{"title":"Best Apples for Sauce \u0026 Butter","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 13 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for sauce and butter. Scored on how readily the fruit breaks down into a smooth puree, coulis or fruit butter, and on the color and flavor of the finished sauce.\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":"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":"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":"paula-red","title":"Paula Red Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaula Red is a cross between McIntosh and Duchess of Oldenburg, giving it impressive cold hardiness and versatility. With McIntosh typically hardy to -40°F and Duchess to at least -50°F, Paula Red is likely hardy to -45°F or even lower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is a large, strikingly red apple that performs exceptionally well on Bruce Benson’s farm in Missoula, MT, where it is a prolific bearer. It ripens in late September in Missoula and is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCrunchy and sweet, with a hint of that classic McIntosh tang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFlavor profile ranges from sub-acid to sweet, depending on harvest timing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, drying, sauces, pies, cider, and even short-term storage (up to 2 months—longer than McIntosh!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIn many ways, it shares the multi-purpose appeal of McIntosh, but with improved storage and hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eEstimated hardiness: -45°F (possibly more but this needs to be verified)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSuitable for nearly all regions of Montana, especially those with harsh winters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, Paula Red is available in two different ages of the following:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBud 118 (semi-dwarf, very cold-hardy): Recommended for regions that regularly see temperatures below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503362248770,"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":42503362216002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/paula-red-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"wealthy-apple","title":"Wealthy Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWealthy is an American apple with a great story. After spending thousands of dollars and nearly 10 years trying to grow apples in Minnesota, Peter Gideon and his family were down to their last eight dollars. The only surviving tree was a Siberian Crab Apple, but Gideon, determined to find an apple that could thrive in Minnesota, sent his remaining money to an apple grower in Bangor, Maine. In return, he received apple seeds and scions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the resulting trees, which Gideon initially thought was a cross with his Siberian crab apple, produced an apple he later named the Wealthy, after his wife, Wealthy (Hull) Gideon. Recent genetic analysis, however, revealed that it’s actually a cross between ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’ and ‘Jonathan’, which makes sense given its resemblance to Duchess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBest Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWealthy apples are best used for processing, though Elizabeth made a delicious pie that everyone loved (see last photo). It’s also fantastic for apple sauce and apple butter, which have an excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWhile it may not be listed often online for pies, its versatility in cooking and preserving makes it a staple in many orchards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -50F, likely due to its Duchess of Oldenburg parentage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIt stores well, bears reliably, and produces smaller apples. However, Fred Stewart of Green Bench Orchards managed to grow them exceptionally large in 2024, showing their potential with the right care. However, he thinned pretty extensively to achieve such a large size (4 inches in diameter).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto Spy 227, a full size rootstock hardy to -50F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511189770306,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511189803074,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wealthy-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"wolf-river-apple","title":"Wolf River Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWolf River originated as a chance seedling in Wisconsin, dating back to at least 1875. It quickly gained a reputation for its massive fruit size, making it one of the largest apples we’ve seen growing in Montana—second only to Spokane Beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but especially valued for its rich, fluffy apple butter, which develops beautifully after slow cooking for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eA true old-fashioned apple that shines in both flavor and function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -50F or more, Wolf River does exceptionally well even east of the Continental Divide, where conditions are colder, drier, and windier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor more on its Montana performance, check out research from the Western Ag Research Center in the Bitterroot Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrafted onto Spy 227 rootstock, a full size rootstock hardy to -50F or colder, as well as Bud 118. For \u003cspan\u003eBud 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\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of WARC\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45144728010818,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":43017173467202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144728043586,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511539437634,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wolf-river-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"belle-de-boskoop-aple","title":"Belle de Boskoop Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eBelle de Boskoop is a large, tart, heirloom apple that originated in Boskoop, Netherlands, in 1856. Recognized for its rustic greenish-yellow skin with red blush and russeting, it has firm, crisp, aromatic flesh with high acidity. This makes it an outstanding