Mutsu is a rather unusual apple. Its large size and juicy acidity make it an excellent apple for the kitchen. Slices keep their shape when baked, but it can also be cooked for apple sauce, and slices can be dried too.
However Mutsu's Golden Delicious parentage also lends it an excellent sweet flavor for eating fresh. In a good year from a good tree, Mutsu's crisp sharp-sweet flavor can be very good indeed.
All in all this is a very versatile apple, and one of that select band of apple varieties that is equally good for eating fresh or in the kitchen.
Delivery discounts. Prices are for individual trees excluding delivery. There is no minimum quantity but it is cost effective to order in multiples of 3 trees.
Delivery period: Trees are delivered in March and April. However it is best to order as soon as you can to ensure items are reserved for you. If you live in a warm zone (e.g. Southern California, Alabama etc.) Fall delivery is possible. More details on our spring shipping schedule by state.
*Mature heights: Height shown is the approximate height of the tree when mature (after 5-10 years), not the height when supplied. Actual mature heights may vary considerably dependent on your local conditions and training and pruning regime.
Stock availability: Items showing as 'sold out' will probably be available again next season. If you would like to reserve in advance use our enquiry form - this does not commit you to anything.
Mutsu (Crispin) is a triploid variety and cannot pollinate other varieties. It needs to be pollinated by another tree of a different variety nearby. You can either plant a self-fertile variety (which will pollinate itself and the Mutsu (Crispin)) or you can plant two pollination partners which must each be of different varieties and able to cross-pollinate each other as well as the Mutsu (Crispin). If you need further advice on this just get in touch. Since it flowers in the middle of the blossom season it can be pollinated by most other apple trees.
Our online pollination checker lists suitable pollination partners for this variety.
More advice about pollination.
The main thing to be aware of is that Mutsu is a triploid variety, and needs two separate pollination partners nearby. Despite its all-round eating and culinary ability it is therefore best as a third tree in a collection rather than as your only apple tree. Apple trees in neighboring gardens will help as well of course. Disease resistance is not great and it is particularly susceptible to cedar apple rust (CAR), but it is a strong-growing tree that can tolerate a few problems without too much effect.
Mutsu likes a warm climate but with cool fall nights.
Planting instructions.
Pruning instructions.
Developed in Japan in the 1930s, a cross between Golden Delicious and Indo. Known both as Mutsu and Crispin.
