{"title":"Bittersharp Cider Apples \u0026 Crabapples","description":"\u003cp\u003eBittersharps have both high acid and high tannin. A little goes a long way in a cider blend, adding the grip and structure that dessert apples can't. In cold country, crabapples are the easiest way to get it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore about bittersharps\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost of this list is crabs, and they're as hardy as anything we grow. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail\u003c\/a\u003e take zone 1b, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e applecrab zone 2, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop\u003c\/a\u003e zone 3. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia\u003c\/a\u003e is the old Virginia cider crab and one of our top-scored cider fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor full size apples, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/franklin-cider-apple\"\u003eFranklin\u003c\/a\u003e (zone 3) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/swiss-limbertwig\"\u003eSwiss Limbertwig\u003c\/a\u003e (zone 4) are the bittersharps we grow. Franklin resists scab too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair these with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sharp-cider-apples\"\u003esharps\u003c\/a\u003e or sweet dessert apples, and see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-apples-for-hard-cider\"\u003ebest apples for hard cider\u003c\/a\u003e for the top scorers. The crabs here are strong pollenizers too, so they earn their spot in the orchard twice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is a bittersharp apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cider apple high in both acid and tannin. It adds body, structure and bite to a blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan you make hard cider with crabapples?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Dolgo, Trail, Hyslop and Hewe's Virginia crabs are bittersharps, and a portion of crab in a blend adds the tannin most eating apples lack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the hardiest cider apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDolgo and Trail crabapples, both hardy to zone 1b. Kerr applecrab takes zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"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, 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. 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 2. 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 2 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. 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":"franklin-cider-apple","title":"Franklin Cider Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Franklin Cider Apple is an apple 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 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). 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#franklin-cider-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. 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\/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. \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), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApparently immune to cedar apple rust, scab, and potentially fireblight, Franklin is a vigorous, precocious, and a reliably annual bearing apple that is excellent for cider but almost equally as impressive as a fresh eating apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFranklin produces a small-medium, heavily russeted apple over a greenish background with some blushing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCider Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYielding a juice high in both sugar (17.5–19 Brix) and decent amounts of tannins, Franklin is crisp fresh eating and produces a bittersharp juice that holds its own as a varietal cider. Bust out the cider press and start experimenting by blending other zone 3 fruits in with a Franklin cider. We’ve experimented with the like of adding \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nanking-cherry-bundle-of-3\"\u003enanking cherries\u003c\/a\u003e and it’s delicious!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan be grown in much of Montana, perhaps except the coldest places east of the divide that can see sub -50F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant with any of our cider apples for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Franklin Cider Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Franklin Cider Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Franklin Cider Apple 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. 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\/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 Franklin Cider Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Franklin Cider Apple 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 Franklin Cider Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. That comes from published figures for this variety. A northern Vermont bittersharp; the original tree has taken -34°F without damage. 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#franklin-cider-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Franklin Cider Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Franklin Cider Apple 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 Franklin Cider Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Franklin Cider Apple are hard cider (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Franklin Cider Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Franklin Cider Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Franklin Cider Apple 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. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125879005250,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/franklin-cider-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"kerr-crab","title":"Kerr Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kerr 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 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 11 to Sep 25 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 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Our notes have it taking -47°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). 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#kerr-crab\"\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\/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. \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 11 to Sep 25 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\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. 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), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), winter storage (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), canning and freezing (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, 3-4 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\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our all-time favorites, Kerr is an applecrab (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e x \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e) bred by W.L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1938 and released in 1952. First introduced to us by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016, this variety immediately stood out. It’s Roger’s favorite, and we totally get why. It. has since become one of our go-to applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, complex flavor with a beautiful red skin and yellow-tinged flesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor notes people have reported: \u003cem\u003e\"Floral, cinnamon, cherry, grape, almond, pineapple, and even hoppy\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest for fresh eating, but also makes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGorgeous rosé-colored cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVibrant pink applesauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn amazing addition to oatmeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStores actually fairly well for several months. Loses flavor but as of 2\/22\/26 (when this was written), we've got lots in the fridge. Again, flavor is not as strong as right off the tree, and they have become a bit mealy, but they aren't bad. However, they did not store nearly as well for us in 2025 because they were picked in the latter part of their two week window to harvest the fruit. If harvested in the earlier part of that window, they will keep significantly longer. A quick rough estimate would be that for every day one waits to harvest the tree in that window, their shelf life drops a week. It would be interesting to compare this phenomenon with other apples across the board because perhaps this holds true generally?