Apple Liberty
Notify MeMalus domestica Liberty is a highly disease-resistant apple variety, prized for its crisp texture, juicy flesh, and rich, sweet-tart flavour. The medium-sized fruit has deep red skin and ripens in mid- to late Autumn, making it ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and baking. Bred for strong resistance to scab, mildew, and fire blight, Liberty is an excellent choice for organic and low-maintenance gardens.
Perfect for home orchards, edible landscapes, and sustainable garden designs, especially in regions prone to apple diseases.
Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and moderate moisture. Requires a compatible mid-season pollinator such as Fuji or Gala for best cropping.
Mature size: Grows to approximately 3–4 metres high and wide as a standard tree, or smaller on dwarfing rootstock.
Trimming: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to develop an open canopy with strong, well-spaced branches. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing wood to encourage airflow and light penetration, improving fruit quality and reducing disease risk.
Deadheading: Not applicable for apple trees.
Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Apply an annual mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk, to enrich the soil and retain moisture.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently during dry periods, particularly while the tree is young or fruit is developing. Ensure the soil is free-draining to prevent root issues.
Pest Control: Monitor for aphids, codling moth, and apple sawfly. Use pheromone traps for moths and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for aphids if necessary. Maintain good orchard hygiene and encourage beneficial insects.
Disease Management: 'Liberty' is highly resistant to apple scab and has good resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight, making it a reliable low-maintenance choice. Still, prune for airflow and promptly remove any signs of disease or damaged material to prevent spread.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
