First saved from Albert Etter's orchard in Ettersberg, CA, the Rubaiyat was almost decimated by cows and lost to history. The apple is bright red in color and can vary greatly in size. Often the size of a large crabapple, it can, on good growth years, reach larger than a baseball. Its flesh is ruby pink in color and consistent across the apple. The flesh also varies depending on the growing season. Temperature, moisture, and altitude impact the apple. Color varies from pink to ruby to scarlet. The color also extends down to the core. Not coincidentally- the flowers that bloom in Spring are also a lovely pink color. When smaller, it is tart with a slight berry flavor. The berry flavor intensifies as the apple gets larger and the tartness mellows as it grows. The fruit, when in perfect condition, is sweet and juicy and wonderfully fragrant. The tree, regardless of rootstock, is natually compact and columnar in shape. USDA Zone: 4-7 Mature Height: G.11 ~10-12' or 45-50% of Standard; Dwarf (Ships Spring 2026) Sun: Full Sun Bloom Group: 4, Late Mid Season Ripening Time: Late October- Early November Pollination: Required
