Transcendent Crab crab apple tree

Malus domestica 'Transcendent Crab'

• Check pollinators >

• Picking season: Mid
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 3

Transcendent Crab is a crab-apple variety, producing large quantities of very pretty orange/red flushed crab-apples.

The white blossom is borne in profusion and makes an attractive sight in spring - and is also lightly scented.

The crab-apples are quite large, effectively small apples. They do not keep, so need to be used soon after picking - they are well-suited to making crab-apple jelly, or can be used for cider. They are sweet enough to be palatable for eating fresh too.

 

Transcendent Crab crab apple trees for sale

You can pre-order now for spring 2025

• Full-size 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 16ft-24ft after 10 years
  P.18 rootstock
  

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How to grow

Unusually for a crab-apple, Transcendent Crab is not self-fertile, and will not pollinate other apple varieties. Therefore you will need another crab-apple or apple variety planted nearby to pollinate it.

Transcendent Crab is very cold-hardy, and should be good for zone 4 with a suitable rootstock.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Transcendent Crab has been widely-grown in North America since the mid 19th century, but its orgins are unknown. It is possibly a hybrid of Malus domestica and the Siberian Crab (Malus baccata). Its unusual combination of apple and crab-apple characteristics attracted Californian apple breeder Albert Etter, who used it in the development of at least one of his varieties, Etter's Gold, and possibly in the development of the well-known (and quite similar) Wickson Crab.

Transcendent Crab characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
• Pollination group3
• Pollinating othersPoor
• Picking seasonMid
• UsesCulinaryJuiceHard cider
• Keeping (of fruit)1 week
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightVery susceptible
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 3 (-40C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1800 - 1849
• Flesh colourCream
• Fruit colorOrange / Red

Similar varieties

• Northland Crab
  Northland Crab is a cold-hardy crab apple, ideal for crab-apple jelly.
• 
  Wickson Crab
  Wickson crab is a popular crab apple variety which is also useful in cider blends.