USDA Certified Organic The Red Astrachan apple tree originated in Astrakhan, Russia, prior to 1800's. Imported into England from Sweden in 1816. It was brought to the United States 1835. The Red Astrachan apple tree was commonly grown by gardeners and backyard orchardists in the north states throughout 1900's. Red Astrachan apple is highly flavored sweet apple countered with strong acidity. The fruit is medium size, skin yellow, flushed crimson. The flesh is firm, coarse, greenish- white, quite tart. The Red Astrachan apples are flavorful dried apples; some old-timers rate this the best for pie. One important note of interest; they are known for bursting their skin when they become over-ripe so pick when ripe. Please see below for further insight on our heirloom apple tree Red Astrachan and discover additional consideration for selecting the appropriate fruit trees to buy for your home and small farm. Considerations for Red Astrachan Apple USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Heirloom: Yes Uses: Cider, Cooking / Sauces, Fresh Eating Harvest Period: Early Low Chill: Yes Bloom Period: Midseason Pollination Requirement: Self-Fertile Origin Date: Russia 1816 Storage: A few weeks Disease Resistance: Good Rootstock: 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 4-7 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]
