Anna Apple
Malus domestica ‘Anna’
Status: Active
Location: Chesed Ranch Backyard Orchard
Planted: 2026
Source: TyTy
Plant ID: CR-APL-001
An Apple Tree for the Grandkids
Not every tree at Chesed Ranch was planted for maximum production, experimental growing, or long-term self-sufficiency.
Some were planted for memories.
When designing the property, we wanted a few fruit trees close to the horse barn and pasture where the grandkids naturally spend their time. The idea was simple: as they walk down to visit the horses, feed treats through the fence, or simply explore the property, they might stop and pick an apple along the way.
Anna became one of those trees.
While North Florida is not known as traditional apple country, low-chill varieties like Anna have made it possible to grow apples successfully much farther south than most people realize.
For us, Anna is more than just an apple tree. It’s part of creating experiences and traditions we hope our family will remember for years to come.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Apple |
| Cultivar | Anna |
| Pollination | Benefits from Companion Variety |
| Chill Requirement | 200–300 Hours |
| Harvest Season | May–June |
| Growth Habit | Upright, Spreading |
| Mature Height | 12–20 Feet |
| Fruit Color | Red Blush over Yellow |
| Florida Adaptation | Excellent |
Why We Chose Anna
Growing apples in Florida requires choosing varieties specifically developed for low-chill environments.
Anna is perhaps the best-known low-chill apple available and has been successfully grown throughout Florida for decades. Its ability to produce quality fruit with relatively low winter chilling makes it one of the few apples truly suited for our climate.
Beyond adaptation, Anna offers something else we value: familiar fruit.
Many visitors may never have tasted a mango, kiwi, muscadine, or even a fresh apricot. Everyone knows an apple.
That familiarity makes Anna a perfect addition to the family orchard.
Tree Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Planting Date | 2026 |
| Rootstock | TBD |
| Mulch Type | Arborist Mulch |
| Irrigation | Drip |
| Soil Type | Amended Clay-Sand Mix |
| Mycorrhizae Applied | Yes |
Location on the Property
📍 Backyard Orchard
Unlike many of the orchard trees, Anna is planted near the horse barn and pasture rather than within the primary orchard rows.
Its location was selected intentionally to create a family-friendly fruiting area where visitors can enjoy fresh fruit while spending time with the animals.
Annual Growth Log
2026
Planting Date: 2026
Observations
- Newly planted and establishing root system.
- Located near horse pasture and barn area.
- Companion pollinator planted nearby.
- Strong early growth observed during establishment year.
Photos
(Insert planting photos)
Weather & Climate Summary
Season Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Chill Hours | TBD |
| GDD | TBD |
| Rainfall | TBD |
| Last Freeze | TBD |
| Peak Summer Temp | TBD |
Performance at Chesed Ranch
Strengths
- Excellent low-chill adaptation
- Early harvest season
- Familiar, family-friendly fruit
- Proven Florida performer
- Good fruit quality
Challenges
- Requires annual pruning
- Disease pressure can increase during wet years
- Late freezes can affect bloom
- Requires pollination support for best production
Overall Assessment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A classic Florida apple and one of the most family-oriented trees planted at Chesed Ranch.
Looking Forward
The goal for the backyard orchard is different from the main orchard.
The main orchard focuses on production, experimentation, and long-term food production.
The backyard orchard focuses on people.
We hope there comes a day when the grandkids barely notice the significance of these trees because stopping to pick an apple before heading to the horse pasture has simply become part of visiting Chesed Ranch.
Those are often the best traditions—the ones that develop naturally.
Related Resources
UF/IFAS Publications
- Growing Apples in Florida
- Low-Chill Fruit Production Guide
- Home Orchard Management
Related Trees
- Dorsett Golden Apple
- Horse Pasture
- Backyard Orchard Plantings
Apple Harvest Calendar
| Variety | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna | ███ | ███ | |||||
| Dorsett Golden | ███ | ███ |