all-purpose apple—excellent for pies, cakes, and strudels, prized in cider blends, and sharp but enjoyable fresh if you like a tangy flavor. A superb keeper, its flavor mellows and improves in storage over several months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is vigorous, heavy-bearing, and some have reported showing a good resistance to scab and canker. It is triploid, requiring a compatible mid-blooming pollenizer, and ripens late in the season. Hardy to zone 4, will liekly do well in most places in Western Montana. Likely wouldn't survive in areas that experience below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: this is the first year we’re growing Belle de Boskoop in Montana, so our notes are based on trusted secondhand sources rather than firsthand experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Sandstein\"\u003eImage courtesy of Wikimedia user Sandstein\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":45124784652354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/belle-de-boskoop-apple-fruit.jpg?v=1789019191"},{"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":"lodi-apple","title":"Lodi Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"273\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eLodi is an early-season apple similar in many ways to its dominant parent, Yellow Transparent, and is best known as an early cooking and sauce apple, though it can also be eaten fresh if you appreciate a sharper early apple. We prefer Lodi as a substitute for Yellow Transparent due to its improved resistance to fire blight (as observed in Montana).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"837\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"838\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eLodi originated from a controlled cross of Yellow Transparent × Montgomery, with Yellow Transparent clearly expressing as the dominant parent. The cross was made in 1911, and the cultivar was formally introduced in 1924 by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. It was developed to improve on Yellow Transparent while retaining its early-season utility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1720\"\u003eLodi produces a reliable, extra-early crop of large green to yellow-green apples with a sharp, subacid profile. It excels for cooking, applesauce, pies, and other kitchen uses where early apples are prized. While claims that Lodi produces larger, firmer, or longer-keeping fruit than the mother plant (Yellow Transparent) are difficult to validate here, its combination of disease resistance and abundant, early cooking apples makes Lodi a serious contender in northern kitchen orchards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1995\"\u003eThe tree is vigorous and productive. Final spacing depends on rootstock and training system, but as a practical baseline, plan for approximately 15 ft. spacing for trees on Bud 118 rootstock (12 ft. for tighter spacing\/more pruning), and 18-20 ft. on full size rootstock (possibly even tighter with Spring and maybe some summer pruning).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2014\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003eLodi is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another apple variety with overlapping bloom, following standard apple pollination requirements. Consider early season apples as pollenizers, such as Zestar!, Norda, Norkent, Norson, Carroll, Dearborn's Unknown, Yellow Transparent, Pristine, or even some of our applecrabs, such as Martha, Rescue, Kerr, Trailman, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2194\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2561\"\u003eLodi is hardy to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2221\"\u003e−45°F\u003c\/strong\u003e, according to the legendary Montana horticulturalist, pomologist, and nurseryman Roger Joy of Corvallis, Montana. While many mainstream sources list Lodi more conservatively, this firsthand regional knowledge places it among the hardiest early apples available and helps explain its long-standing reliability in cold northern climates. This also tracks given its parentage. Yellow Transparent is hardy to -50°F more, which is where it gets its hardiness. Lodi is a solid zone 2b, possibly even 2a.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 6-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500854218818,"sku":null,"price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42500854317122,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"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":45133901725762,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/lodi-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"spokane-beauty-apple","title":"Spokane Beauty Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is a historic Inland Northwest heritage apple valued for its exceptional fruit size, attractive red striping, and strong performance in cold continental climates. It is a dual-purpose dessert and culinary apple long recognized for producing very large fruit with excellent flavor and dependable productivity. The variety became one of the few apple cultivars from eastern Washington to achieve regional notoriety and commercial recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty originated in Walla Walla, Washington in the mid-1800s as a chance seedling grown from planted apple pips by settler Stephen Maxson. Its exact parentage is unknown and has never been definitively identified. The seedling was later introduced and promoted by the Maxson family and became known as Spokane Beauty after being exhibited regionally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety quickly gained recognition when it was presented at the Spokane Fruit Fair, where it won first-place ribbons in both 1895 and 1896. