Suntan

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Sun-warmed and luminous, Suntan apples arrive with a golden base kissed by a rich, sunburst blush—fragrant, crisp, and beautifully juicy with a balanced sweet-tart snap.

The flesh is fine-grained and tender-crisp, ideal for savoring straight from the tree, while its bright flavor also shines in fresh sauces and preserves. Grow Suntan for a long, rewarding season of harvest and a standout, market-ready color that turns every basket into a small celebration of summer light.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 180 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 180-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	180
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	20
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Suntan’s tender-crisp, fine-grained texture keeps its snap even once warmed, so it’s built for quick heat and thin slicing rather than long, aggressive cooking. The balanced sweet-tart “sunburst” flavor lights up butter-and-lemon applications and makes preserves taste like fruit, not sugar.

Best Uses

thin slices on sharp cheddar and rye where the fruit stays crisp
quick sauté or pan-braise in butter with a squeeze of lemon for pork or duck
cooked-down apple sauce with cinnamon where it stays silky without turning mealy
jam/preserves that set cleanly thanks to juicy, bright flavor

Flavor Profile

sunny sweet-tart balance fine-grained tender-crisp bite juicy, aromatic crunch slightly floral fruit fragrance

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar pork tenderloin duck cinnamon lemon walnuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Malus domestica (apple) ‘Suntan’, and how can I control them at home?

Apple scab and powdery mildew are the most common fungal problems on Malus domestica, especially with persistent leaf wetness. Remove and destroy fallen leaves, improve airflow by pruning for open canopies, and apply a labeled fungicide early in the season at the first signs of spots/mildew, following the product directions. Watch for aphids and codling moth: rinse aphids off with a strong water spray and use pheromone traps plus targeted treatments for codling moth when moth activity begins.

How often should I water Malus domestica during the main growing phase to keep fruit quality high?

During active growth and fruit sizing, water deeply about once per week so the soil moistens well below the root zone, then adjust based on rainfall and heat. Aim for consistently moist soil (not soggy) and stop short of waterlogging—if the soil stays wet or has poor drainage, reduce frequency. A simple check is to water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, then soak thoroughly until the surrounding ground is evenly damp.

How do I tell when Malus domestica ‘Suntan’ is ready to harvest after ~180 days?

Harvest when the fruit background color shifts and the apples develop their full ‘Suntan’ coloration, with a noticeable sweet-tart aroma. Test maturity by gently lifting an apple upward and slightly twisting—ripe fruit detaches with little force. For best eating quality, refrigerate promptly after picking and taste a few fruit samples over several days; apples picked too early will be hard and sharply sour.

Suntan

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions