Kerr crab apple tree

Malus domestica x Malus baccata 'Kerr'

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

A cold-hardy crab-apple, primarily used for cider and cooking.

Kerr crab apple trees for sale

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

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

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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.

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
• PloidyDiploid
• Bearing regularityRegular
• Fruit bearingSpur-bearer
• WildlifeRHS Plants for Pollinators
• Picking seasonMid
• UsesEating freshCulinaryJuice
• CroppingHeavy
• Keeping (of fruit)3 months or more
• Flavor style (apples)Sweeter
• Juice styleSweeter
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightSome resistance
• Cold hardiness (USDA)(3) -40F / -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
• Fruit sizeLarge

Similar varieties

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