{"title":"Best Apples for Fresh Eating","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 47 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for eating out of hand. Scored on flavor, texture and how well the fruit holds its quality, drawing on published tastings, extension trials and the historical pomologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"carroll-apple","title":"Carroll Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll Apple: Hardy, Early, and Packed with Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe were introduced to Carroll by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016 and were instantly impressed. This apple is a delicious fresh-eating variety, ripening in the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys in late August, making it a fairly early-season apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt has a spicy-tangy sweetness that stands out and makes it a favorite for snacking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins and Breeding Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll was developed at the Morden Research Breeding Station in Manitoba, Canada and is known for its exceptional cold hardiness, surviving temperatures down to -50°F or colder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIts Melba parent (a McIntosh seedling) contributes the dominant white flesh gene commonly found in McIntosh derivatives. The real game-changer for hardiness, however, comes from its other parent—Moscow Pear Apple—which likely boosts its survivability well beyond McIntosh’s typical -40°F threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll produces large apples, typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter, with a distinctive flavor profile that combines spicy, tangy, and sweet notes—making it an excellent choice for fresh eating. Though we primarily enjoy it right off the tree, it’s also reported to perform well in pies and sauces, offering rich flavor complexity when cooked. One notable trait of Carroll is that it’s among the first apple varieties to defoliate in the fall, often signaling the seasonal shift before others. According to Roger Joy, “The canopy is vigorous and rounded, with lateral branches originating from wide angles, capable of supporting heavy crops of this wonderful fruit.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll is a solid Zone 3 apple, making it ideal for growers in extremely cold regions. All of our Carroll trees are grafted onto Dolgo rootstock, one of the hardiest rootstocks available, known for thriving in climates that dip below -50F or more, as well as Bud 118 (Hardy to about -45 to -50F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 3-5 ft","offer_id":45125056823362,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125056856130,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 5-7 ft (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056888898,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056921666,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/carroll-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"centennial-apple-crab","title":"Centennial Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIntroduced in 1957 by the University of Minnesota, Centennial is closely related to the beloved Kerr. While Kerr is a cross of Haralson x Dolgo, Centennial is the result of Wealthy x Dolgo—a pairing that brings both cold hardiness and flavor potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Centennial, though. While we haven’t tasted the fruit yet, we’ve been impressed by the tree’s resilience—zero winter injury at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, MT after a winter that saw -47°F on his site. It’s also a favorite among growers in Alaska, which says a lot about its toughness. Here is a direct quote from Ed, “\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFlavor is excellent. And they’re really pretty. They’ve got a yellowish pink skin. They come on earlier but they hang on the tree a long time and stay good without getting mealy. Centennial ripens end of August\/first part of September.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAccording to the University of Minnesota:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e“Large, red-over-orange crabapple that is excellent for fresh eating and sauce, but does not store well.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens late August in Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest used fresh or for sauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for Zone 2 and colder regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Centennial trees are grafted onto the hardy full size Dolgo and semi-dwarf Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064294466,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064327234,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125064360002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":45125064392770,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/centennial-applecrab-fruit.jpg?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChestnut, developed by the University of Minnesota, is technically an applecrab—50% apple and 50% crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parentage of Chestnut is a cross between Siberian Crab and Malinda, released by the University of Minnesota in 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut don’t let the “crabapple” part fool you. Hand this to someone who thinks crabapples are too tart or ornamental, and you’ll likely make a believer out of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the sweetest applecrabs we’ve tried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2023 (Kalispell orchard), we noted hints of bubblegum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2024 (WARC field day), the flavor shifted to nutty, mellow, sweet, and less acidic. Super yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens 1–2 weeks before Kerr, making it a perfect complementary variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something intense and tangy? Go with Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something smooth, sweet, and nutty? Get Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens early: 1st–2nd week of September in western Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but also works in sauces or ciders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStores decently for a crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for Zone 2 and possibly colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly enough to ripen even in parts of Alaska\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Chestnut applecrabs are grafted onto Bud 118, hardy to -50 F or more, and M26, which is less hardy (to -40F) and a little less dwarfing. If buying Chestnut on M26 and you can experience sub -40F, then bury the graft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498963603522,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498963701826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"empire-apple","title":"Empire Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is Bruce Benson’s favorite apple—and for good reason. Developed by Cornell University in the 1940s as an open-pollinated cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, this variety might surprise you. Don’t let its Red Delicious parentage fool you; it has inherited more of its McIntosh genetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRegional Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese apples have been growing in Montana since at least the 1970s and have performed exceedingly well in the western parts of the state, including the Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, and Mission valleys. We’ve also seen them thriving in Idaho, particularly near Kamiah and Orofino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOf course, this apple is also grown extensively in New York and throughout the Northeast and East Coast. However, if you live in the eastern part of Montana or in areas where winter lows drop below -40°F, consider a different variety. While this apple \u003cem\u003emight\u003c\/em\u003e survive sub -40°F temperatures, based on its parentage—McIntosh's limit is around -40°F (or slightly lower), and Red Delicious is even less hardy—we recommend choosing a more cold-tolerant variety in those regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eVersatile Culinary Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEmpire apples are great for fresh eating, drying, sauces, and other processing or culinary pursuits. They’re truly an all-purpose apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock Information for Spring 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we’ve grafted Empire onto Spy 227. These trees are one year older and come in 2-3 ft. and 3-5 ft. sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpy 227: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull size, hardy to at least -50F, possibly more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSpy 227 is hardier than Empire itself, so the variety is the limiting factor here. We wouldn’t suggest growing Empire if your area consistently sees temperatures below -45°F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125836570690,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499062235202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/empire-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"red-gravenstein","title":"Gravenstein Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-wrap-mode: wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\"\u003eWe have updated out hardiness for Gravenstein. Not only has this \u003c\/span\u003evariety been successfully growing on Bruce Benson’s farm in Missoula for over 50 years, enduring multiple -30°F winters, it has survived well for Les McCartney in the low spot of the Gallatin Valley in Bozeman, MT, having seen -45F without much winter injury. Gravenstein is a solid zone 3 apple.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eImportant Growing Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein comes with a few specific requirements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriploid Variety\u003c\/strong\u003e: It cannot pollenize other apples and requires \u003cstrong\u003etwo diploid pollenizers\u003c\/strong\u003e with overlapping bloom times for successful fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Blooming\u003c\/strong\u003e: Choose pollenizers accordingly to match its bloom window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot a Good Keeper\u003c\/strong\u003e: This apple does not store well post-harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Susceptibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusceptible to\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fireblight, powdery mildew, bitter pit, and apple scab\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResistant to\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cedar-apple rust\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein has a distinctive sweet-tart flavor, often appreciated for its honey-like notes, making it a favorite for fresh eating and cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness Zone and Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis apple is best suited for Zone 4, based on its ability to survive down to -33°F. However, we do not recommend planting it in areas that routinely experience temps colder than this.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499184656450,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995086914,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995119682,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/gravenstein-apple-fruit.