Description Lucy™ Gem® was bred to solve a long-standing problem with red-fleshed apples: great color, but harsh flavor. This variety changes that story. It combines true red flesh with a crisp, juicy bite and a balanced sweet-tart flavor that’s genuinely enjoyable fresh. Cut one open and the surprise is immediate—the interior glows pink to red, strongest near the core, creating a dramatic contrast that delights kids and adults alike. Unlike novelty red apples of the past, Lucy™ Gem® is meant to be eaten firm and crisp, with clean flavor and refreshing juice. Ripening in mid-season, Lucy™ Gem® shines as a fresh-eating apple for slicing, snacking, salads, and presentation. It’s a high-impact variety that earns its place not just for looks, but for taste. Overview Dessert-quality red-fleshed apple (not a novelty) Crisp, juicy texture with balanced sweet-tart flavor Vivid red interior that surprises when sliced Mid-season ripening Pollination required for fruit set Growing Details Latin Name: Malus domestica ’Lucy™ Gem®’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Approximately 500–600 hoursHardiness: USDA Zone 4–8Rootstock: M-106 (semi-dwarf)Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–16 ft tall and wide with pruningBloom Time: Mid-seasonRipening Time: Mid-season; typically late September to early October (varies by region)Flowering Group: Group 3 (mid-season)Pollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible apple variety within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Standard apple pest and disease considerations; good airflow and routine care are importantYield: Reliable producer once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Lucy™ Gem® was bred specifically to make a red-fleshed apple that actually tastes good—crisp, juicy, and balanced instead of sour or harsh. Regional Insight: Performs well across a wide range of temperate regions, including the Pacific Northwest, where mid-season apples finish cleanly with good color. Flesh color is naturally pigmented and varies with maturity and growing conditions. Best enjoyed fresh; storage life is shorter than long-keeping apples. Explore more apples in our collection: Apple Trees
