Cortland Apple

Origin & Parentage

A cross between McIntosh and Ben Davis, Cortland was developed in 1898 by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. While not widely celebrated in Montana, it is beloved in New York, where Cortland holds near-iconic status with deep regional and cultural roots.

Flavor Profile

Cortland inherits many of McIntosh’s best traits, offering bright, juicy, tangy flavor with the characteristic aromatic notes that make McIntosh-type apples so recognizable.

Growing Tips

Cortland is highly susceptible to sunscald, making it crucial to paint the trunks with white water-based latex paint—an important practice for all fruit trees, but especially vital for this variety.

Montana Growing Considerations

Cortland can be grown successfully across most of Western Montana. In Central and Eastern Montana, choose a protected site or windbreak, as these regions’ strong prevailing winds can stress young trees and reduce long-term performance.

Hardiness: Zone 3