Hardy, deciduous, medium-sized fruit tree
Description: Small, round to oblong, yellow fruits with tiny black spots and dense yellow flesh; ripens in October in Central Virginia
Habit: Grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstock (MM111); grows 14-16’ high; space trees 15-20’ apart; early to mid-season blooming period; bears heavily
Culture: Prefers full sun and average soil; mulch to conserve moisture; additional pollinator (apple variety) recommended for improved fruit production and shape
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 through 8
A very popular cider apple in the 19th-century, Harrison was thought to have gone extinct until it was rediscovered in New Jersey in 1976. Noted Virginia apple grower and historian Tom Burford helped to reintroduce this important apple, citing its ability to produce an “extremely dark, rich cider with an exceptional mouth-feel.” The Harrison was praised as far back as 1846 when A.J. Downing wrote that it “…has long enjoyed the highest reputation as a cider fruit…The tree grows thriftily and bears very large crops.” Resistant to apple scab and good for storing.
This tree will ship bare root. One year grafted M111 is approximately 4' tall.
Bare root planting tips:
~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.