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became one of the most notable apple varieties originating from eastern Washington and was widely planted throughout the Inland Northwest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty reflects the early homesteading era of fruit growing in the Pacific Northwest, when orchardists planted seeds and selected exceptional seedlings capable of surviving harsh continental winters. Because apples do not grow true from seed, Spokane Beauty represents a unique genetic individual preserved through grafting since its discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty produces very large to extremely large apples, sometimes reaching extraordinary size and weight compared to most dessert apples. The fruit is round to slightly irregular, with a pale green to yellow base color covered by bright red striping or blush. The flesh is white, crisp, firm, and juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we first tried these apples on Rod McIver’s farm in Kalispell, MT in the Fall of 2023 the first thing we noticed was their massive size. Thinking that the flavor was likely going to be watered down, this was exactly the opposite experience. The flavor was excellent. Good sweetness, with a nice touch of acidity, the apple had a very pleasant lemon flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is excellent for fresh eating and also performs well for baking, drying, sauce, and juice. It holds shape well when cooked and stores for roughly three to four months under proper storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are vigorous and upright to spreading with strong structural growth. Spokane Beauty is a tip-bearing variety that produces fruit on terminal shoots and tends toward annual cropping with proper management. It is known for early productivity, strong vigor, and reliable performance in colder orchard regions. Fruit thinning is often beneficial due to its tendency toward heavy crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Spokane Beauty on Budagovsky 118 rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118, trees should be spaced about 15 feet apart. For tighter plantings, spacing can be reduced to 12 feet apart. For wider spacing in fertile soils or lower-density systems, trees can be spaced up to 18 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike almost all apples, Spokane Beauty is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another apple or crabapple with overlapping bloom. It is diploid and blooms in the mid-season apple bloom window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable pollenizers include any genetically distinct mid-season blooming Malus domestica or Malus crabapple. From our offerings, this includes McIntosh, Spartan, Kerr, Trailman, Goodland, Liberty, Wealthy, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is highly adapted to cold continental climates. It is at least hardy to at least −35°F without winter injury, as shown on Rod McIver’s farm from the −35°F event his property experienced on January 13, 2024 in Kalispell, MT off of Rose Crossing. At least zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is notable for its unusually large fruit size, with some specimens historically recorded at extremely large weights compared to standard apples. It was also selected as a parent for later cultivars and sports, including the large-fruited Stark Jumbo strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety is susceptible to apple scab and powdery mildew and benefits from standard orchard disease management. Despite this, it has remained valued as a hardy regional heirloom that represents the seedling-selection tradition of early Northwestern orchardists and the development of locally adapted cold-climate fruit genetics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReference Plate (w\/ cm grid) Image: 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: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42504710488130,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/spokane-beauty-apple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021109"},{"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":"thunderbolt-apple","title":"Thunderbolt Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Thunderbolt, so everything below comes from other people's work rather than our own observations here. We will update it once we have fruit and a few winters behind us.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThunderbolt is a big, dark red winter apple that was effectively lost for decades before the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project tracked it back down in southwest Colorado. It is firm, sharp, and built for storage, and it is one of the more striking apples we have ever put in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThunderbolt, also known as Hoover, was one of the apples that made Montezuma County, Colorado famous for fruit around the turn of the last century. It was a favorite of Jasper Hall, an early grower known locally as the Fruit Wizard of Montezuma County. The variety slipped out of commerce as old orchards were pulled and replanted to Red Delicious, and for years it existed mostly as a name in old records. Jude and Addie Schuenemeyer of MORP first ran across it in a magazine published in 1909 by a Denver writer named Lillian Hartman, and then spent years hunting for a living tree. They eventually found it in the remnant of an old orchard, grafted everything they could, and only confirmed it later when one of those trees matched another Thunderbolt they had collected north of Cortez.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is large and nearly maroon, with white speckles and flecks of golden brown across the top. The flesh is firm and briskly acidic. This is not an apple to eat off the tree in September. Pick it after a good frost and put it away, because the flavor keeps improving in storage and it will hold most of the winter. That acid makes it useful well beyond fresh eating, so sauce, pies, canning and cider all work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are offering Thunderbolt on Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock, so plan on roughly 15 feet between trees, or up to 18 feet if you want more airflow and less pruning pressure down the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThunderbolt needs a pollenizer. It blooms mid to late, so pair it with another apple in that window. Northern Spy, Arkansas Black, Honeycrisp and Macoun all overlap, as do most of our crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are listing it at zone 4 for now, which is where the Colorado record puts it. We have no Montana winter data on it yet, so if you are in a cold pocket of the western valleys or anywhere east of the divide, give it a good site out of frost pooling until we know more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156177969218,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/thunderbolt-apple-watercolor.jpg?v=1789021991"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-apples-for-sauce-butter.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}