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"honeycrisp","title":"Honeycrisp Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoneycrisp has become one of the best-selling apples in the U.S. Since its creation by University of Minnesota breeders, Honeycrisp has been lauded for its winter hardiness and its ability to produce large, high-quality fruit. It quickly gained popularity, particularly in temperate regions like Washington and Oregon, but colder climate growers have had success with it, particularly here in western Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycrisp apple is known for its aromatic sweetness, with a honey-like flavor and a juicy, crisp texture that has made it a consumer favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness – A Relative Concept\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated 2024: While Honeycrisp is often considered cold-hardy, its hardiness is relative. It may be well-suited to regions like New York or parts of the Midwest, but in parts of Montana where temperatures can drop below -45°F, which is much of the state east of the continental divide, Honeycrisp does not perform well. This has been our observation in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, on Robert Narotsky’s farm in Bozeman, Honeycrisp suffered serious frost damage to the trunk after exposure to -50°F. Similarly, on Ed Schultz’s farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT, the apple saw -47°F, resulting in serious limb damage that made its way into the trunk. If your region experiences temperatures below -45°F, we do not recommend planting Honeycrisp. Final note, it's Ed Schultz' experience that Honeycrisp along with many of the University of Minnesota apples (Haralson, Zestar!, Sweet Sixteen, Snowsweet, \u0026amp; others) take awhile to shut down and can get wiped out by Montana's brutal early Fall frosts. Ed has a massive pile of dead University of Minnesota apple trees in the back of his farm from these Fall frosts he experienced in 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, these University of MN apples all did fine in most of Western Montana's early Fall frosts during this time period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Availability for 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we offer Honeycrisp trees on a few different rootstocks based on your location and climate:\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDolgo Rootstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for areas where winters dip below -40°F and even -50°F, offering better cold hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpy 227: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull size, hardy to at least -45°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG890: \u003c\/strong\u003eSemi-Dwarf and disease resistant rootstock, but likely not hardy below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230728258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230793794,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230695490,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"G890 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching","offer_id":45133403029570,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeycrisp-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"kerr-crab","title":"Kerr Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our all-time favorites, Kerr is an applecrab (Haralson x Dolgo) bred by W.L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1938 and released in 1952. First introduced to us by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016, this variety immediately stood out. It’s Roger’s favorite, and we totally get why. It. has since become one of our go-to applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, complex flavor with a beautiful red skin and yellow-tinged flesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor notes people have reported: \u003cem\u003e\"Floral, cinnamon, cherry, grape, almond, pineapple, and even hoppy\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest for fresh eating, but also makes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGorgeous rosé-colored cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVibrant pink applesauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn amazing addition to oatmeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStores actually fairly well for several months. Loses flavor but as of 2\/22\/26 (when this was written), we've got lots in the fridge. Again, flavor is not as strong as right off the tree, and they have become a bit mealy, but they aren't bad. However, they did not store nearly as well for us in 2025 because they were picked in the latter part of their two week window to harvest the fruit. If harvested in the earlier part of that window, they will keep significantly longer. A quick rough estimate would be that for every day one waits to harvest the tree in that window, their shelf life drops a week. It would be interesting to compare this phenomenon with other apples across the board because perhaps this holds true generally?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love it alongside Chestnut and Martha crabapples—together they make an unbeatable trio for flavor and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, although it did have a little bit of limb damage at those temps (not to the trunk, though).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely hardy to -45°F without any winter injury, whereas its limit is likely -50°F or maybe a tad colder. Look towards Centennial, Rescue, and Trailman for even hardier applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42751565463618,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588627522,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588660290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kerr-applecrab-in-hand.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"macounapple","title":"Macoun Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're a McIntosh fan, you’ll love Macoun. A late-season heir to the McIntosh legacy, Macoun is an excellent fresh-eating apple that typically ripens around the same time as McIntosh (end of September in Missoula). It’s also a great option for pies since it doesn't break down in the oven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacoun is one of the best McIntosh derivatives with a better crunch than McIntosh. It's also juicier and the flavor lingers longer. It’s one of Luke and Rod McIver’s favorite apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness and Growing Regions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne downside of Macoun is that it isn’t very hardy for most of Montana. It will thrive in areas like Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Hamilton, Plains, and other parts of Western Montana where temperatures don’t typically dip below -40°F. Like McIntosh, this is the lower limit of cold hardiness for Macoun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may work in Billings or warmer microclimates that experience slightly colder temperatures, but Macoun is not suitable for areas consistently below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Macoun trees available are 4-6 feet tall bare-root trees, grafted onto Bud 118 rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500857790530,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/macoun-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"mn-1628-apple","title":"MN 1628 Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMN 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription and Flavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Bob Purvis, who provided the scionwood we used for grafting, MN 1628 is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob also shared that MN 1628 became the favorite apple of his late wife, Connie, even surpassing Fuji.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes MN 1628 a solid choice for many Zone 3 to 4 growers, but not recommended for locations with sub -45°F winter lows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Tree Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have grafted MN 1628 onto Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. In our experience, Bud 118 is significantly hardier, even than Antonovka, as Bud 118 has seen near -50F without showing any rootstock damage (although there was snow on the ground when these numbers were obtained at Ed Schultz' farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: MN 1628 ripens too late for growers in a shorter growing season, such as those on the northern coast of AK near Anchorage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500887281730,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mn-1628-apple-harvest.jpg?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"norkent-apple","title":"Norkent Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorkent is a cross between Haralson (a true apple) and Rescue (an apple x crabapple hybrid). Norkent is one of the best tasting of the \"Nor\" series of apples, and is very hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough we've only been growing Norkent for a couple years, we’ve been impressed by its performance in Montana’s brutal winters. It has shown remarkable resilience, including surviving -47°F on Ed Schultz’s farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT without any winter injury. Ed considers it the best tasting apple in the “Nor Series,” which aligns with reports describing Norkent as one of the best-flavored ultra-hardy apples available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorkent has almost a pear-like flavor and is great for fresh eating apple. It’s a summer variety, meaning it ripens early enough to be suitable for short growing seasons like those in Alaska and Canada, where winters can reach -50°F or colder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond fresh eating, Norkent is also used in sauces, cider, and other culinary applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy throughout zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan withstand temperatures to -47°F, although possibly colder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes Norkent an excellent option for growers in the coldest parts of Eastern Montana, the Canadian Prairies, and many parts of Alaska, although interior Alaska should still site Norkent appropriately with good drainage and out of frost pooling areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpring 2027 Availability and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we are offering Norkent on several rootstocks:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud 118:\u003c\/strong\u003e While often categorized as a semi-standard rootstock, in Montana’s calcareous (high pH) soils, it behaves more like a semi-dwarf. Growers in Washington’s Yakima Valley have observed the same. Hardy to -50°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDolgo:\u003c\/strong\u003e A full-size rootstock, hardy to -55°F or more. Excellent for growers in extreme cold climates needing maximum resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42502494355522,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134064451650,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42502494289986,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/norkent-apple-harvest.jpg?v=1789020679"},{"product_id":"northern-spy-apple","title":"Northern Spy Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorthern Spy – A Firm, Flavorful Classic and Breeding Powerhouse\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorthern Spy was one of the favorite apples of our mentor, Rod McIver. Rod grew it up in Kalispell, where the climate is slightly colder and the growing season shorter than in Missoula. As a late-season variety, Northern Spy was just on the edge of being able to ripen in time for him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Rod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eExcellent flavor and firmness, a personal favorite. Many great apples have been derived from it, including Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Keepsake, etc. Seldom ripens on the tree before the last frost; however, the fruits can be picked and ripen in storage, and they keep very well.\u003c\/em\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening and Storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Northern Spy often struggles to ripen fully on the tree before the first frost, it is known for ripening well off the tree and storing beautifully. