Apple Scion, Red June

Apple Scion Wood – Red June (Malus domestica)

Red June is an old American summer apple that has been grown in orchards since the early 1800s. As its name suggests, it ripens early in the season, often producing fruit in June in warmer climates. The medium-sized apples develop a bright red skin and crisp white flesh with a refreshing sweet-tart flavor, making it one of the earliest apples available for fresh eating and summer cooking.

Key Characteristics

Historic early-season heirloom
Red June was widely planted in traditional American farm orchards because it ripened well before most other apples. This early harvest made it an important fruit for households eager for fresh apples at the start of summer.

Bright, refreshing flavor
The flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy with a lively balance of sweetness and acidity. The flavor is refreshing and slightly tart, making it pleasant for fresh eating during the warm summer months.

Reliable early harvest
This variety typically ripens in June or early July depending on climate. Its early maturity allows growers to enjoy fresh apples long before the main fall apple harvest begins.

Good for fresh eating and kitchen use
Red June apples are commonly eaten fresh but can also be used for applesauce, baking, and preserves. Their bright flavor works well in traditional summer apple recipes.

Product Details

• Type: Apple scion wood
• Variety: Red June
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained soils
• Bloom time: Early season
• Bloom color: White to pale pink
• Fruit qualities: Crisp white flesh; refreshing sweet-tart flavor
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, applesauce, baking, preserves
• Fruit ripening month: June–July
• Required chill hours: ~700–900 hours
• Pollination requirements: Requires a different apple variety for pollination. Good pollination partners include Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Liberty, Enterprise, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.
• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–8

Important: What You Are Buying (Scion Wood)

This product is apple scion wood, which is a dormant cutting taken from a mature tree during winter. It is essentially a stick with no roots and will not grow on its own. In order to grow a tree, the scion must be grafted onto a compatible apple rootstock.

Grafting allows growers to combine the fruiting variety with a root system that controls tree size, vigor, and adaptability. If you are planning to graft this season, check out our selection of apple rootstocks and build your own apple tree.