One of our favorites, this unique, New Zealand variety bears large, high quality, crisp and juicy fruit with deliciously tangy flesh. This is the variety we look for when we have to buy apples in the supermarket. Braeburn ripens in mid-October and can be stored until spring.

Latin Name: Malus pumila

Class: Apples

Size at Maturity: 8-12 ft.

Rootstock Description: M-26 is considered a dwarf rootstock. Apple trees on M-26 typically grow 8-12 ft. in height and are usually spaced 8-12 ft. apart. Crabapples, Columnars, Espaliers, and Combination Apples will likely be smaller. M-26 induces early bearing, usually in 2-3 years after planting. M-26 grows well in most soils, except very wet and poorly drained ones. On windy sites, trees grafted on M-26 may need staking.

Pollination: All apples need another variety for pollination. Neighboring trees often offer sufficient pollen for good fruit set.

Pests & Diseases: All apples, except those that are described as disease resistant, can be affected by Apple Scab. Apple Scab is especially a problem in regions with wet springs, like we have in the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn’t seriously affect the eating quality of the fruit, it can cause black spots on the apples and foliage. Apple Scab can be controlled by sulfur and other sprays. Pests such as Codling Moth and aphids can also damage apples or the foliage of apple trees. See our Sulfur and Codling Moth traps in the Supplies section.

Hardiness: Most apples are hardy to minus 30º F or below.

Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.

Bloom Time: April

Ripening Time: October

Yield: 30-50 lbs.

USDA Zone: 4

Sunset Western Zone: 1-9, 14-16

Sunset Northeast Zone: All zones