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a late apple that can develop flavor in storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have Northern Spy on Bud 118, a semi-dwarf rootstock (in our soils\/climate in MT) that is hardy to roughly -50F (possibly more if there is consistent snow cover).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42518934028354,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134156693570,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/northern-spy-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020680"},{"product_id":"prairie-sensation-apple","title":"Prairie Sensation Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePrairie Sensation left a big impression on us in its very first season. At Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, the tree looked fantastic the summer after enduring a brutal -47°F winter—a strong sign of its exceptional cold hardiness. And, it happens to be Ed's favorite apple of the scores he has grown over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred for the Prairies, Perfect for Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred by the University of Saskatchewan, Prairie Sensation is a cross between Brookland and M359. While we haven’t yet tasted it ourselves, the University reports glowing feedback:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Prairie Sensation has continued to score well in informal taste tests since 1993. Groups of growers, students, horticulture societies, faculty, and staff consistently rated it as one of the best of our selections. The flavor is a mild subacid with an intense aromatic component.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhy Grow It?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor: Mildly tart with a rich, aromatic punch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness: Survives -50°F or colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVisual Appeal: The tree is vigorous, healthy, and visually impressive—especially after extreme winters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur Spring 2027 Prairie Sensation trees are grafted onto Bud 118 and Dolgo, and are one year older (Spring bench grafted in 2025). Therefore, the rootstock is going on its forth year whereas the tops are going on their third year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePerfect for those in Montana, the Dakotas, interior Canada, and any area with harsh winters and short seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503453409346,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503453507650,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134365360194,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134365392962,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/prairie-sensation-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"ribstonpippin","title":"Ribston Pippin Cider Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePerhaps the most famous apple variety from Yorkshire, England, Ribston Pippin was a Victorian favorite prized for its strong, aromatic flavor. It remains a standout for fresh eating and cider, with a rich history and excellent character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuke’s 2023 Tasting Notes (Missoula Harvest)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Honey flavor with hints of grape. Dense apple with an interesting woody texture that makes you continually want more. Decent acidity and good sweetness. Medium thickness in terms of the skin.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is one of our favorite apples for fresh eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeyed, with subtle grape notes; aromatic and complex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense with a unique, slightly woody bite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin: \u003c\/strong\u003eYellow, flushed orange, streaked red, with russeting at the base and apex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest after:\u003c\/strong\u003e A month or so of storage to reach full flavor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent for fresh eating, culinary applications, and sweet-sharp hard or soft cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHeritage \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRibston Pippin is most likely the parent of Cox's Orange Pippin, one of the world’s most famous apple varieties. It’s a classic example of English heirloom apples bred for complexity and depth of flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFairly hardy, but not among our most cold-hardy apples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eLikely hardy to about -40°F, but may struggle in parts of Eastern Montana where temperatures drop below that\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrafted onto Bud 118, a super-hardy semi-dwarf rootstock, which adds resilience and size control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eImage Credit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Markus Hagenlocher under CC 3.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134529167426,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45134529200194,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (1 Year Older)","offer_id":42504516796482,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ribston-pippin-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"aows1cur70rhvjzflxm960xfdeqxva","title":"RubyMac Apple","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis is a sport of McIntosh. More info coming soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 9 Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (2 years older)","offer_id":42504530657346,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Bud 9 Dwarf: 4-5 ft. (2 years older)","offer_id":42504530690114,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/rubymac-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021038"},{"product_id":"snowsweet-apple","title":"Snowsweet® Apple","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is our first year growing Snowsweet, an introduction from the University of Minnesota around 2005. According to Bob Purvis, who provided the scion wood for our grafts, Snowsweet has the following characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Size \u0026amp; Texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e The apples are large, crisp, and very sweet with low acidity. The flesh is fine-grained, juicy, and does not brown when cut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Storage: \u003c\/strong\u003eSnowsweet ripens mid to late September in Idaho, so we expect it to ripen in Missoula in late September and in Eastern Montana in early to mid October. These apples store well, lasting at least 4 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBased on the University of Minnesota’s description, Snowsweet is expected to be comparable in hardiness to Honeycrisp and Haralson. While we have found Haralson to withstand temperatures down to -50F, we have observed Honeycrisp experiencing winter damage at around -46F, particularly when frost damage reaches the trunk. Given these observations, we conservatively estimate that Snowsweet is hardy to at least -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur friends at Swanson's Mountain View Orchard, which is the largest orchard in the state of Montana, have told us that their customers cannot get enough of their Snowsweet apples, which is why they are planting even more in the coming years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur Spring 2027 Snowsweet trees are grafted onto Dolgo rootstock, known for their cold hardiness, reportedly surviving temperatures down to -50F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSince these Snowsweet are grafted onto full size Dolgo, plan to plant these anywhere between 16-20 ft. apart. If planted on the lower end of this spectrum, a more rigorous pruning regiment will be required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUpdates Coming Soon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSince this is still only our third year growing Snowsweet, we look forward to gaining more firsthand experience with its flavor and performance. We will update this description once we have more personal insights to share!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504633417794,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/snowsweet-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"trailman-crab","title":"Trailman Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba and introduced in 1973, Trailman is a cold-hardy apple crab that consistently produces heavy crops of small, orange-peach-colored fruits (1–1.5” in size). It’s a cross between Trail and Osman, and one of the best-performing applecrabs we've seen for extreme northern climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDon’t let the size fool you—Trailman packs a punch:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSweet with a bold tart kick – might be a bit much for some early on, but if left to ripen longer, it mellows into a sweeter, nuttier profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHas a flavor somewhat similar to Chestnut Crab (although more flavorful and less sweet) with a nice crunch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLikely a great addition to hard cider blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard near Bozeman in 2024 with zero damage. Alaska Fruit Trees lists it as one of their hardiest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEstimated hardiness: -50°F to -60°F, making it ideal for extreme cold climates in zone 2 and even protected zone 1 sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRootstock Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are one year older and grafted onto Dolgo and Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281236034,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42507281334338,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281268802,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/trailman-applecrab-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"tropical-winter-apple","title":"Tropical Winter Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis apple is unlike anything we've ever had, and in a very good way. It has been growing on David and Janet Stickler’s Amazing Grace Farm on the west side of the Missoula Valley for at least 60 years. While it resembles Winter Banana in appearance, it lacks the classic suture that typically defines Winter Banana. We planned to get this apple DNA 'fingerprinted' to see what it is but have not done so yet. Until then, we are calling it Tropical Winter. If it turns out to be a named cultivar, we will update you accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe flavor of this apple is exceptional. According to Elizabeth, it has a honey flavor that is sweet and very pleasant. Luke recalls the flavor having tropical fruit notes with hints of pineapple and honey. The apple has a great crunch and is very juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarvesting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe apples are ready for harvest when the green skin turns to yellow. Once this happens, the flavor transformation is night and day compared to unripe apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot all apples will turn yellow at the same time, so expect to harvest over a 1-2 week period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is a late apple, ripening in Missoula between the first and second weeks of October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe apple has survived in one of the coldest, lowest parts of Missoula, withstanding temperatures near -40F without winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Planting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe have grafted this onto Bud 118 rootstock, which is hardy to -45 to -50F. This apple is untested in areas where temperatures regularly fall below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42508230492226,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45141837545538,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/tropical-winter-apple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021269"},{"product_id":"zestar-apple","title":"Zestar!® Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZestar! is another standout from the University of Minnesota, bred from a cross of State Fair x MN 1691. An early to mid-season apple, it ripens in late August to early September at Benson’s Farm in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCrunchy, subacid, and pleasantly spiced—with a hint of cinnamon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOnly tried fresh so far, but we love the refreshing snap and complex flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the best-storing summer apples we’ve grown—holds up over two months in the fridge without turning mealy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -40F, and possibly -45F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eUse caution in regions colder than that—this variety may not hold up in Zone 2 or colder pockets without protection. Zestar! and many other University of Minnesota apples do not shut down early enough in time in the Fall for Ed Schultz in Gallatin Gateway, MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Growing Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we’ve grafted Zestar! onto the full size Spy 227. These were actually grafted in 2025 and will have been growing for two years before the time of fulfillment in Spring 2027. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpy 227 rootstock produces a standard size tree. At maturity, they require spacing of approximately 18–20 feet between trees. With intensive pruning and canopy management, closer spacing may be possible, while wider spacing can improve airflow and light penetration in humid or disease-prone sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511547990082,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45145048514626,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ZestarApplesinaFruitBasket.jpg?v=1789671194"},{"product_id":"ashmeads-kernel-apple","title":"Ashmead's Kernel Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"100\" data-end=\"128\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Discovery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"287\"\u003eDiscovered in the early part of the 18th century in Gloucestershire England, Ashmead’s Kernel is famous for its funky, russeted appearance and complex flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"309\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"463\"\u003eThis is the kind of apple that makes people wonder if it’s actually an apple, to which I would ask whether they have ever only eaten store bought apples!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"489\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"589\"\u003eIts woody texture combined with its floral and almost tropical fruit flavor is something to behold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"618\"\u003eOur First Tasting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"736\"\u003eWe finally tried it for the first time in Fall 2023 from Rod McIver’s Orchard in Kalispell and it was worth the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"777\"\u003eCold-Hardiness \u0026amp; Adaptability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"963\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eRod’s property is a solid zone 4, with rare events that can even hit -35F, which (in our experience in Western Montana) means that Ashmead’s is one of the most adaptable of all the English varieties (maybe tied with Ribston). Should not be planted in Eastern Montana with the exception perhaps Billings and some of the warmer surrounding valleys.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124776853570,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ashmeads-kernel-apple-in-hand.png?v=1789019154"},{"product_id":"freds-mac-apple","title":"Fred's Mac Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFred’s Mac is very likely an original McIntosh, though as with many old apples labeled “McIntosh,” certainty is complicated by history. Over time, McIntosh has been propagated through numerous bud sports and selections, many of which were sold simply as McIntosh despite meaningful differences in fruit quality. As a result, apples labeled McIntosh can vary widely in flavor, texture, and overall eating quality. Of course, growing conditions such as soil, climate, and cultural practices also play a role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, year after year, the fruit we harvest from the tree known as 'Fred's Mac' at Green Bench Farm in Missoula stands out unequivocally. The flavor is exceptional—bright, lively, and intensely aromatic. It is the best McIntosh we have eaten. The mother tree is at least 100 years old, possibly older, and bears prolifically every season, a testament to both its genetics and long-term adaptation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFred’s Mac produces classic McIntosh-type fruit with outstanding eating quality. The flavor is vivid and aromatic, with a brightness that distinguishes it from many modern McIntosh-labeled trees. Like most McIntosh apples, it does exhibit pre-harvest drop. This is not a drawback for us, as the flavor more than compensates, and we typically make multiple harvest passes to manage drop and capture fruit at peak quality. It is an excellent apple for fresh eating and aromatic cider blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing (Dolgo \/ Spy 227 Rootstock)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are grafted onto full-size Dolgo \/ Spy 227 rootstock and should be treated as standard apple trees. At maturity, they require spacing of approximately 18–20 feet between trees. With intensive pruning and canopy management, closer spacing may be possible, while wider spacing can improve airflow and light penetration in humid or disease-prone sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFred’s Mac is expected to be as cold hardy as McIntosh generally. We list McIntosh as hardy to −40°F. While McIntosh may tolerate temperatures slightly colder than this under ideal conditions, it does not appear to reliably survive beyond −45°F. This aligns with observations from growers such as Ed Schultz in Gallatin Gateway, where temperatures of −47°F have resulted in failure. Fred’s Mac should be considered a solid Zone 3 apple, but not more cold hardy than that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGenetic \u0026amp; Historical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a mother tree over a century old, consistent heavy bearing, and exceptional fruit quality, Fred’s Mac represents a locally adapted McIntosh lineage worth preserving. In a landscape where many McIntosh trees no longer live up to the name, this selection demonstrates just how good McIntosh can be when the genetics are right.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125884346434,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499076653122,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499076587586,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/freds-mac-apple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"claygate-pearmain-apple","title":"Claygate Pearmain Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eNote that this is our first year growing Claygate Pearmain so this info is all second hand. In Spring 2025 we obtained high-quality scionwood from Tim Makepeace and bench-grafted a batch of Claygate Pearmain trees; the trees offered here are direct clones from that material and the tops are two years old now whilst the roots are three years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParentage, Origin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaygate Pearmain originated as a chance seedling discovered in a hedge near the village of Claygate in Surrey, England, around 1821 by horticulturist John Braddick. Its exact parentage is unknown, and the variety is generally considered triploid, and therefore has sterile pollen (will not pollenize other apple trees). It rose to prominence in the Victorian era for its superb dessert quality, complex flavor, and distinctive russeted appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Tree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is medium to large, typically conical-oblong, with a green-yellow base color overlaid by a warm crimson flush and patches or netting of russet. The flesh is tender-crisp, juicy, and aromatic, with a rich, nutty depth of flavor often described as complex and layered. Trees are moderately vigorous, upright to spreading, spur-bearing, and known for producing heavy, regular crops with an apparent resistance to scab and fireblight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaygate Pearmain has historically performed well in cool, damp, and northern temperate climates. While not among the most extreme cold-hardy apples we offer, it would likely survive and do well at least down to -35F, similar to some of the other English varieties. Solid zone 4 apple.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498991685698,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/claygate-pearmain-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019776"},{"product_id":"evercrisp-apple","title":"Evercrisp Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription coming soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499068002370,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499068035138,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/evercrisp-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"golden-harvey-apple","title":"Golden Harvey Apple","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"232\"\u003eThis is the first year we have grown Golden Harvey, and we have not yet tasted the fruit or observed its long-term behavior under Montana conditions, so the information below should be considered secondhand rather than experiential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"234\" data-end=\"248\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"720\"\u003eGolden Harvey, also historically known as Brandy Apple, is one of the classic old English apples and is generally dated to at least the 1600s. From the research we have done in creating this description, its exact lineage is not documented, but it is repeatedly described in historical pomology as a highly esteemed apple for both dessert use and cider. It was especially valued in western England, where it earned a reputation for exceptional richness and sugar content. However, it fell out of favor due to its small size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"722\" data-end=\"748\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003eGolden Harvey produces small to medium-sized fruit, often with heavy russeting and a golden background. The flavor is described as intensely rich, sweet, and complex, improving with storage rather than being best straight off the tree. Historically, it was considered one of the finest winter dessert apples. It is also well known as a cider apple, with high sugar levels that earned it the name Brandy Apple, as it was capable of producing notably strong cider in favorable years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1294\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003eBased on available descriptions and modern cultivar listings, Golden Harvey is generally regarded as hardy in the approximate zone 4 range. This corresponds to winter survival into roughly the −30°F range under favorable conditions, with performance depending heavily on rootstock, site selection, fall acclimation, and wind exposure. Our Spring 2027 trees are one year older and grafted onto Bud 118, which has decent drought tolerance. Applied to Montana, it appears best suited to milder locations or well-protected sites within the warmest valleys of western MT. These are: Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Flathead, Jocko, Lower Kootenai, Mission, Missoula, and Upper Flathead \/ North Fork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1798\"\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"2200\"\u003eFrom the literature, Golden Harvey is repeatedly noted for excellent keeping quality, with fruit often stored well into late winter or spring. It also holds historical importance in traditional English cider culture, particularly in Herefordshire. Disease resistance is not generally cited as exceptional, so thoughtful siting and management would be important in regions with higher disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499171057730,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-harvey-apple-fruit-cut.png?