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love it alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha crabapples\u003c\/a\u003e—together they make an unbeatable trio for flavor and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, although it did have a little bit of limb damage at those temps (not to the trunk, though).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely hardy to -45°F without any winter injury, whereas its limit is likely -50°F or maybe a tad colder. Look towards \u003ca href=\"\/products\/centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eCentennial\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rescue-apple-crab\"\u003eRescue\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman\u003c\/a\u003e for even hardier applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Kerr Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Kerr Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Kerr 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 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\/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 Kerr Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Kerr Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our notes have it taking -47°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 Kerr Applecrab 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. That comes from published figures for this variety. Lab tests put Kerr a bit below standard apples, about 800 hours on the grower scale. 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#kerr-crab\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Kerr Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 25 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 Kerr Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Kerr Applecrab onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Kerr Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Kerr Applecrab are fresh eating (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), winter storage (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 Kerr Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Kerr 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":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42751565463618,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588627522,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588660290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kerr-applecrab-in-hand.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"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 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°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 4 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Our notes have it taking -38°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#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 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our notes have it taking -38°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 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":"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"},{"product_id":"swiss-limbertwig","title":"Swiss Limbertwig Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swiss Limbertwig Apple is an apple tree we've estimated at zone 4 (winters to -30°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 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°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 1,200). 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#swiss-limbertwig\"\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. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 3 to 5 on our chart). 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\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\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), winter storage (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), drying (7\/10), hard cider (6\/10), cooking and roasting (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, 3-4 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\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Swiss Limbertwig, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwiss Limbertwig is an old Southern Appalachian apple with a color you don't see much: deep maroon, covered in big white dots. It's crisp and sweet with a hint of citrus, ripens late and keeps well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimbertwig isn't one apple. It's a whole family of old Appalachian apples, and Big Horse Creek Farm lists Swiss as one of the named Limbertwigs. Century Farm Orchards and the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard at Horne Creek Farm in North Carolina both say it was grown by Swiss settlers in the Cumberland Mountains, which is where the name comes from. The dates people give for it are all over the place, so we won't guess at one, and we haven't found a published parentage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLee Calhoun called it \"a real beauty\" with \"a most unusual maroon color and large white pips.\" It's a medium-sized apple with a slightly rough, russet-like skin. Century Farm describes the flesh as \"firm, sweet, and very crisp,\" and Horne Creek Farm says that when it's fully ripe it \"can taste like a grapefruit.\" Watauga County Extension in North Carolina lists it as excellent for fresh eating and cider, firm when baked, and a good keeper. Brix Cider in Wisconsin tested the juice at 13.1 Brix with 8.8 g\/L acid and 0.20% tannin, and called the single-variety cider \"Nice, balanced. Good all around.\" That's high acid with the tannin sitting right at the cutoff, so it lands on the line between a sharp and a bittersharp. Every ripening date we've found comes from North Carolina, where it's picked in October, so we don't know yet how it'll time out in a Montana season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are on Bud 118, which acts more like a semi-dwarf in our Montana soils. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, 12 if you prune hard or up to 18 for more airflow. Watauga County Extension calls it easy to grow and says the Limbertwig name comes from the way the limbs weep when they're loaded with fruit. A writer for the Avery Journal in North Carolina, who has worked with an old Swiss Limbertwig tree since 2013 and planted a young one too, found they both grow \"fast and easily\" with \"few insect or disease issues.\" Horne Creek Farm says the trees are consistent bearers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwiss Limbertwig needs a pollenizer. We haven't found published bloom data for it, and we've estimated it as a mid-season bloomer. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goodland-apple\"\u003eGoodland\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wolf-river-apple\"\u003eWolf River\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frostbite-apple\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson crab\u003c\/a\u003e all bloom mid-season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe haven't found a documented winter survival temperature for Swiss Limbertwig. None of the cold-climate nurseries we trust (Cummins, Purvis, St. Lawrence and Alaska Fruit Trees) list it, and everything we've found on how it grows comes from the southern Appalachians. We've listed it at zone 4 for now, which is an estimate, and we'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Swiss Limbertwig itself. Photos of Swiss Limbertwig are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “'King David' Apple” by Forest and Kim Starr, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/forest-and-kim\/46883676685\/\" 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 Swiss Limbertwig Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Swiss Limbertwig Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Swiss Limbertwig Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 3 to 5 on our chart). 