Best types of apple trees to grow in Oklahoma (zone 6-8)

Dorsett Golden Apple Tree

The Dorsett Golden apple, a cultivar similar to Golden Delicious, was developed by Mrs. Dorsett in Nassau, Bahamas during the 1950s. Unlike its ancestor, it thrives in warm climates due to its low chill requirement of less than 300 hours, blossoming early in the season. This makes it comparable to the Anna apple from Israel, both of which are suited for warm climates and are often grown together for out-cross pollination due to their self-incompatibility.

Dorsett Golden features a golden yellow color, sometimes with a pink flush, enhancing its visual appeal. It is primarily consumed fresh, known for its sweet flavor and good texture, though it does not store well long-term. The tree exhibits average vigor and is a precocious spur bearer, typically going dormant in December which is the optimal time for pruning.

This cultivar performs best in USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Observations by the University of Florida noted that Dorsett Golden can remain evergreen in certain conditions, although it struggles to set fruit properly without a period of dormancy.

Red Delicious Apple Tree

The Red Delicious apple, originating in Madison County, Iowa in 1872, was once America’s most produced apple cultivar from 1968 until 2018 when Gala surpassed it. It was initially named “Hawkeye” by its discoverer, Iowa farmer Jesse Hiatt, and later acquired by Stark Nurseries, which renamed it “Stark Delicious.” The introduction of ‘Golden Delicious’ led to its current name, ‘Red Delicious’.

Initially prized for its sweetness, the Red Delicious underwent selective breeding to enhance its appearance for supermarket sales, which emphasized longer storage and cosmetic appeal over flavor. This focus on aesthetics resulted in a less palatable fruit with thicker skin and redder color, leading to a decline in consumer demand.

By the 1980s, Red Delicious dominated Washington state’s apple production but faced declining popularity due to its compromised taste. The variety’s prominence contributed to financial struggles in the state’s apple industry, necessitating a federal bailout in 2000. Subsequently, growers shifted towards other varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. By 2018, Red Delicious was no longer the top-selling apple in the U.S., and the COVID-19 pandemic further impacted its demand as key sales points like cafeterias closed.

Granny Smith Apple Tree

Granny Smith apples are renowned for their bright green color and tart flavor, making them versatile in cooking and popular for fresh eating. They are a key ingredient in dishes like apple pie and crumble, and are also used to make varietal cider. Despite their susceptibility to fire blight, scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, they excel in storage, maintaining quality for up to a year due to low ethylene production. This longevity supports their prominence in export markets.

These apples prefer milder climates and require fewer chill hours. Common issues like superficial scald and bitter pit can be managed with specific treatments and storage methods. According to the US Apple Association, Granny Smith is among the top fifteen apple cultivars in the United States, favored for its culinary flexibility and storage resilience.

The Granny Smith apple, discovered in 1868 by Maria Ann Smith in Australia, quickly became known for its light green color, sweet and crisp flavor, and excellent storage qualities. Maria, popularly known as “Granny” Smith, initially propagated the seedling on her property. The apple was well-received for both cooking and fresh consumption, and she successfully marketed it at Sydney’s George Street market.

After Maria’s death in 1870, Edward Gallard expanded its cultivation and by 1890, the Granny Smith gained broader recognition when exhibited as “Smith’s Seedling.” Its popularity soared after the New South Wales Department of Agriculture promoted it in 1895 as a late-picking apple ideal for export due to its long shelf life. The variety was exported in large quantities post-World War I, accounting for 40% of Australia’s apple crop by 1975. Today, Granny Smith is celebrated for its versatility and durability, with its legacy honored at the annual Granny Smith Festival in Eastwood.

Winesap Apple Tree

Originating from New Jersey before 1800, the Winesap apple is renowned for its spicy, wine-like flavor and aroma, making it a beloved variety throughout the South. This medium-sized apple is smaller than the Stayman Winesap but is noted for its heavy production and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates. The Winesap apple features deep red skin and crisp, very juicy yellow flesh that blends sugar with high tartness, ideal for various uses including cider, cooking, and fresh eating.

The Winesap is a triploid variety, meaning it requires cross-pollination with other apple varieties such as Grimes Golden, Liberty, or White Pearmain to produce fruit. It is highly resistant to cedar apple rust and fire blight, making it a durable choice for growers. The tree is grafted onto MM 111 semi-dwarf rootstock, which typically achieves a mature size of 12-16 feet and bears fruit within 2-4 years. Optimal growth occurs in USDA Zones 5 through 9, and the apple can be stored for three months or more.

For successful cultivation, the Winesap apple tree requires summer pruning to maintain an 8-foot height and needs about 12-15 gallons of water per week from May through September. This variety’s excellent disease resistance and storage capabilities make it an excellent choice for those looking to add a resilient and versatile heirloom apple to their orchard.

Suncrisp Apple Tree

SunCrisp® is a high-quality apple variety, a progeny of Cox’s Orange Pippin, also known as NJ 55. Developed by Dr. Fred Hough at Rutgers University, this variety was introduced in 1992, and its genetic lineage includes Cox’s Orange Pippin, Golden Delicious, and Cortland. The breeding process began in 1971, highlighting its well-considered development.

This apple is recognized for its vigorous, upright, and precocious growth habits. It is naturally dwarfing and maintains a compact form, making it suitable for growers with limited space. Despite its resistance to apple scab, SunCrisp® is susceptible to cedar-apple rust, fireblight, and to a lesser extent, apple blister spot, which mainly poses a cosmetic issue for commercial growers.

SunCrisp® apples are large and golden yellow with an orange-red blush. The flesh is crisp and breaking, offering a flavor that masterfully blends the sweetness of Golden Delicious with the complex acidity of Cox’s Orange Pippin. Over time, especially with storage up to six months, its flavor can develop further, revealing hints of aniseed and caramel. This makes it not only great for fresh eating but also excellent for culinary uses.

In terms of cultivation, SunCrisp® grows best in USDA zones 5 to 8. It has not yet been determined how many chill hours it needs, but it typically ripens about 35 days after McIntosh in New York State, around October 20th. The tree is grafted onto G.969 rootstock, classified as semi-dwarf, and it is recommended to space these trees about 12 feet apart. Although great for controlled orchard environments, it is not particularly noted for wildlife planting.

The apple’s versatility and resistance to certain diseases make it a commendable option for both personal orchards and commercial production, particularly in rust-free areas where its susceptibility to cedar-apple rust won’t pose a significant problem.

Gravenstein Apple Tree

Gravenstein apples, known for their versatility and depth of flavor, are a triploid cultivar, requiring cross-pollination with self-fertile apples such as Gala, Fuji, Empire, or Red and Yellow Delicious. Originating in Denmark in the 17th century and recognized as the national apple, Gravenstein was introduced to the United States in the 1820s by German settlers.

The Gravenstein apple exhibits a range of colors from red-over-green to yellow, green, and red, with white or creamy flesh. The apples, which can be round to oblong with flattened bottoms, are medium to large, crisp, juicy, and finely grained. They ripen with a blush at the base and crown, and are typically harvested in July and August, remaining fresh for two to three weeks.

Pruning is crucial for Gravenstein trees to enhance fruit production and support the heavy fruits. It is best done late in winter or early spring, just before new growth begins, to minimize exposure of cuts to extreme cold. Effective pruning focuses on maximizing growth on lateral branches rather than central leaders, as lateral branches yield more fruit. This semi-dwarf variety was first commercially grown at Fort Ross in California and is celebrated for its rich, tangy-sweet flavor profile, including a honey-sweet aroma.

Honeygold Apple Tree

The Honeygold apple is renowned for its sweet, honey-like flavor and crisp texture, making it ideal for a variety of uses including fresh eating, pies, and applesauce. This medium-sized apple matures to a golden color and is typically ready for harvest from late summer to early fall. The tree itself is relatively compact, reaches a mature height and spread of 15 to 20 feet, and is adorned with dark green foliage and striking pink and white blossoms in the spring.

While partially self-fertile, the Honeygold apple tree benefits from cross-pollination with compatible varieties such as Haralson or Honeycrisp to enhance its fruit production. It typically begins to bear fruit within 4 to 6 years after planting.

Cultivated under the scientific name Malus domestica ‘Honeygold’, this variety thrives in USDA zones 3 to 7 and prefers full sun exposure. Its upright growth and medium speed of development make it a manageable addition to orchards. Additionally, Honeygold trees provide ecological benefits as their apples serve as food for various birds and mammals, while the nectar and pollen are valuable for bees. However, care should be taken to protect these trees from damage caused by rodents and rabbits, which may girdle the stem or trunk.