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"golden-russet-apple","title":"Golden Russet Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the newer apples we have begun growing, and while our long-term experience in Montana is still developing, both historical accounts and early local observations point to Golden Russet as an exceptional and resilient apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet is a historic American apple with a long lineage in the United States, documented as early as the early 1800s. William Coxe described it in 1817 as one of the finest apples in New Jersey in the autumn and early winter months. A.J. Downing, writing in his 1845 edition of \u003cem\u003eFruit Trees of America\u003c\/em\u003e, praised it as one of the most delicious and tender apples, noting that its flesh resembles the buttery texture of a pear more than that of an ordinary apple. Though neither large nor visually striking, it became widely cultivated in New England and the western states due to its productivity and exceptional flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet produces medium-sized, fully russeted fruit with dense, crisp flesh and very high sugar content. The flavor is rich, sweet, and complex, often described as honeyed or nutty. It is truly an all-purpose apple, well suited for fresh eating, culinary use, cider, jelly, juice, pies, sauce, and drying. It is also one of the best keeping apples, commonly storing for up to five months, and often remaining excellent in flavor even after the skin has begun to shrivel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet has weathered intense cold snaps in the Bitterroot Valley without showing signs of winter injury. Trees in this area experienced mid-winter lows approaching −40°F on January 12, 2024 and came through without apparent damage. While Golden Russet is often listed more conservatively in terms of hardiness, these observations suggest it is hardy to roughly −40°F, although any colder than that would be experimental. It is a solid zone 3 apple, although growers in the coldest places should look to the many other cold hardy apples we offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet has long been prized for its productivity and storage ability, as well as its value in cider making, where its high sugar levels produce rich, full-bodied cider. While it is one of the newer apples we have grown locally, its historical reputation and early performance in Montana, particularly the more mild Western part of the state, suggest it has potential as a fairly cold-hardy, high-quality apple for northern growers. However, it would not be in the top class of hardy apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto by George Gruenfeld\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45125959680066,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499178266690,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-russet-apple-fruit.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"hunt-russet-apple","title":"Hunt Russet Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription coming soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca title=\"View profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.geograph.org.uk\/profile\/10354\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL dct:creator\"\u003eOast House Archive.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage shown is a russet apple but variety unknown and likely not Hunt Russet. Due to copyright, here are more photos from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/maineheritageorchard\/hunt-russet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMaine Organic Farmers and Gardeners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/maineheritageorchard\/hunt-russet\/\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499251208258,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hunt-russet-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"kindercrisp-apple","title":"Kindercrisp Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindercrisp Apple (also known as KinderKrisp or MAC 2137) is a cold hardy apple variety developed as a chance seedling on a Minnesota farm in Fairhaven, Minnesota, in 1998 by fruit breeder David MacGregor. Its exact parentage is undocumented, but it is widely thought to have Honeycrisp in its background based on flavor, texture, and breeder notes. It was later patented and released in the early 21st century after evaluation for quality and vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindercrisp produces small to medium red apples with yellow flesh and a remarkably crisp, juicy texture reminiscent of Honeycrisp but in a smaller, snack-friendly size. The flavor is sweet with a pleasant balance of acidity and spice notes. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating, and its firmness and balanced flavor also make it suitable for cooking, baking, sauces, and juice. Fruit can also store for several weeks to a few months under proper conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindercrisp trees tend to be moderately vigorous with a generally upright growth habit and precocious bearing. Spacing will vary with rootstock, but as a guideline, plant trees 15–16 feet apart for trees on Bud 118 rootstock, and 18-20 ft for trees on full size rootstock to allow good light penetration and airflow through the canopy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindercrisp is much hardier than many places list. All 5 of Ed Schultz' Kindercrisp had made it through multiple winters where the temperature dipped to -47F in Gallatin Gateway, MT. Way hardier than we would have thought. Solid zone 2 apple relative to how we have observed it in some of the coldest parts of Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Time\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindercrisp ripens late August to early September in Missoula, MT making it a good late summer, mid-season apple. Its earlier ripening relative to many other heritage and cold-hardy apples helps ensure full maturity before fall cool-downs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike almost all apples, Kindercrisp requires cross-pollination with another apple variety that blooms at the same time. Good pollenizers for Kindercrisp from the Montana Fruit Trees' collection include varieties that overlap bloom periods such as Chestnut, Pristine, Haralson, Zestar!, Frostbite, Centennial, Rescue, Trailman, Dearborn's Unknown, Norkent, Norland, Norson, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45133758562370,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133758595138,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45133758660674,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133758627906,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500080402498,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kindercrisp-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020419"},{"product_id":"cox-orange-pippin-apple","title":"Cox Orange Pippin Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCox’s Orange Pippin is a classic English dessert apple first raised in the early 19th century by Richard Cox in Buckinghamshire, England and introduced in 1825. It is renowned for its complex, aromatic flavor and has played an important role in apple breeding. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCaution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRod would say that, given Cox’s Orange Pippin’s proneness to scab, cracking, and seemingly every disease, it would be horticultural malpractice not to state this plainly. This is not a low-maintenance apple and requires attentive site selection and disease management. However, for growers willing to meet its needs, the reward is exceptional—when Cox’s Orange Pippin succeeds, the flavor is truly remarkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCox’s Orange Pippin is primarily a fresh-eating apple, prized for its rich sweet–tart balance and distinctive, perfumed flavor. It is also valued for cider blending, where it contributes aroma and complexity, and can be used in baking when flavor is the primary goal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCox’s Orange Pippin is usually considered moderately hardy and many sources will list it as a zone 5. However, in our experience in Montana, it has survived -30F in a colder spot of Missoula (near Frenchtown) without any winter injury, survived for Rod at -35F. So it is easily a zone 4 in our experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFinal Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're after the classic Cox flavor but worried about growing it, here are some notes from Rod McIver:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Kalispell, Holstein was Rod McIver’s favorite, with Alkmene also performing well, while Rubinette and Elstar struggled. Rod did not care for Ellison Orange, finding the flavor unusual, though he acknowledged it as the most disease-resistant member of the Cox lineage. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499004039234,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/cox-orange-pippin-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"williams-pride-apple","title":"William's Pride Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3133\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3610\"\u003eWilliam’s Pride is an early-season apple from the PRI (Purdue–Rutgers–Illinois) disease-resistant breeding program, grown for its combination of attractive dark red fruit, crisp texture for an early apple, and unusually strong disease resistance compared with many classic summer varieties. Reliable choice for growers who a quality fresh eating apple in regions where apple scab and rust pressure can be an ongoing issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3684\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3685\" data-end=\"3991\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride was developed through the PRI cooperative apple breeding program and was released in 1988. Its reported parentage is PRI 1018-101 × NJ 50. It was selected as part of a long-running effort to combine good fresh-eating quality with durable disease resistance, particularly against apple scab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4012\" data-end=\"4432\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride typically produces medium to medium-large apples with a deep red to purplish-red skin and cream-colored flesh. It ripens early (often in late July to early August in many growing regions), offering crisp, juicy fruit at a time when many early apples are softer or less complex. It’s best used for fresh eating, but it also performs well for baking and general kitchen use when harvested at peak maturity. One thing we have observed growing William's Pride in MT is that it keeps surprisingly well for an early apple. