James Keith
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Malus domestica 'Cortland'
Plant Common Name
Apple, Cortland Apple, Red Eating Apple
General Description
This classic, old-time apple is still one of the most popular in United States production. Bred at Cornell University in 1915 as a hybrid between ‘Ben Davis’ and ‘McIntosh’, its medium-sized fruits are red with yellow-green undertones. The flesh within is super sweet and crispy, especially if eaten right after picking. 'Cortland' trees are vigorous and high-producing. Cross-pollinate with 'McIntosh', 'Golden Delicious', 'Honeycrisp' or other apples that bloom mid- to late-season. This fall-producer is one of the most popular apples for northern production with the highest concentrations of orchards in New York State, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own apple trees. The domestic apple is most commonly a medium-sized tree with a rounded to oval canopy. It originates from southeastern Europe, Siberia, and southwestern Asia and has been in cultivation for thousands of years. In spring, they offer sweet, fragrant flowers of light pink, white or rose and in fall reward us with crisp, juicy apples.
Apple fruits come in a wide variety of colors, textures and flavors and may be eaten out-of-hand, pressed for cider, frozen, canned or baked in a variety of ways. There are thousands of cultivars available, including many interesting heirlooms as well as fresh new varieties. Different selections vary in height and may bear fruit in late summer or fall.
While the domestic apple prefers full sun and well-drained soil, it will tolerate light shade and bouts of drought. For best fruit production, trees must be vigorously pruned and maintained. Apples are susceptible to many pests and diseases, but resistant varieties are available. Most apples are grafted onto rootstock that provides a wide range of benefits such as vigor, pest and disease resistance and dwarf stature, depending on the stock.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12'-25' / 3.7m - 7.6m
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Width
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Southern Asia, Western Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Yellow Green
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Fruit Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Yellow, Brown
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
