Malus Domestica Spartan Apple

Malus Domestica Spartan is an easy apple tree for a beginner fruit gardener to grow. A mid-sized deciduous tree that will be both an ornamental and useful addition to your garden!

Malus Domestica Spartan originated in Summerland, British Columbia in Canada in 1926, being the result of a cross between the heritage Canadian apple, the McIntosh, and Yellow Newtown Pippin. In mid-spring, as the medium green leaves emerge, the lovely, fragrant pale pink apple blossoms attract the bees that are necessary to pollinate the flowers. Over the summer, the green apples grow to their full size, and then turn a deep, rich red over a yellow base, making for a splendid autumn show before they can be picked, starting around the beginning of October. They are a small to medium size, and have sweet, juicy, crisp white flesh with hints of strawberry and melon. They can be picked throughout October, and while they will hold in storage for a few months, they are best eaten fresh.

Hardy in all parts of the UK, Malus Domestica Spartan will grow to a mature height and spread of 4 metres in 5 to 10 years. It is self-fertile, but will produce a heavier crop if it is planted near another apple tree belonging to pollination group 3 such as Malus Domestica Granny Smith. It is also an excellent pollinator for other apple varieties. Yearly pruning in late winter or early spring is necessary for the best fruit production.

Plant Malus Domestica Spartan in full sun in an exposed or sheltered position in moist but well-drained clay, sand or loam soil with a neutral pH.  Tolerant of pollution, it is suited to use in city garden. One tree planted as a focal point in a small lawn, or as part of a mixed border, will put on a splendid blossom show in spring, and then in the autumn have its ornamental display of red apples. Malus Domestica Spartan is also a good choice of fruit tree for container planting in a courtyard, where the branches can be trained into a variety of shapes using espalier techniques, covering walls or creating a privacy screen.

Malus Domestica Spartan Apple is an easy-to-grow, disease-resistant apple variety which even the most amateur of gardeners can have success with, with the double bonus of ornamental value, and a crop of sweet, juicy apples every autumn!