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  4. Starkspur® Red Rome Beauty Apple
Photo of Starkspur® Red Rome Beauty Apple
Photo of Starkspur® Red Rome Beauty Apple
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Starkspur® Red Rome Beauty Apple

81 ReviewsAsk Questions

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Starting at
$37.99
Each

Description

A Stark Bro's Exclusive!

Our best baking apple — just tart enough. The spurs on our Starkspur® trees allow fruit to form on each limb — bearing from the trunk out! Regular trees only bear fruit on outside limbs. This variety’s precocious nature earned it the nickname ‘mortgage maker’ from growers. Produces shiny red apples just 2-3 years after planting. They taste great right off the tree, but you’ll want to save plenty for the most delicious pies, crisps and cobblers you’ve ever tasted. Also makes beautiful sautéed apple slices because they hold their shape when cooked. Originates from Selah, Washington in 1970. Cold-hardy. Ripens in mid-October. Self-pollinating.

125% Survival Guarantee!

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 issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Late
Chill Hours 700 - 1000
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest Mid October
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet And Tart
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 2 - 3
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 is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

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

This item is currently out of stock.
Read more about availability
Read about our shipping policies

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.

Tags

We've 'tagged' this item with specific keywords that help you find other products that share features or characteristics with this one. Select a tag below to view all the items that have that particular trait.

