Kerr crab apple tree

Malus domestica x Malus baccata 'Kerr'

• Check pollinators >

• Picking season: Mid
• Self-fertility: Partially self-fertile
• Pollination group: 2

Kerr is an interesting apple / crab-apple cross. The attractive crimson-pink fruits are small by apple standards, but relatively large for a crab-apple.

The fruits are extremely juicy, and have a good rich sweet-tart balance. They can be eaten fresh, but this is first and foremost an apple for juicing.

Kerr crab apple trees for sale

You can pre-order for spring 2025

• 1Dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
  Dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  
• 2Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  Semi-dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  

How to grow

Kerr is easy to grow, and very cold-hardy.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Kerr is a cross between a crab-apple, Malus Dolgo, and Haralson. It can be considered a large-fruited Malus Dolgo in most respects. It was developed at the Morden Research Station of Agriculture Canada in Manitoba, and introduced in the 1950s.

Kerr characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• Self-fertilityPartially self-fertile
• Pollination group2
• Pollinating othersGood
• Picking seasonMid
• UsesEating freshCulinaryJuice
• Keeping (of fruit)3 months or more
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightSome resistance
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 3 (-40C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Hot (>30C / 86F)
• Country of originCanada
• Period of origin1900 - 1949
• Flesh colourCream
• Fruit colorRed

Similar varieties

• 
  Dolgo
  Malus Dolgo, also known as Pink Glow, offers early-season white flowers and dark pink fruits.