Cripps Pink

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Crisp, honeyed sweetness meets a bright, tangy snap in Cripps Pink apples—fragrant fruit with a luminous blush over a pale golden ground.

The flesh is fine-grained and wonderfully firm, holding its character beautifully from first bite to the last spoonful of autumn flavor. Grow Cripps Pink for standout fresh-eating appeal and for richly flavored sauces and preserves that capture its classic balance.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 365 DaysHabit: Shrub

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Milestone	Date
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Growing Approach	Protected Environment Only

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	365
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cripps Pink’s fine-grained, firm flesh keeps a crisp bite even as it warms, so it’s a standout for fresh eating and for saucing that needs body without going watery. That bright tang is the engine—pair it with fatty, salty or warm-spiced ingredients and it won’t lose its personality.

Best Uses

raw slicing for snack boards—stays crisp and doesn’t turn mealy
shallow sauté or quick roast to soften edges while keeping the center snappy
thick, spoon-coating applesauce or compote where the tang stands up
fruit preserves and curds that need a clean balance of sugar and acidity

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness bright, tangy snap fine-grained firmness fragrant, perfumed aroma

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar walnuts cinnamon pork belly vanilla

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Malus domestica (Cripps Pink), and how do I manage it?

Apple scab is one of the most common issues, showing as olive-green to black velvety spots on leaves and fruit that can cause leaf drop. Remove and dispose of fallen infected leaves, then spray a labeled fungicide early in the season at bud break through the period of active growth, following the product’s schedule. Improve airflow by spacing trees appropriately and keeping the canopy pruned to dry quickly after rain or irrigation.

How often should I water Cripps Pink apples during the main growing season?

During the active growing phase, keep soil evenly moist without waterlogging—aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and container vs. in-ground conditions. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then allow the top few inches of soil to begin to dry before watering again. Consistent moisture is especially important from late spring through fruit sizing to prevent stress-related fruit drop and poor sizing.

How can I tell when Cripps Pink (Malus domestica) apples are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the ground color shifts toward a yellow base under the red blush and the apples feel firm but not rock-hard in the hand. Use the “pull test”: lift an apple slightly and twist—ripe fruit releases easily from the spur with minimal force. For best flavor, harvest at the right window (often in late season for apples) and then store or cool them promptly to develop eating quality.

Cripps Pink

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions