Northern Spy ApplesNorthern Spy ApplesNorthern Spy ApplesNorthern Spy Apples

Northern Spy Apple Tree

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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.

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

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 4 - 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

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 »

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