Description

Small, sweet, edible crab apples. This tree produces a large harvest of red, golf ball-size apples that are perfect for canning, preserving, pickling, spicing and cider. Flesh is sweet, juicy and slightly yellow. Also produces beautiful pink and white blossoms in spring. Originates from Franklin Grove, Illinois circa 1869. Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant and scab-resistant. Ripens in late August or early September. Self-pollinating.

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 Pink, White
Bloom Time Mid - Late
Chill Hours 800
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Hardiness Zone Range 3 - 9
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest Late August/early September
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Juicy, Firm
Years to Bear 2 - 5

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide
Dwarf 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15'
Dwarf 8 - 10'

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 3 - 9
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 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. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best results.

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.

Shipping Information

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.

Questions & Answers

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86 Questions
Why did you choose this?

I wanted this tree for its size and because it will help pollinate my red delicious and gala trees I have.

I wanted a smaller tree for an area in my yard. I hope to make crab apple jelly someday!

It is heritage and has uses I want.

Recommended by Iowa State University Extension Service

Customer Reviews

145 Ratings
4.4out of 5 stars
145 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 68% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 19% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 5% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 3% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 5% of reviewers

1-10 of 145 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 7, 2025
One Happy Little Tree!!!!
This tree is growing like mad. It has gotten so many new branches and getting taller by the day. It seems as happy as can be. Cannot wait for some apples lol!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 28, 2025
Rapid growth and production
This tree grew rapidly in zone 9a and produced apples 12 months after planting. Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 24, 2025
I am very happy with it. My tree has grown over two feet since I planted.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 18, 2025
Flowered
Doing well and even flowered shortly after planting. Had to fence it to keep deer away.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 1, 2025
Happy!
This tree has done amazing! Arrived good sized, healthy and well packaged. Within a month of getting her in the ground she had flowered! Basically no limbs at that point but flowers!! It is now a couple months later and I actually have one crabapple on her! Just amazing tree and so glad I purchased!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 24, 2025
Happy
I have looked for one for a long time - just planted this year and I already have one apple growing on my little tree.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 22, 2025
Crabapple tree
The tree really took well once planted. I have never been disappointed with a Stark's bros product. The tree arrived as a bare root stick and it already resembles a small tree.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 18, 2025
Pollination of Apple Orchard
Have been depending on my neighbor's large crabapple tree for my 7 varieties to pollinate. Starting my own crabapple tree for the future support of my orchard. Arrived healthy with small leaflets. Planted within 20 hours of arrival. Progressing well. Now have two varieties of crabapples to support pollination and will use the fruit in jellies.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 16, 2025
I received and planted the tree last fall. It is healthy and growing very well this spring. I am very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 12, 2025
sturdy and productive
already has a crop on it! took off running once in the ground and flowered just at the tail end of frost, has held a handful of apples through June drop, and is doing well. very healthy plant and a sturdy tree