{"product_id":"apple-ambrosia","title":"Apple, Ambrosia","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Requires a full sun exposure (6–8 hours) and well-draining, loamy soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollination: 'Ambrosia' is not self-fertile. It needs a pollination partner that blooms at the same time, such as 'Gala', 'Fuji', or 'Golden Delicious'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eEstablishing: Deeply water once or twice a week during the first few growing seasons to ensure a deep root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruiting: Maintain consistent moisture during the summer heat. If the soil fluctuates between bone-dry and soaking wet, the fruit may develop \"bitter pit\" or poor texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eTiming: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the leaves fully emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaution: Go easy on the nitrogen; too much can lead to rapid growth that is more susceptible to pests and reduces the storage life of the apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Most growers prefer the \"Central Leader\" system to create a Christmas-tree-like shape that allows sunlight to reach the lower branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiming: Prune in late winter. Focus on thinning the \"spurs\" (the short stubby branches where fruit grows) to ensure the tree doesn't overproduce and break branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eMonitoring: Keep an eye out for Aphids and Spider Mites in the heat of summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisease: It has moderate resistance to many issues but can be susceptible to Fire Blight. Prune out any \"shepherd's crook\" branch tips immediately and sterilize your tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eTrunk Protection: Use a white plastic tree guard in the winter to prevent \"Sunscald\" and to keep hungry rabbits from nibbling the bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch in late autumn to insulate the roots against deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFlowers: Beautiful clusters of creamy-white and soft pink blossoms that fill the air with a sweet fragrance in mid-spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit: Stunning bi-color apples with a creamy-yellow background covered in a bright, fluorescent pink-red blush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eLeaves: Deep green, oval, and slightly fuzzy on the underside. They create a lush, healthy-looking canopy all summer long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eHabit: An upright and vigorous grower. It tends to be a very \"neat\" tree that is easier to train than some more sprawling varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Typically reaches 12–15 feet on semi-dwarf rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eFlavor: Intensely sweet with very low acidity, making it a favorite for children and those who find tart apples too sharp. It has a distinct honey and pear aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTexture: Exceptionally crisp and juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorage: Unlike many sweet apples, 'Ambrosia' has a fantastic shelf life and can stay crisp in the refrigerator for several months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eClimate: Best suited for USDA Zones 4–8. It actually prefers slightly cooler nights during the ripening season to develop that signature pink blush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003ePlacement: Because of its upright habit and striking bi-color fruit, it makes an excellent edible ornamental for a backyard or a sunny corner of a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52264859435291,"sku":"C00002064","price":20.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/apple-ambrosia","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}