Developed in 1955 at the NYSAES as an offspring of the Macoun and Purdue 54-12 (a Japanese flowering crabapple) to create an extremely disease resistant apple. Commercially available in 1978, the Liberty apple soon became popular with home orchards for its ease of care and disease resistance. The Liberty is not susceptible to apple scab, powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, and fire blight. Apples grow on spurs on this tree which makes a great espalier. These features make it ideal for organic growers. The apple itself is medium sized, dark red in color, with yellow, creamy flesh. It has thicker skin (helpful with disease resistance) and a crisp bite. The fruit is juicy with a sweet/tart flavor that leans more tart. This apple is great to eat off the tree and can store for a few months. USDA Zone: 4-9 Mature Heights: B.9: 8-10' Tall at Maturity; Dwarf M.7 & EMLA.7: 15-17' tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf B.118: 18-21' tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf M.111: 18-21' tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf Sun: Full Sun Bloom Group: 2 Early Mid Season Ripening Time: Late September Pollination: Required
