Idared is an early bloomer and late ripener; in Apples for the 21st Century, Manhart notes that it is the primary pollinator for Gravenstein in Oregon. The tree is smallish, precocious, and a reliable cropper, with an open, upright-spreading habit. It is very susceptible to fireblight, powdery mildew, and cedar-apple rust, and somewhat susceptible to scab.

A cross of Jonathan and Wagener, Idared looks much like Jonathan, but is somewhat larger. The apple is slightly flat and ribbed, and colored almost solid red over a greenish background. The flesh is crisp, and the flavor (when fully ripened) is rich and complex. This highly aromatic apple is one of the best keepers available; it will hold its flavor and texture in regular refrigeration for six months! Idared is a great baking and sauce apple, and it is also a useful apple for adding some late-season acidity to cider blends. At Eve's Cidery it is used to add a layer of "sweet, ripe, red apple aromas" to the blend.

Idared was developed at the Idaho Experiment Station. It was selected in 1935 and released in 1942.