An 1847 letter from Oliver Chapin, writes "the first Northern Spy apple trees were raised from seeds brought from the Northwest part of Connecticut, about the year 1800, by Elijah Taylor. The original Northern Spy apple tree was set in an orchard by Heman Chapin, and some sprouts were taken from it by Roswell Humphrey, and by him the fruit was first raised...as the original tree died before bearing"....... One of the best winter apples in the East, also does well in the Northwest. The Northern Spy apples are large, vigorous tree with attractive, thin-skinned fruit. Greenish-yellow skin is flushed and striped scarlet red. Northern Spy apples flesh is yellow to white, rather firm, very tender, crisp, juicy, slightly sweet and mildly acidic. Rated by the 19th century pomologist Robert Hogg as "a valuable dessert apple". Similar to the Gravenstein with its varied use and character, but much later ripening. Stores well. Good for apple sauce, pies,  cider, or simply eating out of hand. Please see below for further insight on our heirloom apple tree Northern Spy and discover additional consideration for selecting the appropriate fruit trees to buy for your home and small farm. 

Considerations for Northern Spy Apple 

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Heirloom: Yes

Uses: Cider, Cooking / Sauces, Fresh Eating

Harvest Period: Late

Bloom Period: Late

Pollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom period

Origin Date: New York 1840's

Storage: 1-2 months

Disease Resistance: Good

Rootstock: MM 111 (semi-dwarf)

Years to Bear: 2-4 years

Recommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.

Mature Size: 12-16 ft.

Pruning: Summer prune to maintain 8 ft.

Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.

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Size of tree

Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock. .

Pruning tip

Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs.

Shipping information

Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful

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