9-22 End Apple

9-22 End Apple is extremely hardy, with many reports noting that it can survive in zone 1. That would mean this apple can handle somewhere in the -50 to -60°F range as an average based on 30 years of USDA data, which would put its extreme survivability around -60°F or colder.

However, Purvis and others list it as a zone 2B, and he bases that on what the tree can actually survive down to, which he believes is more in the -50 to -55°F range. That’s probably a safer number to go off of. I’m not sure if the extreme temps it can survive are below -60°F, so we’re being a little more conservative and saying its extreme low is maybe around -55°F.

We don’t know of any 9-22 End apples growing in Montana, so all of this is second-hand information.

Other Notes:

We acquired scionwood for grafting from Bob Purvis. Here’s what he has to say about 9-22 End:

"Somewhat spreading, yet vigorous tree as grown on Antonovka seedling in MN. Fruits are scab resistant under Wisconsin conditions. From the Prairie Farms breeding program in Alberta. Hardy throughout Zone 2. In Minnesota, as good as Northern Spy for culinary use, tree precocity is average. Fruit goes mealy rapidly under hot conditions and must be picked slightly immature."

Flavor

Pomiferous notes that the apple is:

"Juicy, tart and flavourful. Should be picked when still somewhat green since the apple tends to become soft and mushy soon after harvest."

Ripening Time

Hardy Fruit Tree Nursery in Canada reports that this apple ripens around September 10th in Quebec. This would be considered a summer apple (not as early as some others) and should still ripen in time even for growers way up in Alaska, where the growing season is much shorter.

It will ripen just fine in all of Montana.