Fuji Apple

Few modern apple varieties have become as universally admired as the Fuji apple. Renowned for its remarkable sweetness, crisp texture, and exceptional storage life, Fuji has become one of the most widely grown apples in the world. For Southern orchardists who can provide sufficient winter chill, it offers the opportunity to harvest apples that rival—or often surpass—the quality found in grocery stores.

The Fuji apple originated in Japan during the late 1930s at the Tohoku Research Station. It was developed by crossing two legendary American apples: Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. After years of evaluation, the variety was released commercially in the 1960s and quickly gained international popularity for its outstanding eating quality.

Fuji trees are vigorous growers with an upright, spreading habit that becomes increasingly attractive with age. In spring, the branches are covered in fragrant white blossoms that draw honeybees and other pollinators. Once established, the trees are dependable producers and are capable of yielding abundant crops with proper pruning and thinning.

The fruit is medium to large, with skin that ranges from yellow-green to golden beneath a broad red or pink blush. Each apple is firm and noticeably heavy for its size, a sign of the dense, juicy flesh hidden beneath the skin.

What has made Fuji famous is its flavor. Richly sweet with relatively low acidity, it develops complex notes of honey, pear, and citrus when fully ripe. The flesh is exceptionally crisp and juicy, providing the satisfying crunch that has made Fuji a favorite around the globe.

Fuji ripens during the fall and is among the best apples for long-term storage. Under proper refrigeration, the fruit can remain crisp and flavorful for several months, allowing growers to enjoy fresh homegrown apples well into the winter.

Although it excels as a fresh-eating apple, Fuji is also excellent in salads, fruit trays, dehydrating, and baking where a naturally sweeter flavor is desired.

For Southern growers with enough winter chill, Fuji offers a rewarding combination of beauty, productivity, and extraordinary flavor. It is one of those rare apples that consistently lives up to its worldwide reputation.

Developed in Japan, the Fuji apple was introduced in 1962. Blooms well. Heavy bearer. High quality apple. Medium sized fruit with a tall, rectangular shape. A yellow-green skin with orange to red stripes. Crisp, juicy, white flesh with good texture. Requires about 140-160 days from bloom to harvest. Ripens early to late September. Stores well. Vigorous, productive, somewhat bushy tree. Needs some annual detailed pruning. Self fruitful. A great variety for the south, since it is heat resistant. 400 hours of chilling. Zones 6-9. Pollination partners include Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Pink Lady, Yellow Delicious, Enterprise dwarf, Mollies Delicious, Southern Crabapple.