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Apple variety

Akane

Also known as Tokyo Rose, Prime Red

The short answer

Akane requires 800 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 4–8[2]. It needs a pollination partner[2].

Growing facts

Akane growing facts
Chill requirement800 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–8[2]
PollinationNeeds a pollination partner, bloom group 2[2]
Harvest windowSeptember[2]
Years to bearing4–5 years (typical for apples)[3]
Akane appleSpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Pollination partners

Akane blooms in group 2. The closest bloom-time matches make the most reliable partners:

Show 20 more compatible varieties

Notes

  • Early- to mid-season bloom, September harvest; needs a compatible pollinizer.[2]
  • Moderately resistant to fire blight.[2]

A year with your Akane

When the work happens for an apple in USDA zone 6, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Apple in zone 6
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune—————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest——————————
Care———————————

See the full month-by-month apple calendar for zone 6 →

Can I grow Akane where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing an Akane? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Akane need?
Akane needs 800 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Akane?
Akane grows in USDA zones 4–8.
Is Akane self-pollinating?
No — Akane needs a compatible pollination partner nearby.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026