{"title":"Best Pollenizers for Apple Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrabapples and applecrabs that make great pollenizers for apple trees. They bloom heavily and for a long time, so they cover a lot of apple varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About Best Pollenizers for Apple Trees\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrabapples count as apples for pollination. Plant one in or near your orchard and it'll pollenize any apple that blooms at the same time. Our apple pollination map shows bloom times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this page: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/monongahela-crabapple-seedling\"\u003eMonongahela Crabapple Seedling\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eRed Splendor Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/transcendent-crabapple\"\u003eTranscendent Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/crabapple-trees\"\u003eCrabapple Trees\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/good-pollenizer\"\u003eGood Pollenizers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions We Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan a crabapple pollenize my apple tree?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, as long as they bloom at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the best crabapple pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDolgo is one of the best, and it's rated colder than zone 2. Match bloom times on our apple pollination map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chestnut Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 750 hours (600 to 950). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM26: dwarf to semi-dwarf, about 8 to 14 ft tall unpruned. Stake it the first few years. Bud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian Crab\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/malinda-apple\"\u003eMalinda\u003c\/a\u003e, 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Chestnut Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Chestnut Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Chestnut Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Chestnut Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Chestnut Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 950. That comes from published figures for this variety. Blooms early, with Dolgo. Lab tests put it well below standard apples, about 750 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Chestnut Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Chestnut Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Chestnut Applecrab onto M26 (dwarf to semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 8 to 14 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Chestnut Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Chestnut Applecrab are fresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Chestnut Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Dolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dolgo Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 1b in our ratings (winters to -55°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 1b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 1 only (winters to -55°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (400 to 1,000). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), hard cider (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProducing massive amounts of white flowers every Spring that will then turn to 1-inch crimson red crabapples, Dolgo is a must for many reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it’s eating the good tasting crabapples (high acidity which I like), used for processing, or as a pollenizer or rootstock on which to top graft, Dolgo is a must for many reasons in the orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd did I mention it's resistant to scab, fireblight, and cold hardy to zone 1b. When some of our rootstocks such as some in the Geneva or Emla series had suffered from some frost damage at our nursery from the early fall frost (-10F) on 10\/25\/20, Dolgo didn’t bat an eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCider \u0026amp; Culinary Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I’ve never used Dolgo for cider, I have used one of its descendants, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr apple crab\u003c\/a\u003e (which is crossed with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e) and that made for I think the best tasting cider I’ve ever had. Some sources say it makes great jelly and I’d bet Dolgo cider ain’t too shabby, especially when blended with something sweet like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/macoun-apple\"\u003eMacoun\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 1b hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Dolgo Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Dolgo Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Dolgo Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Dolgo Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Dolgo Crabapple hardy to zone 1b, which means winters down to about -55°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Dolgo Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Nurseries list 400 to 500 hours and it fruits in low-chill California, though a lab test ranked it closer to standard apples. It blooms early, so watch spring frosts. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Dolgo Crabapple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Dolgo Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Dolgo Crabapple are jams and jellies (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Dolgo Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Dolgo Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Dolgo Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":45224515240002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/DolgoCrabapplesinthehand.jpg?v=1789598191"},{"product_id":"red-splendor-crabapple","title":"Red Splendor Crabapple (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Splendor Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (400 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It tends to bloom every other year, so pair it with another pollenizer that blooms every year. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrnamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile \u003c\/span\u003eRed Splendor\u003cspan\u003e isn’t grown for its fruit quality, it’s a standout in the orchard for its \u003c\/span\u003eearly reddish-pink foliage\u003cspan\u003e, making it an excellent \u003c\/span\u003epollenizer\u003cspan\u003e for your other apple varieties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot suitable for fresh eating—the fruit quality is notably poor, even worse than Dabinette cider apples when eaten fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperimental use:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you're into cider-making, Red Splendor could be experimented with, though it’s not known for great cider quality either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollenizer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for pollenizing early-blooming apples like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pristine\"\u003ePristine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zestar-apple\"\u003eZestar\u003c\/a\u003e!, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dearborns-unknown\"\u003eDearborn's Unknown\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rescue-apple-crab\"\u003eRescue\u003c\/a\u003e, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tends to flower biennially (every other year), so don’t rely on it as your sole pollenizer—plant at least one other variety that blooms annually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eClimate \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2, making it a great choice for areas with cold winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBare Root Trees: 2–3 ft. tall with a strong root system for healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Red Splendor itself. Photos of Red Splendor are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “2014-05-02 13 39 21 Crabapple in bloom in Elko, Nevada” by Famartin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:2014-05-02_13_39_21_Crabapple_in_bloom_in_Elko,_Nevada.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Red Splendor Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Red Splendor Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Red Splendor Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It tends to bloom every other year, so pair it with another pollenizer that blooms every year. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Red Splendor Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Red Splendor Crabapple hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Red Splendor Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Red Splendor Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Red Splendor Crabapple are ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Red Splendor Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Red Splendor Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Red Splendor Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440135746,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/crabapple-tree-in-pink-bloom.jpg?v=1791616161"},{"product_id":"siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Siberian Crabapple (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Siberian Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 1 in our ratings, and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSiberian crab, Manchurian crab (Malus baccata)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 1 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 1, colder half included. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (300 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3, or plant two of these seedlings together. Each seedling is a little different, so bloom time can vary from tree to tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 16 to 22 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Siberian Crabapple. This tree has a wide range of uses, particularly for regions where very few other trees can survive. It has long been a favorite rootstock for Roger Joy, known for its effectiveness in top working—grafting other apple varieties onto more mature parts of the tree. This technique helps apple varieties establish themselves quickly with the assistance of the Siberian Crab’s hardy stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruit of the Siberian Crabapple is very small, but it can be used to make deep red jelly or blended into hard cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e While the small fruit may not be for fresh eating, it has valuable uses in preserves and fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven these will be full size\/standard trees, plan to plant 16-22 ft. apart. 16 ft for a more rigorous pruning regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCold Hardy to below -50F, possibly even as cold as -60F—this makes it incredibly hardy, suitable for the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSiberian Crab is one of the parents of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo crab\u003c\/a\u003e, and is perhaps the main source of Dolgo's hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Atlas roslin pl Jabłoń jagodowa 10928 9543” by Kuba Korn, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Atlas_roslin_pl_Jab%C5%82o%C5%84_jagodowa_10928_9543.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Malus baccata (Jardin des plantes de Paris)” by Tangopaso, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Malus_baccata_(Jardin_des_plantes_de_Paris).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Beerenapfel (Löhehaus, Neuendettelsau) 20250420 163240” by Alexander Rahm, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Beerenapfel_(L%C3%B6hehaus,_Neuendettelsau)_20250420_163240.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Beerenapfel (Laurentiuskirche Neuendettelsau) 20250919 143927” by Alexander Rahm, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Beerenapfel_(Laurentiuskirche_Neuendettelsau)_20250919_143927.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Siberian Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Siberian Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Siberian Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3, or plant two of these seedlings together. Each seedling is a little different, so bloom time can vary from tree to tree. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Siberian Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Siberian Crabapple hardy to zone 1. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Siberian Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 300 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Seedlings vary. Dolgo, its best-known offspring, is sold as a 400 to 500 hour crab, but lab tests hint some trees need more. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Siberian Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Siberian Crabapple are feeding wildlife (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Siberian Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Siberian Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Siberian Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440594498,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-crabapple-fruit-on-branch.jpg?v=1791616244"},{"product_id":"otterson-apple","title":"Otterson Crabapple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Otterson Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#otterson-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cortland\"\u003eCortland Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard cider (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), ornamental value (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-cc095853-7fff-476d-cd39-356974f6484e\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOtterson is a red-fleshed crabapple or cider crab valued for intensely red, astringent juice and strong ornamental appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIts background is described in cider-focused sources as being selected for deep red juice and vigor. According to Pomiferous: \"Long considered an open-pollinated seedling of \u003ca class=\"standard apple-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pomiferous.com\/applebyname\/rf-niedzwetzkyanas-apple-id-7913\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e RF: Niedzwetzkyana's Apple\u003c\/a\u003e. The pollen parent is now pegged as\u003ca class=\"standard apple-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pomiferous.com\/applebyname\/fameuse-id-2662\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Fameuse \u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePrimarily a cider and blending crab: high color, notable astringency, and best when blended with other juices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOften described as vigorous. Treat like an apple or crabapple for spacing: commonly 12–16 ft on semi-dwarf, wider on standard roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLike most Malus, it’s not reliably self-fertile and benefits from another apple or crabapple nearby. It also serves as an excellent pollenizer for many apples if bloom overlaps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCommonly sold around the Zone 4 class, if it is anything like its parents, we would suspect is to be hardy in zone 3, but not much if any below -40F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhole-and-cut photo: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The crabapple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Otterson itself. Photos of Otterson are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Found some weird red-fleshed crab apples on my Sunday walk” by zimpenfish, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/zimpenfish\/52322645615\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Otterson Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Otterson Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Otterson Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Otterson Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Otterson Crabapple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Otterson Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Red-fleshed cider crab from Niedzwetzkyana and Fameuse. No tested chill figure; estimated like a typical apple, around 800 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#otterson-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Otterson Crabapple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Otterson Crabapple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Otterson Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Otterson Crabapple are hard cider (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), ornamental value (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Otterson Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Otterson Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Otterson Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 5-7 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503198015554,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-fleshed-crabapples-cut.jpg?v=1791616057"},{"product_id":"hewes-virginia-crabapple","title":"Hewe's Virginia Crabapple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hewe's Virginia Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 5 to Sep 23 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carroll-apple\"\u003eCarroll Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 5 to Sep 23 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard cider (9\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s Virginia Crab (also called Virginia Crab and often listed under Hughes\/Hugh’s as a synonym) is one of the best-known historic American cider crabs from Virginia, documented in the colonial era and strongly associated with early American cidermaking. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/southerngardenhistory.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/SouthernPlantLists.pdf?\"\u003eIt appears in 18th-century Southern nursery listings (mid-1700s),\u003c\/a\u003e and it was \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.monticello.org\/house-gardens\/in-bloom-at-monticello\/hewe-s-crab-apple\/\"\u003efamously grown at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson\u003c\/a\u003e as a cider apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParentage is not conclusively documented. In pomological and museum\/historic-orchard references it is commonly described as either a chance seedling of, or a hybrid involving, the native Southern crabapple (Malus angustifolia) and a European domesticated apple type—but this should be treated as an informed hypothesis rather than proven pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s is historically prized for cider: small fruit, high juice value for its size, and a profile that can contribute structure (acid\/tannin) and aromatic lift to blends—while also being one of the rare crabs frequently cited as capable of standing alone as a varietal cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Missoula, MT, our friend Michael Billington of Western Cider has used Hewe’s in several blends and also as a standout varietal dry cider. Luke tasted the fruit fresh at peak ripeness in fall 2025 and noted: somewhat thick skin; starts sweet then turns tart quickly; not super complex; slight chalkiness (not overbearing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the broader references we reviewed while creating this description, Hewe’s is consistently described as unusually hardy for a cider apple, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cumminsnursery.com\/buy-trees\/product-detail.php?id=28753\u0026amp;type=scion\u0026amp;\"\u003eincluding historical notes \u003c\/a\u003ethat it was once used as a rootstock far into northern regions, implying strong winter durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness ratings do vary by source (some list it around Zone 4, others as cold as Zone 3), which is a reminder that “zone ratings” are not the same as a verified single-temperature kill threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, Western Ag Resarch Center's field observation noted that Hewe’s Virginia Crab survived −38°F on the morning of January 12, 2024 with very minor tip damage (if any). That performance supports treating it as a legitimately cold-climate cider crab for Montana, and it helps explain why Zach and Katrina at the Western Ag Research Center in Corvallis, MT had \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ciderassociation.org\/2022-apple-crop-outlook\/\"\u003edescribed\u003c\/a\u003e it among the cold-harder cultivars in station-orchard contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s is generally described as vigorous and productive, and it’s widely noted as an excellent pollenizer (crabapples in general, and Hewe’s specifically, are often planted partly for pollination support in mixed orchards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hewe's Virginia Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Hewe's Virginia Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hewe's Virginia Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Hewe's Virginia Crabapple hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hewe's Virginia Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Hewe's Virginia Crabapple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 5 to Sep 23 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Hewe's Virginia Crabapple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Hewe's Virginia Crabapple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hewe's Virginia Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hewe's Virginia Crabapple are hard cider (9\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hewe's Virginia Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Hewe's Virginia Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":42499221061698,"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":45133048021058,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hewes-virginia-crabapple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"monongahela-crabapple-seedling","title":"Monongahela Crabapple Seedling (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monongahela Crabapple Seedling is a crabapple tree we've estimated at zone 3b (winters to -35°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (400 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#monongahela-crabapple-seedling\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Not self-fertile. Every seedling is a different tree, so plant a different named apple or crabapple nearby that blooms in groups 3 to 5 on our chart to be sure of a good pollenizer. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 18 to 20 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to these, so they lean on what's typical for crabapples rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 1-3 ft or 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese are seedlings, so every tree is a little different, and we don't have long-term data from our own trees yet. Everything below is secondhand for now.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are crabapple seedlings. Crabapples are popular pollenizers for apple orchards, and the fruit is good for jelly and for feeding birds and other wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonongahela isn't a named variety you'll find in the pomology books or nursery catalogs we checked, so we can't point you to a published parent. Like any apple or crabapple, these don't come true from seed, so each seedling is its own new tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince every seedling is different, fruit size, color and flavor will vary from tree to tree. University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension notes that the juice and puree of small crabs \"can be added to other wild fruit jams or jellies,\" and that the fruit can also be \"left on the trees as food for birds and other wildlife.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are seedlings on their own roots, so they'll grow into full size trees. Plan on 18 to 20 feet between them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrabapples need a pollenizer themselves, and they make good ones for apples. Washington State University's tree fruit program notes that flowering crabapples \"have become popular pollen donors because they generally have longer bloom times than apples and are easily cared for.\" We've estimated these as mid-season bloomers, but since they're seedlings, bloom time will vary a bit from tree to tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've listed these at zone 3b (-35F) for now, which is an estimate. Seedlings vary, so some will be hardier than others, and we'll update this as our own trees go through a few winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Monongahela Crabapple Seedling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Monongahela Crabapple Seedling need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Monongahela Crabapple Seedling needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Every seedling is a different tree, so plant a different named apple or crabapple nearby that blooms in groups 3 to 5 on our chart to be sure of a good pollenizer. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Monongahela Crabapple Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Monongahela Crabapple Seedling at zone 3b for now, which means winters down to about -35°F. That's an estimate. Seedlings vary, so some will be hardier than others, and we'll update it as our own trees go through a few winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Monongahela Crabapple Seedling need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Unknown parentage and every seedling differs, so treat this chill figure as a rough guess, not a tested number. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#monongahela-crabapple-seedling\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Monongahela Crabapple Seedling good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Monongahela Crabapple Seedling are feeding wildlife (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10). Since every seedling is different and we're still new to these, those scores reflect what's typical for crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Monongahela Crabapple Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Monongahela Crabapple Seedling with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Monongahela Crabapple Seedling ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 1-3 ft or 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-3 ft.","offer_id":42500888428610,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500888494146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/monongahela-crabapple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"transcendent-crabapple","title":"Transcendent Crabapple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transcendent Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 900). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#transcendent-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/norda-apple\"\u003eNorda\u003c\/a\u003e. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-sensation-apple\"\u003ePrairie Sensation Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), hard cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent is a classic cold-climate crabapple valued for its large fruit (for a crab), heavy production, and exceptional usefulness in preserves. It has a long history in northern orchards and remains one of the most widely recognized edible crabapples for jelly, cider, and cooking. