Zestar! apple tree

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• Picking season: Early
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 1

Zestar! is an attractive early-season apple, which can usually be picked in late August / early September. Unlike many early varieties it is a notably crisp apple and can be stored for at least a month in the fridge. It needs careful handling though, as it brusies easily.

It was developed by the University of Minnesota, and is a good choice for areas with cold winters.

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Zestar! apple trees for sale

You can pre-order now for spring 2025

• Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $39.30
  Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  G.214 rootstock
  

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How to grow

Zestar! is generally an easy variety to grow, but it has an unusually early bloom which can make pollination tricky. Use our pollination checker to find suitable pollination partners or choose an early-flowering crab-apple such as Wickson. It is also one of the first apple varieties to come out of winter dormancy - you will notice the buds starting to swell.

Zestar! should be hardy to zone 4, on suitable cold-hardy rootstocks.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Developed by the University of Minnesota and released in 1999.

Zestar! characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
• Pollination group1
• Pollinating othersAverage
• Picking seasonEarly
• UsesEating fresh
• Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightSome resistance
• ScabVery susceptible
• Cedar apple rustSome resistance
• MildewSome resistance
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1950 - 1999
• Fruit colorGreen / Red