We're excited to offer apple trees for the first time as part of our plant sale! These trees were grafted and grown by a nursery in Wisconsin so they are acclimatized to our climate and are varieties that will do well here.
All of the apples trees we are offering are Semi-Dwarf trees. Semi-Dwarf trees will grow to between 13 and 15 feet tall. These trees will need to be staked or supported for the first two years. (We do offer metal posts and tree ties for purchase here.) Apple trees do need a second variety for pollination. However, if you live in a city or suburban area there are plenty of crabapple trees in your area to provide pollination so you can buy just one variety. If you live in an isolated with no other houses nearby it is probably a good idea to have a second tree for pollination if you haven't seen any other apple trees nearby.
These trees are big! They are 6 to 7 feet tall with multiple branches. They will possibly bear a small amount of fruit this year and should produce a nice crop next year. These trees will be available starting Friday, May 10th for pickup at the farm. We are sorry but we are unable to ship trees.
Below are the apple tree varieties we are offering. You can also buy 3 of the varieties together covering the early, middle, and late harvest time so that you can have fresh apples all Fall!
Zestar: Is a great early season apple, ripening late August to early September. It was developed by University of MN apple breeding program and released in 1999. It is a very pretty, round, rosy red apple. The flesh is juicy and crisp, with a sprightly zest (hence its name). Zestar has an extended harvest time and requires a couple of pickings, making it a great apple for the home orchard.
Honeycrisp: Is the most famous of the many apples developed by the University of MN apple breeding program. It has achieved international fame and rock-star popularity on account of its exploding crispness; the flesh bursts open with a spray of juice that is refreshingly sweet and balanced. Ripens in mid-September.
Liberty: The tree is vigorous, easy to grow, and productive. It is resistant to fireblight and powdery mildew, and highly resistant to scab and cedar-apple rust. It is, basically, the perfect apple for the first-time or organic grower! It is not as well known in Minnesota because it was not developed by University of MN apple breeding program. The apple is medium sized, dark red in color, with yellow, creamy flesh. It has thicker skin (helpful with disease resistance) and a crisp bite. The fruit is juicy with a sweet/tart flavor. It ripens in early October.
Chestnut Crab: This is one of my favorite apples that I grew up eating as a kid! Chestnut Crab is a delicious, miniature apple about 2 inches across. It's the perfect size for kids. It is crisp with a sweet, nutty flavor. It ripens in late September to early October but does not ripen all at once allowing you to spread out the harvest over several weeks. Like Liberty, Chestnut Crab is disease resistant