Bitterroot Pearmain Seedling (Bundle of 2)
Bitterroot Pearmain Seedling (Bundle of 2)
The mother plant from whence these seeds derive was found growing in the Bitterroot on an old, 1880’s homestead. Although the tree could have been a named variety at some point, its growth habit, training system (or lack thereof), and its multiple main stems near the soil horizon indicate that it could have been a seedling. Regardless, if it was a named cultivar, then that name has been lost to history. As such, we have coined this tree “Bitterroot Pearmain” as the apple has a wonderful, pear-like flavor and a great crisp, sweet/tart flavor with some tropical notes. Here are the taste and description notes from 2023 Harvest:
“Pretty apple with streaky red with slight yellow streaks that disappear into yellow in the lower side of the apple. The flesh has streaks of red in two latitudinal bands amongst an otherwise white fleshed apple. Very fruity, floral, slight banana/pear flavor. Nice crunch, moderately thick skin. Excellent aftertaste. Makes you want more. Perfect ratio of sweet to tart.” Zone 3.
Lastly, the apples were nice fresh eating but something pretty miraculous was discovered after we harvested them. We garage stored them and when walking by them a week later, we tried them and were completely blown away by the flavor. It was like a totally new apple! Really exceptional flavor that we look forward to harvesting now every year!
A Note on Bitterroot Pearmain Seed Genetics: This apple tree was likely not alive during the Bitterroot’s upper -30 to low -40 on Feb. 4th 1899. It was however likely around when Florence saw -36 degrees in both 1936 and 1937. Since the growing site is even higher up in elevation (and therefore a bit cooler) it is safe to say that this is a solid zone 3 apple. Further, it is hard to say what this crossed with. There is a tasty, red fleshed crab apple on site. The neighbors about 400 ft. away have a Honeycrisp growing. Either way, 50% of the genetics will be the Bitterroot Pearmain and it is anyone’s guess the other 50%. But those are the options none the less in terms of what is around to cross. Lastly, with apple’s 57,000+ genes, (more than double that of the human genome) even if you know both parents, there will still be a good deal of genetic variability. But this seems like a risk well worth it given its hardiness, flavor, storability, and reliability. Zone 3 apple (possibly zone 2).
These trees will cross with one another. Seedlings are small (4-8” tall).