Malus domestica 'Anna'
Light: Full sun; provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially for young trees.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in the desert. Irrigate deeply throughout the root zone, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase watering during extreme heat and fruit development; reduce during dormancy.
Soil: Well-drained loam preferred; tolerates other soil textures if drainage is adequate. Phoenix alkaline soils may cause iron deficiency. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 15–20 feet tall and wide on vigorous rootstocks; dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks remain smaller. Pruning can maintain a harvest-friendly size.
Bloom: Late winter to early spring, often February–March in Phoenix; timing varies with winter temperatures.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with sufficient water and nutrition.