USDA Certified Organic The Bethel apple tree has returned to notoriety thanks to the author of the wonderful and informative book, The Apple Grower, written by Michael Phillips. The Bethel apple tree produces is an all-purpose heirloom apple. The red-striped Bethel apple is a large, firm, flavorful winter apple. It keeps well in storage. Great eating out of hand right off the tree, but as it mellows in storage it becomes a fine apple for pies and cider. The Bethel apple has a similar characteristics to the Blue Pearmain, but distinctly brighter red. The Bethel apple tree is extremely cold hardy and has a nice resistant to apple scab. Please see below for further information on our organically grown Bethel apple trees for sale. Considerations for Bethel Apple Tree USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Heirloom: YesUses: Fresh Eating, Cider, Sauce and Pies Harvest Period: LateBloom Period: LatePollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom periodOrigin Date: Vermont 1855 Disease resistance: GoodStorage: 3 monthsRootstock: MM 111 (semi-dwarf)Years to Bear: 2-4 yearsRecommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.Mature Size: 12-16 ft.Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept. [TABS] Size of tree Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock. . Pruning tip Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more... Shipping information Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. On that note, we ship orders of one to three trees in a 48-inch box. These trees are professionally pruned prior to shipping so they are ready to plant upon arrival. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees, vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits. [/TABS]
