I planted this when I didn't know much about apple diseases. This is not a hardy tree. If you plant this tree know that it's a labor of love. Cedar apple rust is a problem in this part of the country and this apple gets hammered. The tree loses at least half of its leaves every year and fights to stay alive.
The Esopus Spitzenburg was one of Thomas Jefferson's favorite apples.
This year my tree produced the first two apples. I know why Jefferson liked this apple. It is a russet so it's not pretty but the taste, just wow. Unbelievably delicious. I live in the Hudson Valley and it's difficult to taste this apple as the crop is usually very small and only diehard apple enthusiasts plant this tree. I guess what I'm saying is this tree is a lot of work but the end result is totally worth it. Don't use this tree for an entire orchard but plant it as a specimen. A side note, I do not spray or use chemicals. I try to plant with biodiversity (permaculture/food forestry). If you use Chemicals the tree may be healthier in the beginning.
Spitzenburg Apple Tree
Description
Also called esopus spitzenberg apple
Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple! This tree’s fruit was once the standard of excellence for early American apples. Has exceptional, complex, spicy flavor that improves with time in storage. One of the finest for eating, canning, cooking, and juice. Antique variety, originates from Esopus, New York, circa 1800s. Cold-hardy. Ripens in late October. Pollinator required: Choose another apple variety. See Recommended Pollinators below.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Mid - Late |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | Late 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
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
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
Have a question? Ask owners.
Start typing and see existing answers.
Why did you choose this?
Hello! Can you suggest me some pollinator for the Spitzenburg? I live in Williamsburg New York. I need something smaller than an another apple tree. Thank you very much
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach. A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time. Best pollinators: any Golden Delicious, Newtown Pippin, or Cortland.
Customer Reviews
4 Ratings
4 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 22, 2019
For the die-hard apple lover
Rated 5 out of 5
May 16, 2016
Spitzenburg Apples
My Spitzenburg apple trees arrived in great condition, exactly when I was told they would. They've been in the ground for over a year now, and they're still doing wonderfully. They're in better shape than some fruit trees I purchased at local nurseries. Stark Brothers obviously knows how to deliver healthy and happy trees!
Rated 1 out of 5
Jun 29, 2023
Tree purchased in 2016 never really thrived. I have other apples doing fine. This tree became weak at the graft and partially broke this spring, despite support. Now it has few leaves and will likely die soon.
Rated 1 out of 5
May 8, 2017
maybe next year ?
Tree died after a few months in the ground, in spite of frequent watering. Will try again next year, as this variety is out of stock this year.
Heirloom, love the flavor.
Thomas Jefferson liked this apple. Good enough for me!
Antique variety, Jefferson's apple
Heirloom apples are my hobby, and this was Mr. Jefferson's favorite