Wolf River Apple Tree

Wolf River is an heirloom apple variety renowned for its disease resistance, comparable to that of modern cultivars. It is resistant to scab, canker, and powdery mildew but is susceptible to fireblight. The tree itself is vigorous, long-lived, and particularly noted for its extreme cold hardiness. It has an upright-spreading and somewhat straggly growth habit and is slow to start bearing fruit. However, once it begins, it becomes a reliable and productive tree.

The fruit of the Wolf River apple is exceptionally large, often described as the size of a small melon, making it a striking choice for decorative purposes. Its subacid flavor and dry flesh make it less suitable for fresh eating but excellent for culinary uses such as baking, making pies, sauces, and drying—particularly popular in the Midwest. The apples are best harvested slightly underripe to avoid rotting, as they do not store well for long periods.

The Wolf River apple was introduced to Wisconsin from Quebec in 1856 by William Springer. It is believed to be a seedling of the Alexander apple, a variety known for its extreme cold hardiness originating from Russia.

Enterprise Apple Tree

First developed in 1982 at Purdue University’s Horticultural Farm, the Enterprise Apple is celebrated for its disease resistance and ease of growth. It is a descendant of several varieties, including Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, McIntosh, and Malus floribunda, the latter contributing the gene for scab-resistance.

The Enterprise apple is medium to large with a very round shape, though it can appear lopsided or lobed depending on its position within the tree. It features bright red, glossy skin adorned with numerous lenticels, giving it a polka-dotted look. The skin’s thickness and chewiness enhance its disease resistance, especially against Apple Cedar Rust. Inside, the apple has yellow, medium-grained flesh that is firm and juicy, tasting more sweet than tart when fresh. Its flavor, however, peaks about a month after storage as it develops a richer tartness, making it also an excellent choice for baking.

The tree itself is a vigorous, upright grower with a rounded crown, bearing fruit along the branches’ length. The apples tend to persist on the tree well after ripening, potentially extending the harvest season. It is a late ripener, typically ready between late October and early November, and requires harvesting before they overstay on the tree. The Enterprise apple tree requires pollination and bears annually with proper pruning, thriving in USDA Zones 3-9.

It requires full sun and blooms in Group 4 (mid-late season) to ensure successful pollination and fruit set.

McIntosh Apple Tree

John McIntosh discovered the original McIntosh apple sapling on his farm in Dundela, Upper Canada, in 1811. He and his wife cultivated it, and by 1835, the family began grafting the tree and selling the fruit. The McIntosh entered commercial production in 1870 and gained popularity in northeastern North America by the early 20th century. Despite a decline in its popularity in the early 21st century due to competition from newer varieties like Gala, the McIntosh remains one of the fifteen most popular apple cultivars in the United States, according to the US Apple Association.

The McIntosh apple is notably susceptible to apple scab if left unsprayed, leading to potentially unmarketable crops. However, it shows low susceptibility to other diseases such as fire blight, powdery mildew, and various rusts, including cedar-apple rust, quince rust, and hawthorn rust. It does have some vulnerability to fungal diseases like Nectria canker, brown rot, and black rot, but it is moderately resistant to Pezicula bark rot and Alternaria leaf blotch, and it resists brown leaf spots effectively.

Widely used in apple breeding, the McIntosh was a parent in more cultivars than any other founding clone as of a 1996 study, influencing over half of the Canadian cultivars selected at the time, and extensively used in the United States and Eastern Europe. Notable McIntosh offspring include the Macoun, Spartan, Cortland, Empire, and Jonamac, among others. The apple’s influence also extends to consumer technology, as it inspired the naming of Apple Computer’s Macintosh line by employee Jef Raskin. Today, the McIntosh is primarily cultivated in Canada, the United States, and Eastern Europe.

Anna Apple Tree (Southern OK)

The Anna Apple, developed in Israel, is tailored for cultivation in “low-chill” areas and is particularly suited for regions like southern California and southern Texas, falling within USDA zones 8-10 (Southern Oklahoma ONLY). This variety has an exceptionally low chill requirement of only 200-300 hours, much lower than the typical 800 hours required by most apple varieties. This feature allows it to thrive in climates where winter temperatures seldom reach freezing levels.

