MN 1628 is a new variety for us—Spring 2025 marks our first year growing it. You might be wondering about the name. This apple comes from the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program, where all experimental seedlings are given numerical designations until they are officially named (if ever).

For example, Honeycrisp was originally known as MN 1711, and Frostbite, developed in 1920, was labeled MN 447 until it was formally released in 2008. Interestingly, MN 1628 is a sibling of Keepsake, which is a parent of Honeycrisp. In turn, Frostbite is a parent of Keepsake, placing MN 1628 within the same distinguished genetic lineage.

Description and Flavor Profile

According to Bob Purvis, who provided the scionwood we used for grafting, MN 1628 is:

“Quite similar in many respects to Keepsake, ripens slightly earlier (early October in Western Montana), tree more vigorous, spreading growth habit. Red stripes over yellow-ocher background, with yellowish flesh, complex sweet flavor, dense flesh, keeps till late spring.”

Bob also shared that MN 1628 became the favorite apple of his late wife, Connie, even surpassing Fuji.

Cold Hardiness

We estimate the cold hardiness of MN 1628 to fall between -40°F and -45°F, placing it slightly hardier than McIntosh, but not as hardy as ultra-cold varieties like Prairie Sensation, Carroll, or the apple crabs.

This makes MN 1628 a solid choice for many Zone 3 to 4 growers, but not recommended for locations with sub -45°F winter lows.

Rootstock and Tree Availability

For Spring 2025, we have grafted MN 1628 onto M26 semi-dwarf rootstock, which is hardy to around -40°F to -45°F—a good match for MN 1628’s own limits. We did not graft onto hardier rootstocks like Dolgo or Antonovka, as this apple would likely struggle in those colder climates anyway.

Note: MN 1628 ripens too late for growers in Alaska or other areas that consistently see temperatures below -45°F.