Melba Apple

History: Melba was developed by W.T. Macoun at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa in 1898. In 1924 it was released commercially and three years later received the Silver Wilder Medal from the American Pomological Society. 

Why We Grow It: Melba is a lovely early market apple or backyard tree for making applesauce! The fruit is yellow with crimson flush and the crisp, white skin has a very sweet flavour.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4

Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions. 

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Moderately vigorous, very hardy, highly precocious, bears fruit at a younger age, tends to fruit every other year but has good crops when it does, spur bearing. Susceptible to canker but resistant to scab and cedar rust. 

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time

Flowering Time: Bloom middle, flowers tolerant of late spring frosts

Ripens: Mid-late August

Storage: Keeps less than a month when stored in cool, humid conditions

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking

Size including roots:

• 100-200 cm whip, 1 year grade
• 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more, 2 year grade
• 50-80 cm, B-grade