Spitzenberg Apple Tree
An attractive, bright red fruit with crisp, aromatic flesh and rich sweet-tart flavor, the Spitzenberg Apple Tree is reputed to be Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple. Great eaten fresh and in baked goods, Spitzenberg also makes tasty cider. Spitzenberg ripens in early to mid October and stores well until spring.
Help your bare roots grow with the Transplanting Bundle found here.
Latin Name: Malus domestica
Site and Soil: Apples like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
M-7 is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock growing 12-16 ft. in height. M-7 is very hardy and adapted to most soils. Vigorous, drought tolerant, and well anchored, trees on M-7 should not require staking.
M-26 is considered a dwarf rootstock, growing 8-12 ft. in height. M-26 induces early bearing, usually in 2-3 years after planting, and grows well in most soils, except very wet and poorly drained ones. On windy sites, trees grafted on M-26 may need staking.
Pollination Requirements: Apples need another variety nearby for pollination. Neighboring trees often offer sufficient pollen for good fruit set. Consider Mason Bees to help pollinate and increase fruit production.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 30° F or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Dwarf 8-12ft. / Semi-dwarf 12-16 ft.
Taste: Sweet-tart, crisp, aromatic
Fruit Skin: Bright red
Fruit Flesh: White
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: Early October
Yield: 30-50 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Spitzenberg can be affected by Apple Scab. Apple Scab is more prevalent in regions with wet springs, like we have in the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn’t seriously affect the eating quality of the fruit, it can cause black spots on the apples and foliage. Apple Scab can be controlled by sulfur and other sprays. Codling Moth can create wormy apples and aphids can damage the foliage of apple trees.
USDA Zone: 4-8