Contents
Description
Malus Domestica Discovery, also known as the Discovery apple tree, is a fruit tree that produces sweet and juicy apples. It was first discovered in the United Kingdom in 1949 and has since become a popular apple variety worldwide. The Discovery apple tree is a deciduous tree that grows up to 20 feet tall and can live for up to 100 years. It is a self-fertile tree, meaning it can pollinate itself without the need for a second apple tree.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
The Discovery apple tree has a round, medium-sized fruit that is red with yellow-green stripes. The skin is thin and smooth, and the flesh is white and juicy, with a sweet and slightly tart taste. The fruit ripens in late August to early September and is ready for harvest. The leaves of the tree are oval-shaped and dark green, turning yellow in the fall before dropping.
Care Guide
To care for the Discovery apple tree, it requires regular watering, fertilization, and soil maintenance. It grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The tree requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Water
The Discovery apple tree needs regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It requires 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
Fertilization
The tree needs regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Soil
The Discovery apple tree grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Sunlight
The tree requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day to produce healthy fruit.
Hardiness Zones
The Discovery apple tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Discovery apple tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Apple maggot- Codling moth- Japanese beetle- Aphids
Diseases
– Apple scab- Fire blight- Powdery mildew- Cedar apple rust
Habitat
The Discovery apple tree is native to the United Kingdom and is grown worldwide. It prefers a temperate climate with mild winters and moderate summers. The tree grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the Discovery apple tree ready for harvest?
A: The fruit ripens in late August to early September and is ready for harvest.
Q: Does the Discovery apple tree require a second apple tree for pollination?
A: No, the Discovery apple tree is self-fertile and can pollinate itself without the need for a second apple tree.
Q: What pests are the Discovery apple tree susceptible to?
A: The Discovery apple tree is susceptible to apple maggot, codling moth, Japanese beetle, and aphids.
Q: What diseases are the Discovery apple tree susceptible to?
A: The Discovery apple tree is susceptible to apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust.
Related Plants
– Malus Domestica Braeburn- Malus Domestica Gala- Malus Domestica Granny Smith- Malus Domestica Jonathan
References
– “Discovery.” Orange Pippin Fruit Trees UK. https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/apple-trees/discovery- “Malus Domestica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277357&isprofile=0&basic=malus%20domestica- “Discovery Apple Tree.” Garden Guides. https://www.gardenguides.com/106460-discovery-apple-tree.html
