SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malus domestica 'Red Rome'

COMMON NAME: Red Rome Apple, Rome Beauty Apple, Rome Apple

GARDEN SIZE: Depends on root stock - Dwarf 8-10 ft. tall and wide, Semi-Dwarf 12-15 ft. tall and wide, Standard/Full 15-20’ tall and wide, Espalier varies with culture

USDA ZONE: 5-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Loamy & well drained soil

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green

BLOOM TIME: Late season - Flowering Group 5

HARVEST TIME: Late season, ripens mid-October

FRUIT: Large apples with thick, glossy, deep red skin, speckled with white lenticels. The flavor is mild, sweet, and slightly tart. The flesh is dense, crisp, and holds its shape well when cooked, making Red Rome a popular choice for baking.

POLLENIZATION: Self-fertile - Doesn't need a pollenization partner to produce fruit, but fruiting may be improved if there is a compatible partner of a different variety nearby.

POLLENIZATION (Trees that pollenize this one): Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden/Yellow Delicious, Honeycrisp, Premier Honeycrisp, Red Delicious

POLLENIZATION (Trees that are pollenized by this one): Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden/Yellow Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Premier Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap

CARE: Prune while the tree is dormant. Remove water sprouts in June or July. Options for controlling pests, bacterial infections, and fungal disease include dormant oils applied early in the season before blooming, scented insect traps, and copper-based fungicides. DO NOT apply insecticides during blooming. This risks harming bees, which are crucial for pollination and fruit production. If necessary, fireblight can be treated with a streptomycin antibiotic spray during blooming. Apple trees need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, though young trees need a little more during their first growing season as they establish roots. If not enough rain has fallen, give the tree extra water by running a hose at a trickle around the base of the tree until the ground is fully soaked (but not for so long that there is standing water). Waterlogged roots can harm apple trees, so don't overdo it!

DISEASE RESISTANCE: May be susceptible to fireblight, cedar apple rust, powdery mildew, and scab

USES: Baking, roasting, frying, cider, eating fresh

TOXICITY: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are therefore toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The fruit is non-toxic.