Malus domestica 'Fuji'

The Fuji apple tree is a dwarf cultivar of M. domestica created in Japan in the 1930's with two American apple varieties, Red Delicious and old Virginia Ralls Genet. It is named after the town near the research station, Fujisaki. The mature size of the tree depends on the version you choose; a dwarf will mature at 8 to 10 feet high while a semi-dwarf can reach 12 to 15 feet. Pink backside and white frontside flowers appear in April on the Fuji tree and fruit usually ripen about mid October. The fruit tend to be large, firm, with red skin and a sweet, juicy taste. With refrigeration, these apples can last up to 4 to 6 months.

The Fuji tree will produce apples in 3 to 5 years. Semi-dwarf or dwarf trees also need slightly more enriched, well-drained loamy soil that holds moisture and is slightly acidic, with a PH in the 6.0 to 6.5 range. Generally, the more dwarf the rootstock, the greater the need for soil fertility. Fuji apple trees tolerate average garden soils, but you should avoid unamended heavy clay soils that waterlog easily and drain poorly.

Dwarf rootstock trees, such as Fuji, need another variety of apple tree to facilitate pollination and fruit production. For the Fuji apple tree, potential pollinizers could be M. domestica Rome or Braeburn although all most any apple tree would work if the bloom periods overlap so that male and female flowers are blooming at the same time, usually on separate trees. Check the bloom time for your area for both the Fuji and other nearby pollinating apple trees. This advice applies most apple trees.

Planting the tree in full sun encourages maximum flower and fruit production. Reducing fertilization in late summer can help protect the tree from some fungal conditions. A regular spraying program can also prevent disease and pest damage.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and another factsheet on general care of apple trees.

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

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Fuji is susceptible to Scab and Powdery Mildew, as are most apple trees, along with a number of other diseases and insects such as aphids.

More information on Malus domestica.