If you are looking for an excellent baking apple, try growing Red Rome apples. Despite the name, Red Rome apple trees are not a variety of apple bred in Italy, but like many apples, were discovered by accident. Would you like to learn how to grow a Red Rome apple? The following article provides information on growing Red Rome apple trees and how to use Red Rome apples after harvesting.
What is a Red Rome Apple?
Red Rome apple trees are spur-bearing trees that allow fruit to form on each branch, which means more fruit! Because of their high yields, they were once called "mortgage makers".
As mentioned earlier, they were and are not named after the Eternal City of Roma, but after the small town of Ohio that bears that venerable name. However, this apple was originally named after its discoverer, Joel Gillet, who found a random seedling in a load of trees that looked different from all the others. The seedling was planted on the banks of the Ohio River in 1817.
Years later, a relative of Joel Gillet took cuttings from the tree and started a nursery with the apple, which he called "Gillet's Seedling". A decade later, the tree was renamed Rome Beauty, a tribute to the city where it was discovered.
In the 20. In the nineteenth century, Rome apples became known as the "Queen of Baked Apples" and became part of the "Big Six," the sextet of apples grown in Washington state that includes Reds, Goldens, Winesap, Jonathan and Newtowns.
Growing red roma apples
Red Rome apples are hardy and self-pollinating. However, to increase its size, another pollinator such as Fuji or Braeburn would be beneficial.
Red Rome apples can be either semi-dwarf or dwarf in size and can grow from 12-15 feet (4-5 m) tall for semi-dwarf or 8-10 feet (2-3 m) tall.
Red roma apples will keep for 3-5 months in cold storage.
How to grow a red Rome apple
Red Rome apples can be grown in USDA zones 4-8, but surprisingly they can be grown in warmer regions due to their low chilling requirements. They produce bright red apples in just 2-3 years after planting.
Select a site to plant the Red Rome tree in full sun in loamy, rich, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0. Soak the roots of the tree in a bucket of water for an hour or two before planting.
Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root ball plus a little more. Loosen the soil around the root ball. Place the tree so that it is perfectly vertical and its roots are spread out. Fill around the tree with the excavated soil and tamp firmly to remove all air pockets.
Using red roma apples
Red roma apples have a thick skin that makes them excellent baked apples. They retain their shape when sauteed, poached, or otherwise cooked. They also make delicious pressed cider as well as pies, cobblers and chips. They are also great for eating fresh off the tree.