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 Swiss Limbertwig Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Swiss Limbertwig Apple at zone 4 for now, which means winters down to about -30°F. We haven't found a documented winter survival temperature for it and haven't wintered our own trees yet, so zone 4 is an estimate. We'll update it once we have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Swiss Limbertwig Apple 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 1,200. 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#swiss-limbertwig\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Swiss Limbertwig Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Swiss Limbertwig Apple 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 Swiss Limbertwig Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Swiss Limbertwig Apple are fresh eating (7\/10), winter storage (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Swiss Limbertwig Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Swiss Limbertwig Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Swiss Limbertwig Apple 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: 3-4 ft or 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: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156176822338,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156176855106,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/deep-maroon-apple-representative.jpg?v=1791617260"},{"product_id":"trail-crabapple","title":"Trail Crabapple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trail Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 1b from other growers' reports, not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 15 to Aug 29 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 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 1 only. 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 (500 to 900). 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#trail-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 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Not self-fertile. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 3 to 5 on our chart). Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson 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\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 15 to Aug 29 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\u003eMalus baccata: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Siberian crab, about as hardy as apple roots get. Plant 18 to 20 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\u003eHard cider (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (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, 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\u003eThis is our first year growing Trail, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrail is a big, sweet crabapple from Ottawa that doubles as a very good cider apple. Quebec cider makers knew it for years as Bilodeau before DNA testing showed it was Trail all along.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrail came out of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa from a cross of Northern Queen and Rideau, and W.R. Leslie's 1946 Morden bulletin dates it to 1911. Its second life started in the 1980s, when a mislabeled tree ended up with Claude Bilodeau in Quebec. It was later named Bilodeau and caught on with cider makers, and in 2022 DNA testing by Paul Kron at the University of Guelph (per Silver Creek Nursery) showed Bilodeau and Trail are the same apple. St. Lawrence Nurseries reports the same result. Don't confuse it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman\u003c\/a\u003e, which is a different applecrab from a cross of Trail and Osman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eW.T. Macoun described it in 1916 as \"large for a crab, a little larger than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha\u003c\/a\u003e,\" pale yellow splashed and washed with orange-red and crimson, with crisp, breaking flesh and a sprightly, \"very pleasant\" flavor. Leslie's Morden notes put it at about 1½ inches, \"very juicy, sweetly sub-acid, sprightly, free of astringency,\" and \"very good as dessert, excellent for cooking.\" It ripens in late August on the prairies and a bit later in other places. For cider, St. Lawrence Nurseries calls it \"particularly good for cidermaking, thanks to its high sugar and high acid.\" Silver Creek measured a specific gravity of 1.070 and 12.8 g\/L acid with fairly low tannin, and recommends it for jelly too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMalus baccata\u003c\/a\u003e full size rootstock, the hardiest rootstock we work with. Expect a full size tree and plan on 18 to 20 feet between them. Leslie described the tree as hardy, productive and roundish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrail needs a pollenizer and blooms mid-season. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goodland-apple\"\u003eGoodland\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frostbite-apple\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wolf-river-apple\"\u003eWolf River\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson crab\u003c\/a\u003e all overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. Lawrence Nurseries rates Trail to -50F or colder, and it was described as hardy in the Morden, Manitoba trials. That makes it one of the toughest cider apples you can plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, New York, accession \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1014844\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePI 589339\u003c\/a\u003e. Public domain (U.S. government work).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Trail itself. Photos of Trail are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “-2019-09-15 Fruit on a Crab-apple tree, Trimingham” by Kolforn, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:-2019-09-15_Fruit_on_a_Crab-apple_tree,_Trimingham.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 Trail Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Trail Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Trail Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 3 to 5 on our chart). Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson 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 Trail Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Trail Crabapple at zone 1b. That comes from St. Lawrence Nurseries, which rates it to -50°F or colder, and the Morden, Manitoba trials, not from our own winters yet. We'll update it once our own trees have been through some Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Trail Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Ottawa-bred cider crab with no tested chill figure. Estimated around 700 hours, like other applecrabs. 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#trail-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Trail Crabapple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 15 to Aug 29 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 Trail Crabapple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Trail Crabapple onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMalus baccata\u003c\/a\u003e (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 18 to 20 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Trail Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Trail Crabapple are hard cider (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and cider makers' numbers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Trail Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Trail 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":"Malus baccata Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156179476546,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/crabapples-yellow-red-wash-on-tree.jpg?v=1791616463"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/bittersharp-cider-apples.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}