State Fair apple tree

Malus domestica 'State Fair'

• Check pollinators >

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

State Fair is a pretty bright red summer apple, with a juicy firm flesh and sweet/tart flavor.

Unusually for a summer variety, the apples can be stored for several weeks in a fridge without loss of flavor. 

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State Fair apple trees for sale

You can pre-order for spring 2025

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

  Out of stock
  

How to grow

State Fair is exceptionally cold-hardy and a good choice for northern states, but is susceptible to fireblight.

State Fair is also prone to biennial-bearing - so if you notice a heavy fruitset at the end of May be sure to thin the fruitlets aggressively.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

State Fair was developed by the University of Minnesota, and is a cross of two cold-hardy apple varieties, Mantet and Oriole. It was released in 1977.

State Fair characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
• Pollination group4
• Pollinating othersAverage
• Picking seasonEarly
• UsesEating freshCulinary
• Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightSome susceptibility
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Chill requirementHigh-chill
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1950 - 1999
• Fruit colorRed