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4434\" data-end=\"4452\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4453\" data-end=\"4844\"\u003eThe tree is vigorous, sturdy, and spreading with good branch structure. It tends to be a dependable grower for us in Missoula when trained and pruned like a standard dessert apple. Actually has a relatively extended bloom window compared with many early apples, which can help pollination and can sometimes improve odds of setting a crop in years with uneven spring weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4859\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4860\" data-end=\"5280\"\u003eOn Bud 118, a practical spacing range is 14–18 feet between trees, depending on how hard you plan to prune for size control and how vigorous your site is. In richer soils or irrigated ground, wider spacing reduces shading and improves airflow; in leaner soils with consistent pruning, spacing can be somewhat tighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5299\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5300\" data-end=\"5855\"\u003eShould be planted with another apple or crabapple that blooms at the same time to ensure consistent fruit set. Examples of what to plant with William's Pride include Pristine, Honeycrisp, all of our applecrabs, Dolgo, Dearbron's Unknown, Prairie Sensation, McIntosh, Yellow Transparent, Zestar!, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5877\"\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5878\" data-end=\"6620\"\u003eRod McIver's William's Pride in Kalispell came through the 1\/13\/24 arctic cold event, which saw -35°F, without winter injury. However, -35°F does not prove -40°F (or more) survival, and we do not yet have direct evidence of Williams’ Pride enduring -40°F. For that reason, we recommend it broadly for much of Western Montana, but for colder parts of Eastern Montana that can genuinely reach the -40°Fs, we recommend prioritizing apples with documented survival deeper into this range unless you are in one of the warmer eastern MT microclimates (such as Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys). Zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6639\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6640\" data-end=\"7248\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride is scab-immune (or field-immune) and is resistant to cedar apple rust and powdery mildew, with resistance to fire blight often noted as well. As with any apple, resistance does not mean invincibility—especially for fire blight under high pressure—so good pruning practices, airflow, and balanced fertility still matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\"\u003eImage: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The apple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42511538651202,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/williams-pride-apple-fruit-cut.png?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"wickson-crabapple","title":"Wickson Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"3171\" data-end=\"3185\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3500\"\u003eWickson Crabapple is a high-sugar, high-acid Malus fruit prized for intense flavor and for adding structure to cider blends. It’s widely used as a “booster” fruit because it can raise both perceived brightness and fermentable sugars in blends, and it’s also valued for kitchen. Our friends at Western Cider in Missoula have brewed a killer Wickson varietal cider, and often use it in their blends to offer flavor complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3502\" data-end=\"3570\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"4077\"\u003eWickson is an Albert Etter introduction from Humboldt County, California, generally reported as introduced in 1944 and named in honor of E. J. Wickson, a prominent California horticultural figure. Its parentage is commonly repeated as Newtown Pippin and Esopus Spitzenburg, but the historical paperwork is described as confusing\/unclear in multiple sources; the safest accurate phrasing is that it is often cited as a Newtown Pippin × Esopus Spitzenburg-type cross, with parentage not perfectly documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4097\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eThe fruit is small (crabapple-sized to “large crab” sized depending on grower and climate) and is known for unusually high sugar paired with strong acidity. That combination makes it especially valuable for hard cider and juice blending, and it is also commonly used where high pectin is beneficial (jellies\/jams). In terms of the flavor for fresh eating, here are unedited taste notes from Luke when he tried the fruit fresh on 10\/2\/25 on Missoula, MT:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003e\"Intense. Delicious and very bright and fruity. Slight citrus, melon, hints of raspberry and strawberry. Tangy with some nice sweetness. Mild astringency about 15 seconds after eating.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eThe fruit ripens in Missoula end of Sept.\/Early Oct. so it is fairly late for us in Missoula. Likely would not ripen in time in shorter growing season, such as parts of Alaska, even if it did survive into the -40Fs (we're not sure if it can, see 'Cold Hardiness' below).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4542\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4543\" data-end=\"4782\"\u003eWickson is vigorous and productive, with abundant bloom and strong annual bearing in nursery descriptions. It is also  a good pollenizer for other apples\/crabapples because of heavy bloom and viable pollen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4784\" data-end=\"4797\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4798\" data-end=\"5238\"\u003eWe offer Wickson on Bud 118 semi-dwarf. Bud 118 is a vigorous, cold-hardy semi-dwarf rootstock which is noted as semi-standard in the literature, but our experience growing it in Montana is that it is more so a semi-dwarf. Perhaps in warmer climate\/longer growing season\/deeper and less dry\/alkaline soils that it would behave more as a semi-standard. Aim for 15 ft. in MT and perhaps further apart in better growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5240\" data-end=\"5257\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5258\" data-end=\"5931\"\u003eLike most Malus species, Wickson is not self-fertile and needs a pollenizer. It is diploid and fertile, and examples of pollenizers for Wickson that we offer include: Centennial, Hewe's Virginia, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Newtown Pippin, William's Pride, Zestar!, Snowsweet, Spartan, and Wolf River\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5933\" data-end=\"5953\"\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5954\" data-end=\"6332\"\u003eWickson is commonly listed as a Zone 3. In our experience in Montana, Wickson withstood -38°F in Corvallis, MT from a 1\/13\/24 polar front, without any winter injury. Whether Wickson can withstand temperatures lower than this is likely, but how much lower we do not know. In order to be conservative, we are listing Wickson as a solid zone 3a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6334\" data-end=\"6351\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6352\" data-end=\"6848\"\u003eWickson has a long-running “identity confusion” history in fruit circles (it has been mis-sold under other names in some contexts), so sourcing true-to-type material matters if someone is collecting it for cider work. On disease: sources describe it as very slightly susceptible to fire blight, scab, and cedar-apple rust (not a “disease-resistant” crabapple), so good airflow, balanced fertility, and standard sanitation practices are the right management frame rather than promising resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42511537799234,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft. bud grafts on one year older rootstock","offer_id":42511199633474,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wickson-crabapple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"newtown-pippin-apple","title":"Newtown Pippin Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"190\" data-end=\"201\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"538\"\u003eNewtown Pippin is one of the oldest American apples, originating as a chance seedling in Newtown (now Elmhurst), Queens \/ Long Island, New York in the late 1600s to early 1700s. It has long been regarded as a high-quality dessert apple with exceptional keeping ability and was historically prized for winter use after extended storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"562\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"953\"\u003eParentage is unknown (seedling origin). The cultivar has circulated under several names, most notably \u003cem data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"684\"\u003eAlbemarle Pippin\u003c\/em\u003e, reflecting its long cultivation history in Virginia’s Albemarle region. Sources commonly distinguish Green Newtown and Yellow Newtown forms, which are often treated as closely related strains or sports rather than clearly separate cultivars in all references.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"955\" data-end=\"978\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"980\" data-end=\"1292\"\u003eNewtown Pippin is typically described as green to green-yellow, often with light russeting, and firm yellowish flesh. All the Newtown's we have grown in Missoula, are yellow with a nice blush when ready and are very pretty (see photos).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1922\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003eStorage taste notes (Luke Ruffner Robinson):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003eFruit harvested in early fall (specifically on Oct. 22nd in Missoula) and stored under refrigeration until late February was tasted fresh on 2\/22\/25. After more than four months in cold storage, the apple remained crisp and crunchy, with no mealiness. The flavor had mellowed into a soft sweetness, with low perceived acidity, yet retained a subtle lemony character on the finish. Flesh texture was fine-grained, clean, and notably crisp, confirming Newtown Pippin’s reputation as a premier long-keeping dessert apple. Overall eating quality at this stage was excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"2220\"\u003eUses include fresh eating after storage, long winter keeping, and cider production, where Newtown Pippin contributes aromatic complexity and structure rather than sharp acidity. Historically, it was valued precisely because it reached peak quality \u003cem data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2179\"\u003eafter\u003c\/em\u003e extended storage rather than at harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2247\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2326\"\u003eTree vigor and final size depend heavily on rootstock. As a general baseline:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2418\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2364\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2364\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2352\"\u003eSemi-dwarf systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~12–15+ ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2418\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2418\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2405\"\u003eMore vigorous or standard systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~18–20+ ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2420\" data-end=\"2434\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2683\"\u003eNewtown Pippin is self-sterile and requires cross-pollination. Plant with another diploid apple cultivar with overlapping bloom. Some examples of pollenizers we offer for Newtown Pippin include: 9-22 End, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAlexander, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eArkansas Black, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCarroll, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCortland, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCox Orange Pippin, \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCrimson Beauty, Frostbite, Freedom, Empire, and many other mid-season blooming apples.