Apple, Dixie Red (Malus domestica 'Dixie Red Delicious') Dixie Red is a Southern-adapted strain of Red Delicious, prized for its improved color, firmer texture, and reliable performance in warm, humid climates. Selected for its deep red skin and better fruit quality under southern growing conditions, Dixie Red offers the classic sweet, mild flavor of Red Delicious with enhanced visual appeal and better resistance to bruising and sunburn. Ripening in mid- to late September, it’s a good choice for fresh eating, juicing, and direct-market growers in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Key Characteristics Improved Red Delicious for Southern growersDixie Red was selected for its ability to thrive in warm, humid regions where traditional Red Delicious may struggle. It ripens with better skin finish, firmer flesh, and more reliable coloring under high heat. Sweet, mellow fruit with firm textureThe apples are medium to large with the classic conical Red Delicious shape. Flesh is creamy-white, crisp, and mildly sweet—best used for fresh eating, juicing, or slicing into salads. Mid- to late-season harvest and good storage lifeDixie Red ripens in late September and stores well for several months under cool conditions, maintaining its firmness and flavor. Its tough skin resists bruising, making it ideal for farm stands and CSA shares. Heavy blooming and strong pollination partnerWith an abundant mid- to late-season bloom, Dixie Red supports pollinator populations and serves as a good pollen source for other apple varieties blooming at the same time. Well-suited for structured orchards and fruit tree guildsWith its upright form, consistent productivity, and strong bloom, Dixie Red fits well into mixed orchards, edible landscapes, and southern permaculture systems when paired with pollinator-attracting companion plants. Product Details Sun requirements: Full sun Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained Bloom time: Mid to late season Bloom color: White Fruit qualities: Medium to large, deep red skin, conical shape, sweet and crisp Fruit uses: Fresh eating, juicing, salads, short-term storage Fruit ripening month: Late September Required chill hours: ~800 Pollination requirements: Not self-fertile. Best pollination partners include: Apple, Fuji Apple, Honeycrisp Apple, Gala Apple, Enterprise Apple, Gold Rush Apple, Liberty Apple, Granny Smith USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8 Dixie Red brings classic Red Delicious flavor to warm-climate orchards with improved appearance, texture, and orchard reliability. A solid addition for Southern growers wanting dependable, sweet fruit with low maintenance.
