USDA Certified Organic The Spitzenburg apple tree was discovered in the late 1700s by an early Dutch settler of that name. It was found at the settlement of Esopus, on the Hudson River, in Ulster County, New York. Much attention was bestowed upon Spitzenburg apples when Thomas Jefferson ordered a dozen trees for his orchard in Monticello. The Spitzenburg apple is unexcelled in flavor and quality, the fruit is great off the tree, but flavor improves immensely in storage. The Spitzenburg apple is often medium sized with crisp, yellow skin covered with inconspicuous red stripes and russet freckles. Flesh is tinged yellow, firm, aromatic, complex in flavor with sprightly and spicy undertones complimented with a perfect balance between sharp and sweet. The Spitzenburg apple tree can be shy bearing tree. So plant more Spitzenburg apple trees! They're truly the king of all the apples. Please see below for further insight on our heirloom apple tree Spitzenburg and discover additional consideration for selecting the appropriate fruit trees to buy for your home and small farm. Considerations for Spitzenburg Apple USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Heirloom: Yes Uses: Cider, Desserts / Pies, Cooking / Sauces, Fresh Eating Harvest Period: Late Low Chill: Yes Bloom Period: Midseason Pollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom period Origin Date: New York late 1700's Storage: 3 Months or More 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 4-8 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]