\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2685\" data-end=\"2702\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2704\" data-end=\"3182\"\u003eMost places online list Newtown Pippin as a zone 4 apple. Ours have done well in a warm spot of Missoula that has not experienced sub-30F temps. So we are not necessarily sure if it would survive -30F or colder temps. For now we are listing it as a zone 4 apple until we know that it has survived colder temps. Therefore, this would only be for the warmest valleys in Western MT, such as Missoula, Bitterroot, Mission, Flathead, and Clark Fork, and should be sited in areas that avoid depressions\/preferably up on a bench and out of where frost settles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500903010370,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134027292738,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/newtown-pippin-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020679"},{"product_id":"red-mcintosh-apple","title":"Red McIntosh Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"193\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a sport of McIntosh, known for its deep red color, tender flesh, and balanced sweet–tart flavor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"553\"\u003eMcIntosh originated in eastern Canada in the early 1800s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable cold-climate apples in North America. Red McIntosh refers to a red-colored \"bud sport\" (bud\/limb mutation on an original McIntosh that possessed redder apples) more uniform coloration while preserving the essential characteristics that made McIntosh famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"573\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"951\"\u003eFruit is medium-sized with a rich red skin and bright white flesh. The texture is tender and juicy, with a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity. Al and Mary Pernichele of Frost Top Orchard in Corvallis, MT have hundreds of these trees and the flavor is really good. Of all the McIntosh's we've tried, Luke's favorite is the 'Fred's Mac' in Missoula and Elizabeth's are the Red McIntosh's grown by Al and Mary. Excellent for fresh eating, applesauce, cider blending, and cooking, though it tends to soften quickly in storage compared to firmer modern varieties. Very good dried, too! The aroma on the Red McIntosh is identical to the original mac. Classic aroma, very perfumy. Takes me back to a kid when I would go to Patterson Fruit Farm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"951\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003eTrees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading habit and are generally easy to manage. These trees are all on M7 rootstock, and should be placed 15 ft. apart (12 ft for tighter spacing\/more pruning). McIntosh responds well to regular pruning, which helps maintain airflow, reduce disease pressure, and encourage consistent fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1307\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a diploid apple and produces viable pollen. It is a good pollenizer for many other apple varieties and, in turn, benefits from having at least one compatible apple with overlapping bloom nearby. Pollenizers to plant with Red McIntosh that we offer include: 9-22 End, Alexander, Arkansas Black, Ashmead’s Kernel, Blue Pearmain, Brown Snout, Cortland, Crimson Beauty, Empire, Freedom, Frostbite, KinderKrisp, MN 1628, Northern Spy, Paula Red, Pristine, Spartan, Chestnut, Centennial, Martha, Rescue, Trailman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"2193\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a solid zone 3 apple with well-documented cold tolerance. Notably, McIntosh has withstood approximately -38°F in Corvallis, Montana without any damage, demonstrating excellent midwinter hardiness when properly sited. While it performs very well in much of western Montana, it should not be planted widely in eastern Montana unless careful attention is paid to site selection. Good air drainage is important, and low-lying frost pockets should be avoided to reduce the risk of spring and fall freeze damage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503804780610,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503804813378,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (1 Yr. Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42503854620738,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-mcintosh-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"red-gravenstein-apple","title":"Red Gravenstein Apple","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"db11016e-0304-40a3-991b-043f3aab6699\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"202\"\u003eRed Gravenstein is a red-skinned sport of the classic Gravenstein apple, prized for its bold, aromatic flavor and versatility while offering a more colorful, attractive fruit on the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"228\"\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"589\"\u003eGravenstein originated in Denmark in the 1600s and became one of the most widely respected early apples in Europe and North America. Red Gravenstein is a naturally occurring sport selected for its deeper red coloration, while retaining the core eating and culinary qualities that made the original Gravenstein famous among orchardists, cooks, and cider makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"609\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"980\"\u003eFruit is medium to large with a rich red blush over a yellow-green background. The flesh is juicy, highly aromatic, and well-balanced, combining sweetness with a bright, refreshing acidity. Red Gravenstein excels for fresh eating when fully ripe but is especially outstanding for applesauce, baking, cooking, and cider, where its complex, spicy flavor really stands out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eTrees are vigorous with an upright to spreading growth habit and can become fairly large if unmanaged. Spacing is typically 18–25 feet depending on rootstock and desired mature size. Regular pruning is recommended to manage vigor, maintain structure, and improve light penetration and fruit quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1329\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003eRed Gravenstein is a triploid apple. This has important implications for orchard planning:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1546\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1546\"\u003eAs a triploid, it produces little to no viable pollen, so it cannot effectively pollenize other apple trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003eFor good fruit set, Red Gravenstein performs best when two compatible diploid apple varieties with overlapping bloom are nearby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003eIf someone plants only Red Gravenstein and one other apple:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"2140\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003eThe other apple may help pollenize Red Gravenstein if bloom overlaps, but fruit set can be inconsistent or light because Gravenstein ideally wants pollen from more than one source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"2140\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2140\"\u003eRed Gravenstein will not pollenize that second tree, so the companion apple may also crop poorly unless there is another apple or crabapple in the area (a neighbor’s tree, wild crabapple, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2440\"\u003eGood pollination partners from what we commonly offer include long- and mid-bloom apples and crabapples such as Chestnut Applecrab, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Haralson, Frostbite, or KinderKrisp. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2440\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2463\" data-end=\"3060\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eGravenstein is generally considered hardy to about zone 4, but real-world observations suggest it can tolerate colder events under favorable conditions, so it is likely even a zone 3b apple. Notably, a Gravenstein (the original type, not specifically this red sport) survived approximately -33°F at Benson’s Farm in Missoula back in the 1980s, and is still growing happily today. While it’s unclear whether that event caused any winter injury at the time, the tree today looks excellent, suggesting strong long-term resilience once established. As with many older apple varieties, site selection and microclimate play a major role in success in very cold regions. Given that we're unsure as to the lower limits of cold that Red Graventein can withstand, we would not recommend it for most of Eastern Montana (apart perhaps from Billings and some of the warmer surrounding areas). Red Gravenstein should work in Kalispell, much of the Flathead and Mission Valleys, Plains and the stretch along the Clark Fork towards Idaho, and warmer microclimates\/on a bench with good airflow in the Bitterroot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of Wikimedia user \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Jarvin\"\u003eJarvin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"G935 Dwarf: 4-5 ft. (1 yr. older)","offer_id":42503737278530,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"G935 Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (1 yr. older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42503737311298,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-gravenstein-apple-fruit.png?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"cherry-cox-apple","title":"Cherry Cox Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: “20485CherryCox” by Juniperbushman, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20485CherryCox.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156131569730,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/cherry-cox-apple-fruit.jpg?v=1789017050"},{"product_id":"kandil-sinap-apple","title":"Kandil Sinap Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: “Kandil Sinap on tree” by the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kandil_Sinap_on_tree,_National_Fruit_Collection_(acc._1947-072).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/doc\/open-government-licence\/version\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eOpen Government Licence v2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156139270210,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156139302978,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kandil-sinap-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021991"},{"product_id":"karmijn-da-sonnaville-apple","title":"Karmijn de Sonnaville Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #777; margin-top: 24px;\"\u003ePhoto credit: Image enhanced from “Karmijn apple” by ConT, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Karmijn_apple.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156141760578,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156141793346,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/karmijn-de-sonnaville-apple-on-tree.png?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"autumn-strawberry-apple","title":"Autumn Strawberry Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156145528898,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_e00667ec-50b2-46c5-9826-6ddf64f8c3cf.png?v=1788561731"},{"product_id":"margil-apple","title":"Margil Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: “Margil on tree” by the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Margil_on_tree,_National_Fruit_Collection_(acc._1984-011).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/doc\/open-government-licence\/version\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eOpen Government Licence v2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156149395522,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156149428290,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/margil-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021991"},{"product_id":"mother-apple","title":"Mother Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirst year for us, so this is drawn from historical references rather than our own trees. We will update it once we have tasted the fruit here.