Pink Lady

Apple scab and powdery mildew are among the most common fungal issues on Malus domestica, especially in cool, wet weather with dense foliage. Remove and destroy fallen leaves, improve air flow by pruning to open the canopy, and apply a labeled fungicide early as new growth starts (follow the product’s schedule, especially before wet spells). If you see scab lesions on leaves or fruit, remove badly infected fruit and keep up the next scheduled treatment rather than waiting for symptoms to “fade.”

Pick when fruit background color changes (Pink Lady typically shifts from greenish to a more yellow/golden base under the red/pink skin) and the apples taste sweet with a firm, crisp bite. Another reliable check is the “starch-to-sugar” or, at home, a simple taste test every few days starting near 9–12 months after bloom, since exact timing varies by location and tree vigor. Apples should release easily with a gentle twist and have well-developed color; if they still taste sharply tart, give them a week and re-check.