Your cart is currently empty!
Category: Apples
-
How to grow apples
Apple trees are relatively easy to grow, but they do need a bit of annual maintenance. If you prune them well when they are young, the annual pruning requirements become much less onerous, so get them off to a good start. Otherwise, they are one of the easier tree fruits to grow in your yard.…
-
What is a club apple?
A club apple is a brand-name apple. These specific apple varieties are grown and marketed under a controlled and limited licensing agreement. Unlike common apple varieties, which any farmer can plant, club apples are grown by a select group of orchardists who have obtained a license to do so. This model manages the quality, volume,…
-
12 apple tree diseases
Apple trees are somewhat prone to disease. There are a number of common pathogens that tend to attack these fruit trees, and the differences between them can be tricky to navigate. Let’s look at the most frequently observed apple tree diseases and how to prevent and treat them. The basics of apple tree diseases Common…
-
When to prune apple trees
Prune apple trees in the late winter or early spring. These fruit trees require pruning each year while they are dormant or are just coming out of dormancy. In many apple-growing climates, pruning is done in late February or early March. That said, you can (and should) remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon…
-
How to prune apple trees
To prune an apple tree, start by removing any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. You’ll also want to remove any vertical “water sprouts” from the top. Next, trim out branches growing inward or crossing over (and rubbing) other branches. Thin out any remaining crowded areas of the tree by removing some of the…
-
Cosmic Crisp apple
Cosmic Crisp is an apple variety developed by Washington State University. A cross between ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’, this fruit is known for its intensely-colored peel and extended storage life. Introduced in 2019, it is now one of the top three club apples in the US by sales volume. Cosmic Crisp apple The Cosmic Crisp apple…
-
15+ best apples for cider
The best apples for cider are generally flavorful varieties with a specific profile of sugar, acid, and tannins. While a few select varieties have an adequate balance all on their own, most ciders are made by blending varieties to achieve the desired taste with a balance of sugar, acid, and tannins. Good cider apples are…
-
15 best apples for juicing
For juicing, the best apples are those that are crisp, juicy, and full of flavor. Varieties like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are excellent choices. Fuji and Gala apples offer a sweet taste, while Honeycrisp apples provide a balance of sweet and tart. Granny Smith apples are ideal for those who prefer tart juice.…
-
How tall do apple trees grow?
Apple trees grow to a wide range of heights, from 6 feet tall to about 30 feet tall. Dwarf apple trees have been developed to reach only about 6-12 feet tall at maturity. Semi-dwarf apple trees tend to grow to a height between 12-20 feet tall. Standard full-size apple trees usually reach 20-30 feet tall…
-
Identifying apple trees
Identifying apple trees starts by determining whether the tree is an apple tree (Malus domestica), some other species of Rosaceae, or a deciduous tree. Then you can examine the tree’s form, as well as the fruit, to identify characteristics such as size, shape, peel color, lenticels, and flavor. If you are still unsure, send a…
-
How often to spray apple trees
Apple trees that require spraying are generally sprayed once in the winter, 1-3 times during flowering, and up to every week or two during the growing season if pests or diseases are a problem. The winter spray is typically one application of horticultural dormant oil. During flower bud and blossoming, organic sulfur, neem oil, and/or…
-
The best time of year to plant apple trees
The best time to plant apple trees is in spring or early fall. Acclimated trees planted in early spring or early fall tend to become established sooner than those planted in late fall. Avoid planting during extreme temperatures, such as mid-summer heat or freezing winter weather. Mild, overcast days are preferable. The best time to…
-
Rome apple
The Rome apple is an American heritage variety known for its bright red peel and firm texture. These apples are prized as baking apples in the USA, where their slightly sweet and complex tangy flavor creates a delicious pie filling (or apple crisp, or apple crumble). Rome apple basics The Rome apple was discovered by…
-
Jonathan apple
The Jonathan apple is an American heirloom variety with an attractive bicolor peel and a crispy, tart flavor. They are medium-sized and have yellow flesh. The balanced sweet-tart taste and crispy texture help it perform well in baked goods. Jonathan apple basics The ‘Jonathan’ apple cultivar is a classic American variety known for its exceptional…
-
Macoun apple
The Macoun apple is an American heritage variety known for its beautiful peel and creamy fresh apple taste. This medium-sized apple has a deep red-purple peel color with a bit of green, and is often shaped irregularly. The flesh is a creamy white color with a delicious hint of berry flavor. Macoun apple basics Macoun…
-
SweeTango apple
SweeTango apples are modern specialty club apples developed to deliver on flavor and texture. These gorgeous red apples are known best for their crisp, sweet flavor full of spices and satisfying texture. The SweeTango apple was developed at the University of Minnesota and introduced in 2009. SweeTango apple basics The SweeTango apple is a modern…
-
Jazz apple
The Jazz apple is a well-known club apple variety with a nicely striped red and yellow peel. ‘Jazz’ has a rounded shape, firm and crisp texture, and is wonderful to eat fresh. The Jazz apple was bred in New Zealand and is now grown around the world. Jazz apple basics The Jazz apple, first developed…
-
Empire apples
The Empire apple is a shiny red American apple cultivar known for its attractive appearance and satisfying crunch. This type of apple sets itself apart with its unique sweet and tart flavor combo, and it has a remarkable ability to withstand bruising, making it especially perfect for a lunch on the go! The Empire apple…
-
Jonagold apple
Jonagold apple is an American heritage apple cultivar known for its large size, delicate skin, and balanced sweet-tart flavor. These apples have a juicy, crisp texture that’s perfect for eating fresh or for baking. The bicolor peel has a green-gold background color with a crimson-red blush. The Jonagold apple was bred at the New York…
-
Cortland apple
Cortland apple is an American heirloom apple cultivar known for its bright red and yellow peel, sweet yet balanced flavor, and crisp white flesh that is naturally resistant to browning. They are wonderful to eat fresh right off the tree and are also popular for applesauce and pie. This variety was bred in 1898 in…
-
Cameo apple
The Cameo apple is an American bicolor cultivar with a thin yellow peel and red stripes. They have a subtly sweet flavor, rich creamy flesh, and a crisp texture. These juicy apples are known for their natural resistance to browning and their suitability for making applesauce and apple pie. The Cameo apple was discovered in…
-
Opal apple
The Opal apple is a modern European apple cultivar with a yellow-gold peel, sweet flavor, crisp texture, and floral aroma. Opal is a club apple and was the first apple verified as GMO-free. These apples naturally resist browning after being cut or sliced, and the plants are resistant to apple scab. The Opal® was bred…
-
Types of apples
There are thousands of different types of apples growing today. And among these countless varieties, dozens of cultivars stand out. Here are 65 of the most popular varieties, starting with common supermarket apple brands and “club” apples and moving on to specialty and heirloom varieties you can grow at home. Apples can be sorted into…
-
25+ best tasting apples
Some of the best-tasting apple varieties are Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Ambrosia, and Cox’s Orange Pippin. Most varieties are most flavorful when picked at peak ripeness and eaten within a few months of harvest. Gourmet apples are generally selected for superior texture, juiciness, aroma, and sugar/acid content. Apple flavor is also affected by autumn temperatures…