Lodi Apple Tree

Lodi Apple (Malus domestica 'Lodi')

Lodi Apple (Malus domestica 'Lodi') is an early-season variety prized for its pale green skin, tart flavor, and exceptional performance in sauces, pies, and preserves. A longtime favorite in home orchards and farmsteads, this cold-hardy apple tree produces abundant crops in midsummer, weeks before many other apples ripen. Its early harvest window and reliable fruit set make it ideal for gardeners looking to extend their apple season.

Distinctive Features

'Lodi' apples are medium-sized with smooth, yellow-green skin and soft, white flesh. The fruit ripens in early to mid-July, delivering a tangy, refreshing taste when eaten fresh and a smooth, rich texture when cooked. The tree has a naturally spreading form and shows good disease resistance in many climates. It is particularly valued for its use in applesauce and pies, where it breaks down easily into a smooth consistency.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil is ideal
• Water: Regular watering, especially during fruit development
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Early fruiting and reliable structure make it a standout in edible landscapes
• Applesauce: Top choice for smooth, tart homemade sauces
• Baking: Excellent for pies, crisps, and cobblers
• Preserves: Ideal for jellies, jams, and canning
• Fresh Eating: Best when eaten soon after picking due to soft texture

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture through the growing season
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain airflow and encourage fruit production
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth
• Pollination: Requires a second apple variety nearby for best fruiting
• Mulching: Use mulch to protect roots and reduce moisture loss

Why Choose Lodi Apple?

• Early Harvest: One of the first apples to ripen in midsummer
• Excellent for Cooking: Breaks down beautifully in sauces and baked goods
• Reliable Producer: Consistent yields and dependable performance
• Cold Hardy: Performs well in northern climates
• Focal Point: Combines ornamental value with practical, early-season harvest

Malus domestica 'Lodi' is an early-bearing, versatile apple tree that earns its place in any home orchard. From tart applesauce to summer pies, it brings flavor and functionality just when fresh fruit is most welcome.