Description
Malus domestica ‘Spartan’
Spartan is a medium-sized, deep red dessert apple with crisp, juicy, white flesh and a subtly sweet-tart flavor, often exhibiting hints of melon and strawberry. A McIntosh cross from British Columbia, Spartan is a very popular disease resistant multi-purpose variety with great nutrition. The smooth skin is dark red with fine white striping, and the fruit is excellent for fresh eating, juicing, or for adding sweet notes to cider blends. Trees are moderately vigorous with an upright, spreading habit and produce annual crops on one- and two-year-old wood. Resistant to mildew, scab, and fireblight, but can be susceptible to canker, though this has not prevented its widespread success. Spartan is hardy and self-fertile, though yields improve with a compatible pollinator.
USDA Zone: 3–9
Pollination: Self-fertile; performs best with a compatible apple variety nearby. McIntosh will not work.
Time to productivity: May produce in 2 years depending on conditions.
Ripening time: Early to mid-October
Storage length: Up to 5 months in proper conditions.