Do Red Delicious Apple Trees Grow Well in Louisiana?

Hardiness Zones

• "Red Delicious" apple trees are best suited to cool, mild regions, such as Washington state, where most commercial apples are grown. The trees can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, making them adaptable to northern Louisiana, which falls in USDA zone 8. However, they probably won't develop the deep red coloring they're known for. Cool autumn temperatures are necessary to develop this coloration. "Red Delicious" apple trees need a minimum number of chilling hours each year to break dormancy and produce fruit. Because of this chilling requirement, the trees perform poorly in areas warmer than USDA zone 8.

Disease Resistance

• "Red Delicious" apples are resistant to most diseases, including cedar apple rust, mildew and fireblight. They are more vulnerable to scab. Adequate disease resistance is important in Louisiana, where heat and humidity contribute to fungal disease growth. The insects that plague most apples will infest "Red Delicious" apple trees, and a spraying regimen will probably be necessary.

Pollination

• "Red Delicious" apples are not self-fertile, meaning they must be planted near another apple tree of a different variety that blooms at the same time. When selecting "Red Delicious" apple trees, it's important to choose another tree that grows well in Louisiana to ensure both trees survive. A couple to try include "Golden Delicious" (Malus domestica "Golden Delicious") or "Gala" (Malus domestica "Gala"), advises the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Program. Both of these varieties are suggested by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center as being suitable for Louisiana orchards.

Alternatives

• In addition to "Red Delicious," several other apple varieties grow well in Louisiana. In northern Louisiana, try "Ozark Gold" (Malus domestica "Ozark Gold"), "Golden Delicious," "Stayman Winesap" (Malus domestica "Stayman Winesap") or "Granny Smith" (Malus domestica "Granny Smith"), advises the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Reliable choices for southern Louisiana include "Anna" (Malus domestica "Anna") and "Dorset Gold" (Malus domestica "Dorset Gold").