

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	August – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	August – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	July – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	July – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	May – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: CrimsonCrisp®, 'Empire', 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'Ginger Gold', 'Golden Delicious', 'Jonagold', 'Mutsu', 'Red Delicious', 'Rome', 'Stayman'. Propagation: Grafting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Large, round, firm fruits that often have a waxy coating. Some varieties ripen late summer and some in the fall.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Pome. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Anna apples store exceptionally well for an early-season variety, maintaining quality for 2-3 months under proper conditions. Store unwashed apples in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity. Check weekly and remove any fruits showing soft spots to prevent spoilage spread.

For longer preservation, Anna apples excel in applesauce and can be frozen in slices after brief blanching in lemon water to prevent browning. Their firm texture makes them ideal for dehydrating—slice thinly and dry at 135°F for 8-12 hours until leathery but still pliable. The sweet-tart flavor concentrates beautifully when dried, creating excellent snacks or baking ingredients. Anna apples also ferment well into cider due to their balanced sugar and acid content.

History & Origin

Origin: Central Asia to Afghanistan

Advantages

+Attracts: Pollinators, Small Mammals
+Edible: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and prevents apple scab disease

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface and attract beneficial insects

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and attract pest-controlling beneficial insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and attract predatory insects

Clover

Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides ground cover to retain moisture

Dill

Attracts beneficial wasps and ladybugs that control apple pests

Lavender

Repels moths and ants while attracting pollinators

Tansy

Deters ants and mice that can damage apple trees

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits apple tree growth and fruit production

Grass (tall varieties)

Competes for water and nutrients, reducing apple tree vigor and yield

Potato

Increases susceptibility to blight diseases that can affect apple trees

Nutrition Facts

Calories

25kcal(1%)

Protein

0.6g(1%)

Carbs

5.7g(2%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

22.3mg(25%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Iron

0.07mg(0%)

Calcium

29mg(2%)

Potassium

123mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168171)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to fire blight, moderate resistance to apple scab

Common Pests

Codling moth, apple maggot, aphids, scale insects

Diseases

Apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, cedar apple rust

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chill hours does Anna apple need?▼

Anna apple requires only 200-300 chill hours below 45°F, making it perfect for warm climates. This is significantly lower than traditional apple varieties that need 800-1,000 chill hours. This low chill requirement allows Anna apples to thrive in zones 6-9, including southern states like Texas, Florida, and California where conventional apples won't fruit properly.

Can you grow Anna apple trees in containers?▼

Yes, Anna apple trees grow excellently in large containers due to their naturally compact growth habit. Use a container at least 20 gallons with drainage holes, fill with quality potting mix, and place in full sun. Container trees require more frequent watering and annual fertilizing. Choose dwarf rootstock varieties for best container performance and easier harvesting.

What does Anna apple taste like?▼

Anna apples offer a delightful sweet-tart flavor with crisp, juicy texture and subtle tropical undertones. The sweetness is balanced by pleasant acidity, making them excellent for fresh eating. The flavor develops fully when fruits ripen on the tree, becoming more complex than store-bought apples. Many describe the taste as reminiscent of Golden Delicious but with better acid balance.

Does Anna apple need a pollinator tree?▼

Anna apple is partially self-fertile and will produce some fruit alone, but yields increase dramatically with cross-pollination. Best pollination partners include Dorsett Golden, Ein Shemer, or Golden Delicious. Plant pollination partners within 50 feet for optimal results. Even self-fertile trees benefit from having another apple variety nearby for improved fruit set and larger harvests.

When should I plant Anna apple trees?▼

Plant Anna apple trees in early spring after the last frost date in your area, typically March through May depending on your location. This timing allows the tree to establish roots during the growing season before winter. In warm climates (zones 8-9), you can also plant in fall, 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost for root establishment before dormancy.

How long does Anna apple take to produce fruit?▼

Anna apple trees typically begin producing fruit within 2-3 years of planting, which is faster than most apple varieties. First-year harvests are usually light, with production increasing significantly by the fourth year. Grafted trees on dwarfing rootstock may fruit even sooner, sometimes producing a few apples in their second year. Full production capacity is usually reached by year 5-6.