Apple, Carolina Red June, Bare Root

Apple, Carolina Red June (Malus domestica 'Carolina Red June')

Carolina Red June is a classic Southern heirloom apple, beloved for its early ripening, rich red skin, and sharp, refreshing flavor. Dating back to the early 1800s, this variety originated in the Carolinas and became a staple across the southeastern U.S. due to its adaptability, disease tolerance, and dependable early harvest. The small to medium-sized apples have tender white flesh and a tart-sweet bite that’s perfect for fresh eating, early pies, or drying. A wonderful addition to food forests, heritage orchards, and warm-climate fruit tree guilds where early-season diversity is needed.

Key Characteristics

• Very early ripening for a jumpstart to apple season
  Carolina Red June is among the earliest apples to ripen, often in late June to early July in the South. It fills a valuable niche in the orchard calendar when few other apples are ready, extending the fresh fruit season.
• Tart-sweet flavor ideal for fresh eating and baking
  The fruit is small to medium, deep crimson-red, and slightly conical. The white flesh is juicy, tender, and refreshingly tart when first picked, mellowing quickly after harvest. It’s excellent for pies, cider blends, drying, or eating out of hand.
• Adapted to hot, humid climates
  A true Southern heirloom, Carolina Red June performs well in heat and humidity, making it a good choice for growers in Zones 6–9. It is known for its ability to set fruit even in challenging southern orchard conditions.
• Compact tree with early bearing
  The tree has an upright, somewhat compact growth habit and begins producing at a young age. Its early harvest, combined with reliable yields, makes it an efficient and productive tree for small orchards and home growers.
• Heirloom variety for diverse and historic plantings
  Carolina Red June is a valuable cultivar for preserving apple biodiversity and cultural history. Its early bloom also supports pollinators, and it pairs well with other early to mid-season apples in heritage or mixed-orchard plantings.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early to mid-season
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Small to medium, dark red skin, white tender flesh, tart-sweet flavor
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, pies, drying, early cider, short storage
• Fruit ripening month: Late June to early July
• Required chill hours: ~600–800
• Pollination requirements: Not self-fertile. Good pollination partners include:
• Apple, Gala
• Apple, Liberty
• Apple, Fuji
• Apple, Honeycrisp
• Apple, Golden Delicious
• Apple, Mollie Delicious
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9

Carolina Red June is a must-have for Southern orchards and food forests looking to extend the apple harvest season. With its old-time flavor, early productivity, and historic charm, it brings beauty and function to warm-climate orchard systems.