Description
Mountain Rose is one of those apples that feels like a secret until you slice it open. From the outside it can look modest—often greenish-yellow with a soft blush—but inside it reveals vivid rose-pink to deep red flesh that instantly elevates fresh eating and presentation.
It’s not a novelty apple that only looks good. Mountain Rose is meant to be enjoyed firm and fresh, with a crisp, juicy bite and a sweet-tart flavor that stays bright and refreshing rather than heavy. It shines in lunchbox slices, salads, charcuterie boards, and anywhere you want color that actually tastes good.
In the orchard, this is a specialty variety worth growing for both the experience and the reaction it gets. Give it sun, thin it when it sets heavy, and harvest at full maturity for the best interior color and eating quality.
Overview
- True red-fleshed apple with vivid pink-to-red interior
- Crisp, juicy texture designed to be eaten firm
- Sweet-tart flavor that stays bright and refreshing
- Mid-season ripening with excellent fresh-slice appeal
- Pollination required for strong fruit set
Growing Details
Latin Name: Malus domestica ’Mountain Rose’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Approx. 700 hours
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4–9
Rootstock: M-7 (semi-dwarf)
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–16 ft tall and wide with pruning
Bloom Time: Early to mid-season
Flowering Group: Group 2 (early to mid-season)
Ripening Time: Mid-season; typically late September to early October (varies by region)
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible apple variety within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Standard apple pest and disease considerations; good airflow and routine care are important
Yield: Reliable producer once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Mountain Rose is known for tender skin and can bruise more easily than tougher-skinned apples—handle gently at harvest for the best-looking fruit.
- Regional Insight: Performs especially well in the Pacific Northwest, where cooler late-season nights help deepen interior color and keep the flavor bright.
- For the richest interior color, harvest fully mature fruit and prioritize strong sun exposure on the tree.
- Thin fruit in heavy-set years to improve size, finish, and overall eating quality.
- Explore more apples in our collection: Apple Trees
