Description
About the Northern Spy Apple Tree
A classic heirloom variety and a favorite for northern orchards, the Northern Spy apple tree is prized for its exceptional cold-hardiness, late bloom, and outstanding flavor. Introduced in the early 1800s in East Bloomfield, New York, this reliable tree produces large, thin-skinned apples with greenish-yellow skin striped in scarlet red.
The fruit is crisp and tender, with juicy flesh that’s slightly sweet and mildly acidic—making it one of the best apples for pies, sauces, cider, and fresh eating. Its late blooming habit helps it avoid spring frosts, while its October harvest extends the apple season and provides a valuable late-season food source for wildlife.
How to Grow the Northern Spy Apple Tree
Northern Spy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially in cooler climates. It requires a compatible pollinator for fruit production, see recommendations below. This variety is known for its long keeping quality, storing well for up to five months under proper conditions.
With its rich flavor, versatility, and resilience, the Northern Spy Apple Tree is a must-have for any northern home orchard.
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 | Late |
| Fruit Color | Yellow Green |
| Fruit Size | Large |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | October |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Texture | Firm, Tender, Fine, Crisp |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
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.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
Hello! A Stark Bros' Northern Spy has been growing in my northern garden's clay soil for two years now. Like my three other apple trees, it's doing well. I did spend a lot of time preparing the location, though. I dug the hole a lot wider and deeper than seemed necessary to me (following the directions on the Stark website). Then I mixed in a lot of coir and some compost. I am enjoying my Stark apple trees so much. I highly suggest you give a Northern Spy a try. Care in the set-up leads to success.
No, you will need another apple variety with a similar bloom time. Enterprise or Fuji would be great pollinators.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. The Honeycrisp is a mid-late season bloomer and it should help pollinate the late blooming Norther Spy.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Mine took 8 years to get fruit. But, they are great apples and make the best pies and store well.
We're in Colorado along the front range of the Rockies, zone 5B.
Virginia just barely in the acceptable zone
Northern Spy Apple Tree but don't see it listed (only semi-dwarf)...are they sold out already or do you not produce one?
I'm just another customer. Our family purchased semi-dwarf Northern Spies from Stark Bros, but they're not old enough to produce fruit yet.
? Diana
Do NOT over water! No fruit tree likes constantly soggy roots. Also don't over fertilize.
If its a good producer of fine fruit that would be a great Idea! You can graft it to either Standard, Semi dwarf, or dwarf root stock. Depending on your climate will depend on the root stock you will use. Cold northern climates I would suggest a Russian root stock such as BUDAGOVSKI. If in more southern climate with drought maybe a M26 or M111.
Yes, Macintosh, Jonathan, and White Pearmain can all pollinate your Northern Spy apple tree — as long as bloom times overlap and the trees are within pollination distance (ideally within 50–100 feet).
Late dropping
This is a world class cooking apple! My old Spy was full size--too big
I love spy apples for cooking
A vintage apple.