Shizuka

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Crisp, juicy bite with a bright, apple-sweet perfume—Shizuka brings a clean, refreshing flavor that lingers like fresh orchard air.

The fruit’s firm, fine-grained texture holds beautifully for fresh enjoyment, while its balanced sweetness and gentle tang make it a standout for sauces and preserves, too. Grow Shizuka for a season-spanning harvest of beautifully colored apples that feel as good in hand as they taste on the first cool autumn day.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 170 DaysHabit: Shrub

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Oct 5th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	170
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Shizuka’s firm, juicy bite is the kind that survives a cold slaw or a fast pan—no mealy fade, just a crisp comeback with every chew. Its sweet perfume and gentle tang make it ideal for tart-forward balance: think a honey-cinnamon glaze or a lemon-bright preserve rather than heavy, creamy sauces.

Best Uses

fresh eating—slice thick and keep it cold so it stays snappy
thin apple slices in slaws where the crunch won’t go watery
quick sautéed apples for grilled pork or halloumi—saute just until glossy
chunky preserves or jam where the balanced sweetness sets cleanly

Flavor Profile

crisp, fine-grained crunch apple-sweet perfume with a gentle tang juicy, clean finish that lingers holds texture instead of collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

cheddar pork honey cinnamon walnuts lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem on Malus domestica (apple) and how do I manage it at home?

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is a frequent issue on Malus domestica, showing as olive-brown scabby spots on leaves and fruit. Remove and destroy fallen infected leaves each fall, and improve airflow by pruning for open structure. If scab has been present before, use a labeled protective fungicide early in the season (spray before symptoms appear and reapply as the label directs).

How often should I water Malus domestica during the main growing phase?

During the active growing period (from budbreak through summer fruit development), keep the root zone evenly moist, typically about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply so moisture reaches the whole root ball/drip line, then let the top few inches of soil dry slightly before watering again. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which encourages surface roots and makes apples more drought- and disease-stressed.

How can I tell when my Malus domestica (apple) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit background color is largely developed (not green-leaning for most cultivars) and apples lift easily off the branch with a gentle twist. The seeds should be dark brown, and flesh should taste fully developed rather than crisp-and-tart-only. For Shizuka specifically, start checking regularly as it approaches its ~170-day maturation window from bloom.