Chieftain apple trees

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• Picking season: Late
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 4

A quietly popular apple, similar to Delicious but with a better and more complex flavor.

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Chieftain apple trees for sale

Pre-order for delivery in spring 2027

• Semi-dwarf, 1-year bare-root tree $39.95

  Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  Semi-dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  

All about Chieftain apple trees

Chieftain is one of those apples that is not particularly well-known, but is popular with those that grow it. It is a cross between two classic American apples, Jonathan and Delicious, and the result is a nicely-balanced apple which is still sweet like Delicious but has a bit more interesting tartness to its flavor.

How to grow

Chieftain is reliable and easy to grow and has some natural resistance to scab and fireblight.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Developed at Iowa State University at the start of the 20th century, but not released until 1966.

Chieftain characteristics

• What level of gardening skill is needed to grow Chieftain?Beginner
• Is Chieftain self-fertile?Not self-fertile
• What flowering group is Chieftain?4
• Is Chieftain good for pollinating others?Average
• What season do you pick Chieftain?Late
• UsesEating freshCulinary
• How long can you keep Chieftain in a fridge?1-2 months
• What is the overall disease resistance of Chieftain?Good
• How resistant is Chieftain to fire blight?Some resistance
• Is Chieftain resistant to scab?Some resistance
• What is the USDA hardiness zone for Chieftain?Zone 4 (-34C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Where does Chieftain originate from?United States
• When was Chieftain first introduced?1900 - 1949
• Fruit colorCrimson