Red Moon®

Tree Characteristics

• Vigour: Medium
• Growth Habit: Upright to moderately spreading
• Flowering: Mid season, similar to Golden Delicious
• Productivity: Moderate to good with correct management
• Alternate Bearing: Can occur if crop load is not well managed
• Site Suitability: Performs best in cooler regions with good light exposure

Grower note: Red Moon® benefits from sites that support balanced vegetative growth and consistent light distribution to maximise both skin and flesh colour development.

Fruit Characteristics

• Colour: Dark red skin with fully red internal flesh
• Colour Timing: Skin colour develops mid to late season; flesh colour present from early fruit development
• Finish: Matte to semi-gloss depending on site and season
• Shape: Round to slightly flattened
• Stalk: Medium length
• Eating Quality: Firm, crisp texture with a fresh, tangy flavour profile

Harvest & Storage

• Harvest Window: Mid to late season
• Picking: Typically one to two picks depending on maturity targets
• Storability: Short to medium storage potential; best suited to fresh programs or early marketing

Grower note: Red Moon® is often marketed for its visual and nutritional attributes rather than extended storage performance.

Performance & Management

• Packout: Moderate; emphasis on colour expression rather than high cosmetic yields
• Thinning: Important to manage fruit size, colour consistency, and annual cropping
• Cropping: Requires careful crop load management to maintain regular production
• Canopy Management: Open canopy essential for light penetration and colour development
• Pest & Disease: No unique sensitivities reported beyond standard apple management

Market Advantages

• Highly distinctive red flesh delivers strong visual impact
• Natural anthocyanin content supports health-focused positioning
• Ideal for specialty fresh, slicing, juicing, cider, and processing applications
• Strong storytelling potential for premium and experiential retail programs