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise origin and parentage of Transcendent are unknown. It was first documented in North America in William Prince’s nursery catalog in 1844 and quickly gained popularity in cold regions due to its productivity and fruit quality. By the late 1800s, thousands of Transcendent trees were already bearing in northern plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Montana, Transcendent has documented heritage significance: more than 2,000 trees were reported fruiting at Pine Grove Farm in Stevensville by 1875, and it appears in Montana’s Heritage Orchard records, including a notable specimen from Wild Horse Island. Historically, it has been described as one of the largest “Siberian-type” crabapples and was widely planted across prairie and mountain regions for its reliability and usefulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent produces medium to large crabapples with yellow to golden skin often washed with red. Truly does look like a larger \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e. The fruit is aromatic and notably well-suited for jelly, preserves, sauce, and cider, where it’s prized for flavor and consistency. It can also be used fresh by those who enjoy a classic sweet-tart crabapple profile. This variety earned its reputation primarily as a processing and preserving apple, though it remains versatile in the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 rootstock, Transcendent grows with strong vigor. Bud 118 is a vigorous, cold-hardy 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, reaching about 16-18 ft. 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. spacing in MT and perhaps further apart in better growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent is a Malus (apple\/crabapple type). Like most apples and crabapples, it benefits from cross-pollination with another Malus that blooms at a similar time. Examples of what we offer that will cross pollenize with Transcendent include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/norda-apple\"\u003eNorda\u003c\/a\u003e (and all the other 'Nor' series of apples), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson\u003c\/a\u003e, Whiteney, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-sensation-apple\"\u003ePrairie Sensation\u003c\/a\u003e, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent has a long-established reputation as a cold-hardy crabapple, reflected in its historic adoption across northern prairie regions and its documented success in Montana heritage orchards. While we do not have exact numbers on its cold hardiness (we do know that there has been zero reported damage in the Bitterroot when the tree experienced -40F on 1\/13\/24), we would suspect that it cold tolerate much colder temperatures that this. Siberian crabapple is one of the hardiest of all fruit trees in the world. In fact Alaska growers depend on using Siberian Crab rootstock because of its hardiness, which we will be offering in the future. As such, although it is certainly hardy throughout zone 3 and likely more cold hardy than that, we are listing it ias zone 3 until we can verify its hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent played an important role in early northern orchards, where it was valued for dependable crops and clean, usable fruit. Its inclusion in Montana Heritage Orchard collections highlights its regional importance and durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cultivar-specific disease resistance profile is reliably documented for Transcendent. As with most Malus varieties, good spacing, airflow, sanitation, and site selection remain the most effective tools for managing common apple diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"613\"\u003eImages courtesy of the Western Agricultural Research Station (Corvallis, MT),\u003c\/strong\u003e which conducts leading research in cold-climate pomology. Read more about their work \u003ca data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"708\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#\"\u003ehere.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Transcendent Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Transcendent Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Transcendent Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/norda-apple\"\u003eNorda\u003c\/a\u003e. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-sensation-apple\"\u003ePrairie Sensation Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Transcendent Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Transcendent Crabapple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Transcendent Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 900. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#transcendent-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Transcendent Crabapple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Transcendent Crabapple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Transcendent Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Transcendent Crabapple are jams and jellies (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Transcendent Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Transcendent Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Transcendent Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":42508217090114,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/transcendent-crabapple-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"hyslop-crabapple","title":"Hyslop Crabapple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hyslop Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 21 to Oct 5 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 900 hours (700 to 1,100). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hyslop-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e or Carroll. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carroll-apple\"\u003eCarroll Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liberty-apple\"\u003eLiberty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/spokane-beauty-apple\"\u003eSpokane Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/freds-mac-apple\"\u003eFred's Mac Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 21 to Oct 5 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanning and freezing (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), hard cider (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e2026 was our first year growing Hyslop crabapple, and we do not yet have direct experience growing this variety ourselves. All information presented here comes from second-hand sources including historical pomological records, nursery descriptions, and grower reports, and should not be considered experiential or based on our own field observations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOverview\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is a historic American heirloom crabapple known for unusually large fruit for a crabapple, strong cold hardiness, heavy productivity, and very high tannin content. It has long been valued for jelly, cider blending, preserves, and pollination, and has historically been planted as both a functional orchard tree and an ornamental due to its abundant bloom and striking fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop crabapple is an old American heirloom of unknown parentage that originated in the Boston, Massachusetts region sometime prior to 1869, when it was first formally recorded in pomological literature. The tree appears to have arisen as a chance seedling, and no confirmed parentage has ever been identified. Because most apples do not grow true from seed, Hyslop represents a unique genetic individual preserved through grafting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical sources