Created at Cornell University’s Agricultural Station in 1898, the Cortland Apple is a popular tree around the Great Lakes even today. It is now the 12th most popular apple in the US. The Cortland takes advantage of the US’s cold winters and sunny, hot summers to ripen in Late September. A cross of the McIntosh for its flavor and Ben Davis for its cold hardiness. The Cortland skin is deep red, almost purple in color and is glossy. Contrast this with its almost startlingly white flesh and tart, tangy taste, this apple is a visual and tasteful experience. It is very juicy, without any tannins and is best eaten within a week of picking. It holds its shape when sliced and does not brown easily but does not like to get baked. Picking began around Sept. 7th in US zip code 54631 in 2025 and continued for three weeks. USDA Zone: 3-9 Mature Heights: B.9: ~8-10' tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf EMLA.7: ~15-17’ tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf M.111: ~18-21' tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf Antonovka: ~25'+ tall at Maturity; Standard Sun: Full Sun Bloom Group: 3, Mid Season Ripening Time: Mid to Late September Pollination: Required Ships Spring 2026