Anna Apples are large with light greenish-yellow skin and a slight red blush. They boast sweet, slightly tart flavors and crisp, creamy white flesh, making them excellent for fresh eating, apple sauce, or homemade pies. The trees are early bearers, producing fruit at a young age and continuing to yield well-stored apples that ripen by late June.

With a mature size of 10 to 20 feet in both height and width, Anna Apple trees require a pollinator to produce fruit. Ein Shemer and Dorsett Golden are ideal pollinators for this variety, although it is important to note that Dorsett Golden flowers later, which can sometimes result in non-overlapping flowering periods.

Anna typically flowers in February in zones 9 or above and is categorized as a very early-season apple, ripening in late June to early July. Its adaptability to warmer climates and low chill requirements make it an attractive option for growers in milder winter regions.

Cinnamon Spice Apple Tree

The Cinnamon Spice apple tree, discovered by Jesse Schwartz in Bolinas, CA, is an organically grown variety originally known as Laxton’s Fortune, an old English apple from 1931. Its name comes from the distinct cinnamon flavor reminiscent of apple pie, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy richly flavored apples. The medium-sized fruits have a wine-red skin with some yellow hues, and the flesh offers a hint of cinnamon with each bite.

This apple variety is of medium vigor and features upright growth, thriving particularly well in coastal and southern climates due to its heat tolerance and low chill requirement of only 350 hours. It is adaptable across a wide range of USDA Zones from 4 to 10, and blooms and ripens in midseason, usually in late October. The lush green foliage is complemented by fragrant white flowers, and the fruit, which is crunchy and sweet, is great for fresh eating directly off the tree.

The Cinnamon Spice apple tree is certified organic and requires a pollinator of the same bloom period to produce fruit. It is planted on MM 111 rootstock, which is semi-dwarf, reaching a mature size of 12-16 feet both in height and spread, with recommended spacing of 12-16 feet between trees. This variety has good disease resistance and the apples store well for 1 to 2 months.

Ideal for fresh eating, cider, cooking, and sauces, the Cinnamon Spice apple is a versatile choice. It bears fruit within 2-4 years of planting and requires about 12-15 gallons of water per week from May through September, ensuring it receives adequate hydration during the growing season.

Jonathan Apple Tree

The Red Jonathan Apple, a late-ripening cultivar, is celebrated for its bright red skin and crisp, juicy white flesh. This apple variety offers a bold, tart but well-balanced flavor, making it excellent for fresh eating, cooking, baking, and even freezing. It has an impressive shelf life, capable of being stored in the refrigerator for 3–6 months.

The Red Jonathan Apple, scientifically known as Malus domestica ‘Red Jonathan’, matures from mid-September to mid-October. It is compatible with pollinators such as Yellow Delicious, Red Delicious, and Early Harvest, ensuring a fruitful harvest. This variety thrives in USDA zones 4 – 8 and features an oval-shaped canopy with a medium growth rate. The mature tree typically reaches a height and spread of 10′ – 25′.

Upon delivery, the tree will stand at a height of 3’–4’. This standard-sized tree is initially a whip, meaning it is a younger tree with little to no side branching, which is ideal for training or shaping as it matures. The Red Jonathan Apple prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable enough to grow in clay and sandy soils as well.

In terms of care, the tree benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells, and needs pruning to maintain its shape and health while promoting productive fruiting. Additionally, precautions should be taken to protect the tree from rodents and rabbits that might damage the stem or trunk.

This apple variety not only provides delicious fruit but also enhances the ecological value of your garden by supporting a variety of birds, mammals, and pollinators such as bees. For those looking for more detailed planting and care instructions, these can typically be found under the “More Info” tab provided in the nursery’s listing.

Cortland Apple Tree

The Cortland apple tree, known for its sweet vinous flavor, is a variant of the McIntosh though it lacks some of the McIntosh’s perfumery aromatics. The skin of the Cortland apple is bright red with darker red streaks, and it possesses tart and tangy white crisp flesh. It is particularly favored as a salad apple due to its slow browning characteristic. The apples maintain their crispness in hot weather and tend to hang on the tree better than McIntosh apples, making them an excellent choice for growers in varying climates.

This tree is vigorous and long-lived, well-adapted to freezing temperatures, and is known for its annual productivity and early bearing. The Cortland apple tree is certified organic and thrives in USDA Zones 3 through 9. It has a midseason harvest and bloom period, and while it requires cross-pollination with another variety that blooms during the same period, it has good disease resistance overall.

