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Spitzenburg Apple
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Spitzenburg Apple

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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. Best pollinators: any Golden Delicious, Newtown Pippin, or Cortland.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Medium
Ripens/Harvest Late October
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Juicy, Sweet
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 2 - 5
Zone Range 4 - 8

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 compatability range of this variety before ordering.

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.

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

Get an estimated delivery date »

You don't pay until it ships.

We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location. That's why we only ship living products during certain times of the year. Order now and your credit card won't be charged until your climate is suitable for planting success and your order is shipped.

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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Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Heirloom, love the flavor.
Emily C on Sep 19, 2016
Antique variety, Jefferson's apple
Christopher D on Jun 20, 2016
Heirloom, love the flavor.
Emily C on Sep 19, 2016
Thomas Jefferson liked this apple. Good enough for me!
Michael H on Jul 21, 2016
Antique variety, Jefferson's apple
Christopher D on Jun 20, 2016
Heirloom apples are my hobby, and this was Mr. Jefferson's favorite
david e on Mar 30, 2016
recommended by several sources as excellent heirloom variety
alan r on Mar 26, 2016
Familiar with apple when I maintained a very old orchard 30 years ago
Ciderman on Feb 22, 2016
Historic significance
Charles S on Feb 21, 2016
Thomas Jefferson liked this apple. Good enough for me!
Michael H on Jul 21, 2016
Heirloom apples are my hobby, and this was Mr. Jefferson's favorite
david e on Mar 30, 2016

Customer Reviews

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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!
May 16, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
For the die-hard apple lover
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.
October 22, 2019
Response from Stark Bro's
Hi Scott - Thank you for sharing this information from your first hand experience with growing this variety. This information is very educational. If you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your planting success is important to us!
October 22, 2019
Tabitha R

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