Fireside is an awesome-tasting, fruit punch apple. I'd say fruit size is large, not medium. Very cold-hardy. Its weeping tree form is a little tricky to prune. Definitely susceptible to cedar-apple rust, though, so don't let the Stark Bros. description fool you. I didn't buy this variety from Stark Bros., but I had about 20 Fireside trees in my Iowa orchard, planted in the 1970s. I always needed to spray against rust, or the apples and leaves would get orange rust spots on them. And no, there's no "new and improved" Fireside resistant to c.a rust.
Also, any Fireside tree will produce some fruit that never gets very big, stays green, tastes kind of "blah," but the bigger fruits taste great. It's a pretty heavy producer, though, so the green apples aren't a big issue.
Description
About the Fireside Apple Tree
The Fireside Apple Tree is a classic dessert apple renowned for its exceptional flavor and resilience in harsh winter climates. Hailing from the heart of Minnesota in 1943, this apple variety is a testament to durability, boasting a remarkable ability to withstand bitter winters while yielding medium-sized fruits ideal for fresh-eating and baking.
Renowned for its cold-hardiness and disease resistance, the Fireside Apple Tree consistently delivers quality fruit, making it a wonderful addition to any orchard or garden.
Characteristics and Uses of the Fruit
Ripe for picking in early October, the Fireside Apple Tree produces medium-sized, fragrant apples renowned for their sweetness and high-quality taste. With a flavor profile that excels in fresh-eating and baking, these apples are a favorite in the upper Midwest. Their sweet taste and aroma make them an irresistible choice for those seeking a delicious dessert apple.
How to Grow the Fireside Apple Tree
Known for its cold-hardy nature, this tree thrives in regions with harsh winters and adapts well to various soil types. This cold-hardy apple tree is known to flourish in cold climates where temperatures plummet to -50 degrees F. This variety is disease-resistant to cedar apple rust, ensuring its health and longevity.
Regular pruning and care help maintain its health and shape, ensuring a bountiful harvest of delectable apples year after year. To ensure fruitful pollination, consider pairing the Fireside Apple Tree with other compatible apple varieties. Check our recommended list of pollinators below for best results.
The Fireside Apple Tree is a classic, offering not only high-quality dessert apples but also resilience and beauty in the face of challenging climates.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Mid - Late |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium - Large |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 3 - 8 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | Early October |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Texture | Firm |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Zone Compatibility
This Variety's Zone Range
3 - 8
My Hardiness Zone
?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best pollination.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Questions & Answers
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Why did you choose this?
Why discontinue Fireside? Most comparable?
We appreciate you reaching out to us. Our offerings change from season to season for many reasons. It could have been that we didn't have a source for bud wood to graft or there was no demand for this variety.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
What is the bloom time for Fireside apple and what are the recommended chill hours?
Low chill hour requirements despite its tolerance of cold winters, Fireside needs 400 hours of cold to fruit and it is a late season bloomer. Timing depends on your planting zone, weather and other environmental factors.
Customer Reviews
1 Rating
1 Review
Rated 5 out of 5
Jan 31, 2024
Awesome tasting apple, but gets cedar-apple rust
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