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Description

Freedom is one of the most comprehensively disease-resistant apple trees available — a Cornell University licensed variety originating from Geneva, New York in 1958 that was specifically developed to resist the most common and damaging apple diseases simultaneously. Resistant to scab, powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, and fire blight, it produces large, bright-red fruit with juicy, tender flesh that’s outstanding for fresh eating, cider, juicing, and cooking. Cold hardy in Zones 4–8, vigorous with a lovely spreading habit, and reliable in late September — a genuinely ideal choice for organic and low-spray home orchards.

Resistant to All Four Major Apple Diseases

Freedom’s disease resistance package is exceptional. Resistance to apple scab, powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, and fire blight simultaneously means Freedom can be grown with minimal to no spray program in most home orchard situations — particularly valuable for orchardists in regions where one or more of these diseases has historically made apple growing frustrating or impractical. For organic growers, Freedom is consistently one of the first recommendations for that reason.

Large Bright-Red Fruit — Fresh Eating, Cider, and Cooking

Freedom’s large, bright-red fruit with juicy, tender, sweet flesh performs well across every use. Outstanding for fresh eating right off the tree in late September. Excellent for cider where its clean, full flavor makes a dependable contribution. Holds up well in cooking applications including pies and sauces. That versatility across uses makes it one of the most practical and rewarding apple varieties for home orchardists who want one tree to do multiple things well.

Vigorous With a Lovely Spreading Habit

Freedom’s vigorous growth and naturally spreading habit produce a full, attractive tree that’s easy to maintain and harvest. The spreading nature makes it a handsome landscape tree as well as a productive orchard addition, filling space beautifully as it matures into its productive years.

Why Growers Choose Freedom
  • Resistant to scab, mildew, cedar rust, and fire blight — four-way disease protection
  • Ideal for organic and low-spray orchards — Cornell’s recommendation for disease-prone areas
  • Large bright-red fruit — juicy and tender for fresh eating, cider, juicing, and cooking
  • Cornell University licensed, Geneva NY 1958 — over 65 years of proven performance
  • Vigorous spreading habit — attractive, productive, and easy to manage
  • Cold hardy in Zones 4–8 — reliable across a wide range of climates

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Mid
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Hardiness Zone Range 4 - 8
Pollination Pollinator Required
Ripens/Harvest Late September
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Crisp
Years to Bear 2 - 5

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 12 - 15' apart to ensure room for growth.

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 4 - 8
My Hardiness Zone 6B
Based on your zip code, 43215
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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.

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.

Shipping Information

Estimated Delivery Date

The estimated delivery for 43215 is this week.

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.

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Questions & Answers

Customer Reviews