The Cortland apples can be stored for about a month and are perfect for fresh eating, cider, cooking, and making sauces. The tree is grown on MM 111 rootstock, which is semi-dwarf, reaching a mature height and spread of 12-16 feet. Recommended spacing for optimal growth is 12-16 feet, allowing ample room for each tree to thrive.

For water requirements, the Cortland apple tree needs about 12-15 gallons per week from May through September, ensuring that it receives sufficient hydration during the growing season. This makes the Cortland apple tree a robust choice for both new and experienced growers looking to enrich their orchards with a versatile and productive apple variety.

Sansa Apple Tree

The Sansa Apple, developed in the 1970s at the Morioka Research Station in Japan, is a hybrid of the Akane and Gala apples. This early-season apple features a primarily yellow skin that transitions to bright red as it approaches maturity. Known for its sweet and juicy flavor with a hint of tang, the Sansa Apple is particularly excellent when used in apple sauce and apple butter.

As with many early apple varieties, the Sansa Apple is delightful when eaten fresh from the tree, though it is best consumed within a week of harvest. Its flavor profile is similar to that of an early Gala apple, albeit slightly tarter. The tree itself exhibits average vigor and produces a large quantity of fruit. It has some natural resistance to apple cedar rust, although it still benefits from regular spraying and maintenance when grown alongside other apple trees.

This variety is suited to USDA Zones 4-9 and grows well in places like Gays Mills, WI. The tree, which is grafted onto G.969 rootstock, reaches a mature height of approximately 15-16 feet, categorizing it as semi-dwarf. It requires full sun exposure and blooms in late mid-season (Bloom Group 4), with fruits ripening in August. Pollination is necessary for fruit production, indicating a need for compatible apple varieties nearby to ensure a successful yield.

Pink Lady Apple Tree

If you’re looking for fresh apples but don’t have space for a large tree, the semi-dwarf Pink Lady apple tree, also known as Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink’, is an excellent choice. This tree reaches a manageable size of 12–15 feet in both height and spread, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and features a rounded shape with medium growth speed.

In the spring, the Pink Lady apple tree produces beautiful light pink to white blooms, followed by crisp, red apples in the fall. The apples are perfect for fresh eating, baking, and even freezing, ripening in September and offering a sweet flavor that enhances any recipe. Additionally, the tree’s foliage transitions to stunning autumnal hues of orange, maroon, and yellow later in the season, providing year-round visual interest.

This variety is particularly resilient, performing well in both hot and cold climates due to its cold hardiness and heat resistance. It’s also easy to grow, which is great news whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice looking to start your first orchard. The grafted nature of our Pink Lady apple trees ensures that they start producing fruit sooner than non-grafted varieties.

Furthermore, the apples from the Pink Lady tree are known for their excellent storage qualities. They can be kept refrigerated for up to six weeks, maintaining their quality and flavor, which makes them ideal for your fall and winter holiday baking. This combination of beauty, versatility, and ease of care makes the Pink Lady apple tree a compelling choice for any home gardener looking to enjoy home-grown apples without requiring extensive space.

Fuji Apple Tree

The Fuji apple, a cross between the Red Delicious and Virginia Ralls Janet, is known for its high sugar content, ranging from 15 to 18 percent, making it one of the sweetest apple varieties. This medium to large apple is typically green or yellow-green with red highlights or a pink flush, and may exhibit a speckled or striped pattern on the skin. The flesh is dull white, crisp, and juicy, snapping cleanly when bitten. The flavor is predominantly sweet, becoming even more refreshing when slightly chilled.

Fuji apples are harvested late in the season, typically in late September and October. They are highly regarded for fresh eating and salads and are also good for making pies and sauce. When stored in a refrigerator, Fuji apples can last between 5 to 6 months. They require 350-400 chill hours and need a pollinator such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Suncrisp for optimal fruit production.

Growing in USDA Zones 6 through 9, Fuji apples flourish in full sun and well-drained loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. The tree blooms in mid-season with white flowers and can bear fruit in 2 to 5 years. Depending on the rootstock, Fuji apples come in different sizes:

These size variations make the Fuji apple a versatile choice for those with limited space or specific landscaping needs. Whether planted in a small yard as a dwarf variety or as a more expansive semi-dwarf, the Fuji apple provides both aesthetic beauty and a bounty of sweet fruits.