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Franklin Cider™ Apple
Franklin Cider™ Apple
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Franklin Cider™ Apple

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Starting at
$32.99
Each

Description

A truly game-changing cider apple. If you enjoy making homemade cider, this apple can be the star in a great blend — all of the necessary attributes are contained in this one bittersharp variety. It has high sugar, high tannins (which create a dry finish) and high acidity, which gives cider a nice tang. This long-lived tree produces up to 30 bushels of apples per year, and makes 2.74 gallons of juice per bushel. The fruit ripens successively and hangs well on the tree, which shows good resistance to apple scab and cedar apple rust. A boon for deer hunters, as this apple is very attractive to wildlife. A GLINTCAP Cider & Perry Competition Bronze Medal winner in 2017, and the likely successor to ‘Kingston Black’, the cider-apple gold standard. Cold-hardy to -32ºF. Ripens in early-mid October. Best pollinators: Honeycrisp, Cortland or Gala. May be covered by USPP #28,791 or other patents. Mayo cultivar.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Mid
Fruit Color Yellow
Fruit Size Small - Medium
Ripens/Harvest Late September-mid October
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Crisp, Juicy
Years to Bear 3 - 5
Zone Range 3B - 6

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 3B - 6
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 compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Standard 18 - 20' tall x 18 - 20' wide
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Standard 18 - 20'
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15'

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 50' for best pollination.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

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.

Read about how to grow apple trees »

Shipping Information

Estimated Delivery Date

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Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

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Questions & Answers

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Browse 7 questions Browse 7 questions and 27 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
We are Vermonters who make cider. We have been wanting this variety.
Alan P on Aug 15, 2020
Late season apple for deer
Chad S on Feb 10, 2020
We are Vermonters who make cider. We have been wanting this variety.
Alan P on Aug 15, 2020
As the name indicates for apple cider
Richard F P on Feb 15, 2020
Late season apple for deer
Chad S on Feb 10, 2020
Starting a small scale orchard. Focused on making cider.
David A on Jan 29, 2020
flavor for cider and climate zone compatibility
Justin W on Dec 16, 2019
Primarily for the deer, secondarily, because I like an apple like that for eating!
DAVID L on Oct 19, 2019
Wanted to try a different type of Apple tree. Have several different varieties. Love Starks quality!
Marilyn M on Jul 7, 2019
On sale, and we make cider
Aaron W on Jun 21, 2019
For wildlife food and resistance to scab and fire blight
WILLIAM M on May 11, 2019
Deer food
Dennis P on May 7, 2019
I enjoy making apple cider and the Franklin cider apple may be a way to improve my cider which I already thoroughly enjoy.
Paul T on Apr 30, 2019
I purchased a grinder and cider press. I have 10 Apple trees and wanted to add this one
Robert G on Apr 30, 2019
I???m a craft cider maker
Anthony M on Apr 11, 2019
Flavor and cold hardiness
Steven W on Apr 3, 2019
saw this last year, intrigued about cider from this tree
chris k on Mar 21, 2019
I am wanting to start a cider orchard in my yard.
Joe M on Mar 10, 2019
Great cider apple with extended drop time for deer to visit during the late season.
Dylan E on Feb 28, 2019
Seeking more flavorful apples for cider making.
Rick H on Feb 15, 2019
new hard cider apple
MARK A on Feb 6, 2019
Deer appeal.
Nicholas S on Feb 5, 2019
I am an amateur hard cider maker 20 miles east of Franklin. I had to check it out. VT pride!
Evan B on Jan 25, 2019
As the name indicates for apple cider
Richard F P on Feb 15, 2020
Starting a small scale orchard. Focused on making cider.
David A on Jan 29, 2020
What root-stock is used on the semi-dwarf?
OOLLC on Oct 15, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Hi Brian, We are unable to guarantee a specific rootstock in our Retail Department. However, our Customer Support Team might be able to help you determine the probable rootstock or rootstocks used on this year???s crop. Please contact us at 800.325.4180.
Is this variety resistant to fire blight?
Amanda C on Dec 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Mine have had fire light - they are close in the landscape and probably pass it to each other. I bleach my pruners after each cut to prevent spread and cut the twigs I notice right away to keep it from overtaking the tree.
Are you going to be offering this tree again?
Thomas H on Sep 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, we will have it in the spring.
i don't need these franklin potted tress until next spring 4/1 , should i order now or wait? Craig Campbell
Craig C on Dec 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. This decision is completely up to you. If you'd like to order for spring now, to take advantage of any special promotions, please give us a call at 800.325.4180.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Will a Dolgo crabapple tree be a good pollinator for this tree?
Marty S on Dec 1, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. The Dolgo Crab is an excellent pollinator for apple trees.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Can a Whitney Crabapple pollinate this tree in Zone 6A?
Josh B on Oct 19, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, absolutely. They're a great pollinating pair.

Customer Reviews

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Looking forward to hard cider from these trees
I have 4 of these trees in my hard cider orchard. 2nd year trees are blooming and growing well. First year trees leafed out and look very healthy. Hope these bitter-sharps add the flavor and astrigency needed to create quality Irish style dry cider. I probably should add more!
April 28, 2020
Purchased
 1 year ago
Stark Franklin Cider Apple
The trees seem to be coming along. Will have to see how they are doing and whether they will make it through the winter months.
May 27, 2019
Purchased
 1 year ago

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