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Orange Pippin Trees USA logoSpecialist fruit trees for your orchard or back-yard

Cortland apple tree

Cortland
Cortland is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Late
  • Self-fertility: Partially self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 3
Developed from McIntosh, Cortland is one of the most widely-grown Mac-style apples.
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Cortland apple trees for sale

  • 1Small 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
    G.41 rootstock
  • 2Medium 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
    G.935 rootstock
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Cortland was one of the first varieties to be developed from the popular McIntosh apple. It is a cross between an old southern variety, Ben Davis, pollinated by McIntosh. However as is often the case with McIntosh crosses, Cortland is very much in the McIntosh mould, with the characteristic crimson red skin and glistening sweet white flesh, although it does have a more rustic appeal than some other Mac crosses.

Cortland is a reliable and heavy-cropping variety. The apples are generally larger than McIntosh, but the sweet perfumed flavor is similar. Fruit quality from markets can be quite variable because Cortland does not keep especially well, but this is easily remedied by growing your own. Although primarily an apple for eating fresh, Cortland is also useful in the kitchen, and cut slices don't brown quickly.

Redcort - shown in our main photo - is a sport of Cortland with similar characteristics but a deeper crimson skin.

How to grow

Cortland is an easy apple to grow in most cooler climates, with no particular vices.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Raised at the New York State Experiment Station, Geneva, 1898. McIntosh x Ben Davis.

Cortland characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilityPartially self-fertile
  • Pollination group3
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • PloidyDiploid
  • Bearing regularityRegular
  • Fruit bearingPartial tip-bearer
  • WildlifeRHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking seasonLate
  • UsesEating freshCulinary
  • CroppingHeavy
  • Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
  • Flavor style (apples)Sweeter
  • Cooking resultKeeps shape
  • General resistanceGood
  • FireblightSome susceptibility
  • ScabSome susceptibility
  • Cedar apple rustSome susceptibility
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)(4) -30F / -34C
  • Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
  • Country of originUnited States
  • Period of origin1900 - 1949
  • Fruit colorCrimson

Similar varieties

  • See also Empire
    Empire
    One of the most widely-planted McIntosh style apples, Empire has the Mac flavor but improves on it.
  • See also Enterprise
    Enterprise
    Enterprise is a modern American disease-resistant apple, good for eating fresh and cooking.
  • See also Fameuse
    Fameuse
    A very hardy north country apple, known both as the Snow Apple and Fameuse, and the probable parent of McIntosh.
  • See also Macoun
    Macoun
    Macoun is one of the best McIntosh-style apples, with the characteristic flowery vinous flavor.
  • See also McIntosh
    McIntosh
    A traditional versatile apple popular in the northern states of the USA. Also known as Macintosh.