suggest the variety likely originated well before 1850 and was named by or associated with the Hyslop family of Massachusetts during the 19th century. It was documented in early American pomology texts such as Beach’s \u003cem\u003eApples of New York\u003c\/em\u003e (1905), which described it as a vigorous, very hardy tree and a reliable cropper producing heavy crops of brilliantly colored fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1800s it had become widely planted across North America for preserves, cider production, and ornamental use. It remained in continuous cultivation for more than a century and is considered one of the classic large-fruited American crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo verified records exist identifying its species background or hybrid lineage beyond classification within the genus Malus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop produces fruit that is fairly large for a crabapple, typically around 1½ inches in diameter. The fruit is round to slightly oblate and deep crimson to dark red or purplish in color, often covered with a heavy bluish bloom and borne in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flesh is firm, yellowish to white, and juicy when first ripe but becomes mealy quickly after harvest. The flavor is strongly acidic, astringent, and high in tannins. It is generally not considered suitable for fresh eating but is highly valued for jelly, pickling, sauce, preserves, and cider blending, where its tannin content contributes structure and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit ripens from late summer into early fall depending on climate and typically has a short storage life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is a vigorous, upright to rounded tree with strong structural growth and reliable productivity. Mature trees commonly reach about 15–25 feet tall with a similar spread, though size varies with rootstock and site conditions. The tree produces abundant white to pink-tinged blossoms and is known for heavy fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical descriptions characterize it as a strong grower and dependable bearer, often producing heavy crops biennially or annually under good management. It is considered precocious and capable of early production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Hyslop crabapple on Bud 118 rootstock, which should be spaced about 15 feet apart. For tighter plantings, spacing can be reduced to 12 feet apart and for wider spacing in fertile soils or lower-density systems, trees can be spaced up to 18 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePollination\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike almost all Malus, Hyslop is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination. It is diploid and blooms in the early to mid-season apple bloom window. Compatible pollenizers include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carroll-apple\"\u003eCarroll\u003c\/a\u003e, McIntosh, Fred's McIntosh, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zestar-apple\"\u003eZestar\u003c\/a\u003e!, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liberty-apple\"\u003eLiberty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/spokane-beauty-apple\"\u003eSpokane Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is widely described as very hardy and adapted to cold climates, with places such as Pomiferous and Walden Heights listing it as hardy through zone 3. In Montana where significant parts of the state can experience -40F to -50F temps, whether Hyslop can survive these temps remains to be seen. For now, we are listing it as hardy down to -40F\/zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is notable for producing fruit significantly larger than most crabapples and for its exceptionally high tannin content, which made it historically important in traditional cider making and preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly pomological literature describes the tree as vigorous, hardy, and a reliable cropper, often bearing heavily. However, the fruit becomes mealy quickly after harvest and does not store well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety is susceptible to common apple diseases such as apple scab and requires standard orchard management. It has also been valued historically as an ornamental planting due to its abundant spring bloom and heavy clusters of dark red fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Hyslop itself. Photos of Hyslop are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Ornamental Crabapples on Branch” by slgckgc, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/slgc\/53125546268\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e. Other photo: “PI 589912 Hyslop Crab (GMAL 2803), fruit, 2007” by USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, NY, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1021972\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUSDA GRIN\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hyslop Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hyslop Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Hyslop Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carroll-apple\"\u003eCarroll\u003c\/a\u003e. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include Carroll Apple, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liberty-apple\"\u003eLiberty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/spokane-beauty-apple\"\u003eSpokane Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hyslop Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Hyslop Crabapple at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. We're still new to it, so that rating comes from sources like Pomiferous and Walden Heights rather than our own winters. Whether it handles -40°F to -50°F in Montana remains to be seen, and we'll adjust it as our own trees go through more winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hyslop Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 900 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,100. That comes from published figures for this variety. Lab tests put Hyslop close to a standard apple, about 900 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Hyslop Crabapple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 21 to Oct 5 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Hyslop Crabapple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Hyslop Crabapple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hyslop Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hyslop Crabapple are canning and freezing (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), hard cider (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hyslop Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Hyslop Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":42518682763330,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dark-red-crabapples-on-branch.jpg?v=1791615662"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/chestnut-applecrab-single-fruit.webp?v=1792789327","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-pollenizers-for-apple-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}