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Malus domestica 'Mutsu'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
Description

The Mutsu apple, also called Crispin, is a cultivar between Golden Delicious and Indo, introduced from Japan. It is a triploid, self-sterile, and poor at pollinating other apple trees. Potential pollinators are Golden Delicious, Jonathon, or Red Rome.

It is a late season producer, during late September into October. It is excellent for both fresh eating or in salads and all kinds of baking or cooking. The apple keeps well for several months in a cool crisper.

Soil type needed is average to loamy but it responds to enriched soil with better production. Apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8.

Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. In summary, air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree. A healthy tree is better able to resist or respond to diseases and insects as well. 

This cultivar is highly susceptible to Blister Spot.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Malus domestica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#edible fruits#loamy soils tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#edible fruits#loamy soils tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Malus
    Species:
    domestica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    Pollinators during spring blooms.
    Edibility:
    This medium to large-sized fruit is aromatic, juicy, sweet, spicy and a little tart. Great for eating fresh and it can also be kept for up to 3 months if stored well. Mutsu apple can be cooked because it holds its shape well during cooking. Ripens in early October.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Description:
    The apple ripens in late September into October. It's blush color depends on the sun it gets.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The white flower blooms in clusters of five flat petals, in May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaf is a bright or darker green on its top surface with a lighter silver gray underleaf surface. It is 1 to 3 inches long. One side may have very fine hairs on it.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies