Tracking the Health and Survival of Our Red Apple Seedlings in Northwestern Ontario

Three years ago, we began establishing a small orchard as part of our food security and land lab arts program here in Melgund Township. As part of that project, we planted a batch of seeds collected from the apple tree Jack Robinson put in the ground about 30 years ago.

We’re always keen to follow their growth, especially after a rough start. Two years ago, when we first moved the seedlings outdoors from inside, the intense sun and heat absolutely scorched them. They hadn’t developed their protective waxy leaf coating yet and many nearly died from the shock, which turned the leaves purple and red.

Now, the long-term difference between them is clear. The other seedlings completely recovered from that initial environmental shock and reverted to a normal green.

But this specific one never changed back. The tree is currently pushing out strong vertical growth with fresh, tender leaves actively unfurling at the main shoot. It has fully adapted to the outdoor climate, showing clean, disease-free foliage that is structurally robust.

The deep maroon color remains fully saturated across both the older leaves and the new growth at the top, proving that the trait is a permanent genetic variation rather than just temporary stress. Moving forward, we are keeping this unique tree in a prominent spot in the garden to monitor how it develops within the lab program.