Questions & Answers

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Browse 18 questions Browse 18 questions and 82 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Looks delicious
Joseph D on Mar 12, 2021
I chose this Red Rome because it has the Starkspur feature.
Irvin B on Mar 5, 2021
Looks delicious
Joseph D on Mar 12, 2021
I have a Starspur Red Delicious I've had for 20 years or more and it has a bumper crop of apples every year. I love it.
Sandra P on Mar 7, 2021
I chose this Red Rome because it has the Starkspur feature.
Irvin B on Mar 5, 2021
Self-polinating and can grow in zone 6B.
Kristen H on Mar 5, 2021
I like Red Rome apples, should fit in my small yard. Was listed as self pollinating although neighbors have flowering crabs to help.
Alexandria A on Mar 1, 2021
Wanted a good baking apple
Karen H. on Feb 5, 2021
Self-pollinating, beautiful, red apple. I plan to add heirlooms in the vicinity, but am starting with this semi-dwarf in fruit tree guild.
Anne H on Feb 4, 2021
grows best with the other apple tree I selected
raymond k on Jan 30, 2021
Starkspur variety reputation for quality and fruit production.
Richard D on Jan 30, 2021
To pollinate with Starkrimsom Red
Bob U on Jan 19, 2021
Like the taste of Rome apples
Lillian K on Nov 29, 2020
I have had a red rome beauty for over 30 years. I love the taste and they bake really well. Unfortunately my old one has died and needed replaced.
JOYCE K on Nov 27, 2020
To pollinate Stayman Winesap
David H on Jun 3, 2020
Self-pollinating
Maureen R on Apr 15, 2020
Fruit
Ace on Mar 23, 2020
for the horses
JaNae M on Mar 20, 2020
pie
sue k on Mar 18, 2020
I like the tart crunchy sweet taste and is recommended by our NC extension office.
Robert S on Mar 15, 2020
I ordered Red Rome at other addresses and was always great both for cooking and eating fresh.
Antonio K on Mar 14, 2020
Favorite Apple
LaQuetta M on Mar 13, 2020
Fits my yard plus self pollinating.
BERT M on Mar 8, 2020
gift
Bruce W on Feb 15, 2020
Because I love the flavor of these apples & I no longer see them in grocery stores anymore.
Virginia S on Feb 12, 2020
cross pollinator for granny/apple pie
doug m on Feb 6, 2020
65+yrs family tradition of planting Rome Beauty trees - excellent producer
Mr Spock on Feb 2, 2020
Good to eat or cook. keeps well
JoAnn H on Feb 1, 2020
Great pollinator for other varieties and very productive.
Crystal C on Jan 26, 2020
Pollinator and good for baking
Alan U on Jan 22, 2020
different variety of sweeter apple
Carmen B on Jan 16, 2020
Your description
Betty W on Jan 12, 2020
pollinator for honey crisp
Sandra S on Jan 1, 2020
It is self-pollinating and good for baking!
Tricia G on May 27, 2019
Best baking apple ever!
Ann Marie F on May 22, 2019
I wanted a self pollinating spur type apple.
Bonnie T on May 20, 2019
I recently lost my Jonathon tree and needed another pollinator for my Honeycrisp. I wanted a tree that is good for pies and crisps.
LAURIE W on May 19, 2019
We chose this variety based on what others have said about rate of growth and taste. Another reviewer mentioned the Northern Spy apple as having a slightly better flavor, but this variety seems to have really good reviews on taste as well. We are setting up a small homestead and this was a variety we chose based on cold hardiness and taste.
Cheryl C on May 13, 2019
dwarf self polinating
Douglas L on May 13, 2019
pollinator for honey crisp
Carl W P on May 11, 2019
Price and pollinator
Kathleen V on May 6, 2019
Semi-dwarf and self pollinating for our growing zone. Stark Brothers company has a great reputation for quality products.
Elizabeth B on Apr 30, 2019
Great reviews and will be a good pollinator.
Wendie S on Apr 29, 2019
Wanted a pollinator for my Arkasas Black trees. Flavor profile sounded good.
Deanna Z on Apr 24, 2019
Price is right, looks good and dwarf variety.
John G on Apr 11, 2019
Starkspur production
LAWRENCE M on Apr 9, 2019
Pollinator for Arkansas black, liked what it was best to be used for, that made it a good variety of uses apple
Moriah L on Feb 4, 2019
Pollinator for Arkansas Black & we like apple pie from home grown apples
Mark C on Jan 27, 2019
pollinator for the honney crisp and I love the flavor and it is so good for pies.
GWEN L on Nov 9, 2018
quick bearing, bears good crop every year unless there is a late frost, one of the later apples to drop.
SCOTT W on Oct 18, 2018
for a family member.
Barry on Oct 16, 2018
Picked apples and made applesauce from friends trees, want more for future sauce and pies from our own trees!
Phaedra B on Oct 8, 2018
I have a Starspur Red Delicious I've had for 20 years or more and it has a bumper crop of apples every year. I love it.
Sandra P on Mar 7, 2021
Self-polinating and can grow in zone 6B.
Kristen H on Mar 5, 2021
does this apple can , and or freeze well ?
Lorri P on Apr 21, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I commonly cook then freeze apples for eating throughout the winter. Some keep better than others. But, if the apples you cook are not mushy after cooking, they are not likely to be mushy after thawing. I just core, peel and slice. Add a little sugar, lots of cinnamon and cook them. Place them in plastic storage containers, then freeze. A delicious treat in the winter! Don, Rapid City, SD
How long does this variety store after harvest?
Karen H on Mar 16, 2016
BEST ANSWER: 4 to 5 months in proper storage.
I have 2 Red Rome Beauty apple trees that are covered with apples. It is October 13th and they are very red on top (that faces the sun) and more green on the bottom, that doesn't. How can I tell when I should pick these apples?
GABRIELLE L on Oct 13, 2017
BEST ANSWER: This apple generally ripens in mid-October, so it's close, but if the apples are still green, they're not ready. The best way to tell for sure is to cut one open and see if the seeds are dark brown. That is a ripe apple.
How does the fruit fare with early frost or snow?
Sue in soCal on Jan 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The tree is only going on its third year. It did produce blossoms which I picked off
I am in mid Michigan and the frost last year was not a factor.
Does the Starkspur Red Rome pair/pollinate with the Stark Golden Delicious?
Jason J on Feb 12, 2021
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Yes the golden delicious is a common pollinator for all apple trees.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
I live in central Maine. What month to order? and what month to plant?
markos l on Nov 29, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time. You can place your order when ever you see items you would like in stock and delay shipment.

