Ghost Apple
Best heat-tolerant fruit tree for experienced gardeners in warm climates.
The Ghost Apple is an unusual white-skinned apple tree developed for hot climates, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 110°F without scorching. It features a low chill requirement and produces sweet, crisp fruit with white flesh ready in early to mid-summer. This deciduous tree reaches a mature height and spread of 15 feet, offering accent, shade, or orchard value in home landscapes. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and needs a second pollinator variety to ensure good fruit production. Due to its characteristics, it is considered a high-maintenance plant.
$59.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
312
/ 1208
#312 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Mature Height
15
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager for the earliest possible harvest
- Home bakers crafting pies and smooth applesauce
- Landscapers seeking visually striking orchard additions
Who should skip it
- Consumers unable to process fruit immediately after harvest
- Snackers who prefer sweet, dessert-style apples
- Busy growers unable to monitor daily ripeness
Performance breakdown
Heat Tolerance
Unmatched resilience against extreme summer temperatures up to 110 degrees.
Climate Adaptability
Low chill requirements make this a standout for warmer growing regions.
Pollination Dependency
Requires a secondary pollinator variety to ensure a successful fruit harvest.
Urban Resilience
Robust enough to thrive despite common city air pollution levels.
Maintenance Effort
Demanding care requirements necessitate a dedicated and experienced gardener.
Ornamental Appeal
Stunning white blossoms provide significant aesthetic value to home landscapes.
Key Specs
Mature Height
15 feet
Mature Width
15 feet
Light Needs
Full Sun
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Harvest Season
Early to Mid Summer
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
5a
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Features
- Highly tolerant of high heat (up to 110°F) without scorching
- Low chill requirement, suitable for warmer growing regions
- Showy clusters of white flowers with shell pink overtones in mid-spring
- Requires a second pollinator variety for fruit set
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution
What customers say
Consumers are highly satisfied with the Ghost Apple, consistently highlighting the superior quality and robust health of the plants upon purchase. The trees establish reliably, exceeding expectations for a specialty variety. Customers appreciate the unique appeal and the confidence that comes with planting such a vigorous specimen. While acknowledging the premium pricing, the successful initial growth and the promise of distinctive fruit production solidify its strong value proposition for dedicated gardeners.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Ghost Apple is not self-fertile. You must plant a second, compatible apple variety nearby to ensure cross-pollination and a successful harvest.
This variety is specifically bred for hot climates and can withstand temperatures up to 110°F without the fruit or foliage scorching. It is an excellent choice for regions where standard apple trees typically struggle.
Because it is a fruit-bearing tree in a challenging climate, it requires consistent monitoring. You will need to stay on top of regular pruning, proper irrigation, and potential pest management to keep the tree healthy and productive.
Absolutely. The Ghost Apple reaches a mature size of 15 feet by 15 feet, making it manageable for residential landscapes. It is also notably tolerant of urban pollution, which helps it thrive in city environments.
You can look forward to harvesting the crisp, white-fleshed apples in early to mid-summer. The tree also provides visual interest in mid-spring with its showy white flowers.
No, this is a low-chill variety. It is specifically designed for warmer regions that do not experience long, freezing winters, making it a reliable producer in climates where other apples would fail to bloom.
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Ready to buy?
$60