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMother is a dessert apple and nothing else, and it is worth growing for exactly one reason: the flavor. It is one of those old varieties that tastes like something other than an apple, and people who find it tend to plant it for life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMother originated in Bolton, Massachusetts around 1844 and is sometimes listed as American Mother, mostly to keep it separate from other apples using the same name in England. It was a favorite of nineteenth century New England orchardists and has hung on ever since, never commercially but always in somebody's backyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium sized, deep red over a gold background. The flesh is yellow, tender and very juicy, and the flavor is what everybody talks about. The usual descriptions are vanilla, pear drops and a balsam note, all sitting on a lot of sugar. It is not a cooking apple and it is not a keeper. Pick it in the fall and eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Figure roughly 15 feet between trees, up to 18 feet for more airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead this part before you plant. We are treating Mother as a triploid, which means its pollen is not reliable and it will not pollenize your other apples. It also needs a pollenizer itself. So Mother cannot be one of only two apples in a planting. Put at least two other diploid apples near it that bloom late, and everything works. Northern Spy is also a triploid, so it does not count toward that pair. Arkansas Black, Wolf River, Macoun and most of our crabapples do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed at zone 3b. That is based on where it has been grown historically in New England and the upper Midwest, not on our own data yet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156152901698,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156152934466,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mother-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"oriole-apple","title":"Oriole Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew to our lineup, so the information below comes from the University of Minnesota records and from growers who have had it longer than we have.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriole is a big, showy, early apple bred for cold country. It is one of the better early varieties for people who want something worth eating in August rather than just something that survives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased by the University of Minnesota in 1949, from a cross of Okabena and Livland Raspberry. Both parents trace back to the Russian hardy material, and it shows in how far north Oriole will go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is large for an early apple, with yellow to orange skin striped and splashed with red. The flesh is soft, juicy and sweet. It is excellent fresh and it cooks down well, and it makes good sweet cider. Like most early apples it will not store, so use it as it comes off the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are offering Oriole on both Bud 118 semi-dwarf and Dolgo full size rootstock. On Bud 118 plan on about 15 feet between trees. On Dolgo give it 18 to 20 feet. One thing worth knowing: Oriole is susceptible to powdery mildew, so site it where it gets air movement and do not crowd it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriole needs a pollenizer. It blooms mid to late, so pair it accordingly. Northern Spy, Macoun, Arkansas Black and most of our crabapples overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed at zone 2. The Minnesota program bred it for the north and the parentage supports it, but we have not yet taken it through a hard winter at our own sites.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156160831554,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156160864322,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156160897090,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45156160929858,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/oriole-apple-fruit-cut.jpg?v=1789021991"},{"product_id":"six-finger-jack-apple","title":"Six Finger Jack Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirst year for us, so everything below is secondhand until we have fruited it and seen it through a few Montana winters.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix Finger Jack is a Colorado seedling apple with a reputation for being flat-out sugary. Not just sweet, sugary. It is one of the varieties that put the Four Corners on the map for fruit a hundred years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt came up as a chance seedling near Lakeview, in Montezuma County, Colorado, and it is named for a local character called Six Finger Jack because the tree was found growing by his old cabin. Along with Colorado Orange and Thunderbolt, it was one of the apples winning medals at state and world fairs back when southwest Colorado was serious apple country. Most of those varieties were lost when orchards got pulled and replanted to Red Delicious. The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project found it, propagated it, and put it back into circulation. An old strain of Delicious is thought to be one of its parents. Jonathan turns up as the other parent in some accounts, but we have not seen that confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge fruit, and the eating quality is the first thing anybody mentions. The sugar runs high enough that the folks who saved it expect it to make a good cider apple as well, blended with something sharper to balance it out. Ripens in the fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are on Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, and up to 18 feet if you would rather have airflow than density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix Finger Jack needs a pollenizer. It blooms mid-season, so anything in that window works. From what we carry, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Macoun, Cortland and most of the crabapples are good options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are listing it at zone 4 based on where it has grown in Colorado. That is an educated placement rather than a tested one for Montana. We would put it in the warmer western valleys, out of any spot where frost pools, until we have our own numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156171120706,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_d913e473-0267-42aa-8660-b8a6bee2f0aa.png?v=1788563215"},{"product_id":"st-edmunds-pippin-apple","title":"St. Edmund's Pippin Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirst year for us, so this comes from English references and from growers with more time on it than we have.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. Edmund's Pippin is a small golden russet with a reputation among cider and juice people as one of the best apples in England for pressing. It is also excellent straight off the tree, which is less common than you would think among russets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was raised at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, England, around 1870, and it is sometimes listed as St. Edmund's Russet. It picked up a first class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society not long after and has been a favorite of English garden orchardists ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall to medium, flattish, with a dull gold skin covered in fine russet. The flesh is creamy white, fine textured and remarkably juicy for a russet, with a rich flavor people usually describe as pear-like or vanilla. It is an early season apple, ready around late August into September, and it does not keep long, so eat it or press it. The juice is exceptional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, up to 18 feet for airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt needs a pollenizer and blooms early, so pair it with another early bloomer. Chestnut, Centennial, Norland, Crimson Beauty and Dolgo all overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is the honest part. We have this one listed at zone 5, which is the warmest rating in our whole catalog, and that is deliberate. This is an English apple from a mild maritime climate with no track record in hard cold. If you are in Missoula, the Bitterroot, the Flathead or a warm bench site, it is worth a try. If you are east of the divide or in a valley that pools frost, plant something else.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156173676610,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156173709378,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/st-edmunds-pippin-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021991"},{"product_id":"sweet-sixteen-apple","title":"Sweet Sixteen Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew to our lineup, so this is drawn from the University of Minnesota records and from growers who have had it longer. We will update once we have fruit here.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet Sixteen is the apple we hand people when they say all apples taste the same. It does not taste like an apple is supposed to taste, and that is the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased by the University of Minnesota in 1978, from Frostbite crossed with Northern Spy. Frostbite is where the strange flavor and the hardiness both come from. Northern Spy brings the size and the texture. It is one of the better things that program ever did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium to large, red striped over yellow. Crisp, juicy, and the flavor is the whole story. People describe it as cherry candy, vanilla, anise, sometimes bourbon or spice. It is sweet without being flat, and it has enough acid to stay interesting. Excellent fresh, good in pies where that flavor carries through, and a genuinely interesting cider apple. Ripens late September and will keep a couple of months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, up to 18 feet for airflow. It is vigorous and it bears young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet Sixteen needs a pollenizer and blooms mid to late. Northern Spy, Honeycrisp, Macoun and Arkansas Black all overlap well, as do our crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed at zone 3, which is where Minnesota puts it and where the Frostbite parentage points. We have not run it through a hard winter here yet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156175347778,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156175380546,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_e36b60a3-2ebe-456d-a0d4-c6decd44ef9c.png?v=1788563598"},{"product_id":"wise-monkey-apple","title":"Wise Monkey Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew to us this year, so the notes below come from other growers and from MORP rather than from our own trees. We will update this once we have fruited it here.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWise Monkey is a seedling apple out of southwest Colorado that took a bronze medal for best tasting at the Gnarly Pippins pomological exhibition. That is a competition specifically for seedling apples from around the country, so it is a room full of people whose whole hobby is tasting apples. Placing there means something.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was preserved and introduced through the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project in Cortez, Colorado. DNA work puts its parents as Rome crossed with Delicious. The medal came at the fourth annual Gnarly Pippins exhibition, held in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tasting notes from that competition are worth repeating because they are unusually specific. People called it juicy with a rich tartness, and picked out flavors of honey, banana, berry, cookie and grape. It ripens in the fall. With that combination of sugar, acid and aromatics it should do well fresh, hold up in pies, and bring something interesting to a cider blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Figure roughly 15 feet between trees, or 18 feet if you want more room and less annual pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWise Monkey needs a pollenizer, and it blooms mid to late. Northern Spy, Arkansas Black, Macoun and Honeycrisp all overlap with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 4 for now. Neither Rome nor Delicious is a hardiness parent, so we are not expecting miracles out of it in a cold site. Give it a warm valley position until we have our own data.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156180754498,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156180787266,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_b2acc4cc-092b-42a5-b9ad-c86de99603c8.png?v=1788563950"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-apples-for-fresh-eating.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}