You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32??F) and below 90??F.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Deer almost ate every leaf off of this tree will it come back?
BERT M on May 7, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Sounds like this deer will definatly come back. Free meals are not often forgotten. Can we still get free breakfast at Denny's on our birthday?
I am ordering a Red Rome Beauty, which other tree do you advise to plant with it for pollination?
william m on Apr 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Honey crisp
Would this variety do well in espalier?
Rachel B on Apr 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: If it???s a good variety for your climate, I don???t see why it wouldn???t. Of the four apple trees we purchased, the Red Rome has been the fastest grower by far.
Is this a semi dwarf tree?
Wes H on Mar 12, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I purchased a semi dwarf tree. I don???t know what other root stocks are offered.
Which of your spur bearing trees are good to espalier?
Beverly G on Nov 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can try your hand at espaliering any variety of fruit tree, as long as the fruit tree suits your climate. Spur type apples are usually easier and more forgiving. Currently, we have the Starkspur Arkansas Black available.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
How is this variety for fresh eating? We like Braeburns at our local store. Never tried this one.
beames on May 25, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We got 3 off our tree, just 2nd yr. Very sweet and juicy. Looking forward to the next crop!
Can I plant boysenberry close to raspberry?
Linda R on Apr 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can. You only need to be careful about planting black raspberries near raspberries and blackberries.
What is the size of the tree when it is shipped?
BlueDog T on Oct 19, 2018
BEST ANSWER: That will depend upon which option you choose. Please see the "Choose an option" dropdown menu near the top of the page, which will show you the various sizes/options that are available.
i have only partial sun, how will that affect the tree?
Brian N on Feb 22, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You will get more leaves than fruit, and if you do get fruit is will be smaller and pretty sparse. Fruit trees really need full sun in order to produce.
I want to plant honeycrisp apple tree. I already have red delicious and gala. Can they pollinate or I need plant another kind?
Fang l on Feb 20, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the Starkrimson Gala and Honeycrisp will pollinate each other.

Customer Reviews

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4.4 / 5.0
81 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
53
19
3
3
3
Very disease resistant.
I purchased my Red Rome beauty over 15 years ago and have never had a bit of cedar apple rust even though the tree is only 50 ft away from large cedar trees. I have a standard and am overwhelmed by the amount of wonderful apples. On a good year, neighbors, friends,and church members have shared the harvest, along with buckets of apples for the horses. A truly great productive, reliable tree. Every yard should have a tree like this!
May 21, 2016
Of all my Stark Apples this is my favorite
Without a doubt this was my favorite of all the trees I have ordered from stark bros. It arrived healthy and larger than expected. It not only survived its first winter under care of a new gardener, but flourished. It began flowering its first year, and by year two I allowed it to bear a few fruit. The apples tasted incredible and I anticipate great crops in the future.
March 13, 2016
Outstanding!
The little sticks I put in the ground last spring produced growth much stronger than I could have anticipated. They wintered over with no dieback and took off strong this year. They are now flowering heavily! I had to take pictures to prove one year old trees can do that. I bought from Stark because my grandfather's trees were all Stark. He received them from a Stark family member for his service in WWI.
May 24, 2016
Pollination
I purchased the Starkspur Red Rome Beauty Apple as an aid in pollination for the Honey Crisps I also purchased. As a former devotee of Miller Nurseries (recently purchased by Stark Bro's), I placed an order with Stark Bro's and received a similar level of service and quality of product that kept me loyal to Miller for decades. The Starkspur Red Rome Beauty is in its second season with me, vigorous, and is now- 5/5/16 -producing flowers. Based on my experience, I can earnestly recommend Stark Bro's and their stock. My hardiness zone is 5a.
May 11, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Rome
It is 5 feet tall this spring, leafing out nicely and it has about 20 flowers. It is my second Rome. I like them because it is very dense apple and a very deep red that even extends into the flesh. When you polish it it is the most beautiful photogenic apple in my orchard. It is best in applesauce because it imparts a beautiful rose color to the sauce. It's not as tasty to eat out of hand as a Cortland or Northern Spy
May 4, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Dwarf Starkspur Red Rome
It's a little early to tell how well it is growing since I planted it in the fall of 2015. I can say at this point that when it arrived it had already been pruned and was in good shape,the roots were moist. I have high hopes for that tree which was purchased to be a pollinator for a Honeycrisp that was planted several years ago but hasn't had many apples. So time will tell , besides Rome apples make a delicious cooked apple with cinnamon and a little sugar.
February 26, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Good
Bare root came timely in good condition. Survived 1st winter well.
March 10, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Quick growing apple
As promised the plant survived within one winter and is blooming and showing apples in the second year itself.
June 2, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Looks good so far...
Trees arrived in perfect condition and well packaged. Both currently still just look like sticks, but we will hopefully see some life in the near future!
March 4, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Red Rome Beauty Apple
The bare root plant is several years old and doing very well. I've planted several varieties of apples from Stark Bros., all are doing very well.
May 27, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago

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