USDA Certified Organic Gravenstein apple trees require no introduction in Northern California where it has long been the premium variety. The Gravenstein apple tree was discovered in 1669 as a chance seedling in Denmark. The Gravenstein apple tree was introduced to California in the early 19th century, perhaps by Russian fur traders, who are said to have planted a tree at Fort Ross in 1811. Gravenstein apples are medium to large, skin thin, tender, greenish-yellow with broken stripes of red. Flesh firm, crisp, juicy, tart. Good for eating fresh, and one of the best apples for pies, sauce and juice. A few apple varieties for pollination are the Red Astrachan and/or the Jonathan. Also consider Winterstein which is a later ripening Gravenstein apple. Triploid. Please see below for further information on our organically grown Gravenstein apple trees for sale. Considerations for Gravenstein Apple USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Low Chill: Yes Heirloom: Yes Uses: Fresh eating, sauces, pies and cider Harvest Period: EarlyBloom Period: MidseasonPollination Requirement: None/Sterile tree best plant with self-fertile apple Origin Date: California 1800's Disease resistance: Good Storage: 1 monthRootstock: 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 4-6 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]
