Without doubt Esopus Spitzenburg is one of the great American apple varieties. It has a true aromatic flavor and has been widely praised by American pomologists down the centuries. The noted English author Hogg writing at the end of the 19th century also liked it, calling it "a most excellent dessert apple".
This is not a variety to eat straight from the tree - it needs to be stored for at least a month in a cold store (or fridge) for the flavor to mature - and it will keep until well into the new year. The flesh is dense and buttery with a rich sharp yet sweet quality, great for eating fresh on a winter's day - but also useful in the kitchen and good for juicing.
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.
Spitzenburg is self-sterile and needs to be pollinated by another tree of a different variety nearby.
Our online pollination checker lists suitable pollination partners for this variety.
More advice about pollination.
It is almost a truism with apples that the varieties with the best flavor are the hardest to grow. The main challenge with Esopus Spitzenberg is that it has poor disease resistance, although its natural vigour and productiveness helps it to keep going. The flavor is at its best in cooler climates, and like many heirloom varieties Spitzenburg likes warm autumn days and cool autumn nights.
Planting instructions.
Pruning instructions.
Discovered near Esopus, New York, in the 18th century and well-known by the 1790s when Thomas Jefferson ordered some to plant at Monticello.
