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Stayman Winesap Apple

Malus domestica ‘Stayman Winesap’


Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8   View Map
  • Produces a medium- to large-sized apple that is crisp and juicy with a flavor that blends sweet and tart—giving it a wine-like taste; the apples are great for fresh eating, applesauce, pies and cider
  • Yields ripe fruit typically from mid- to late October; the fruit will keep for 6 months or more if refrigerated
  • Bears a good crop consistently if not subjected to late frosts or freezing conditions
  • Needs a compatible cultivar — growing within 100' of the tree for standard, 50' for semi-dwarf and 20' for dwarf varieties —  to ensure pollination
  • Can be pollinated with red or yellow delicious, Jonathan, early harvest or a variety from a different apple family
  • Bears fruit in 6–10 years if standard, 4–6 years if semi-dwarf and 3–4 years if dwarf
  • Blooms midseason, with pink flowers (rather than the traditional white or pinkish-white apple blossoms)
  • Is available in standard, semi-dwarf and dwarf sizes
  • Requires regular watering
  • Has a chill hours (CU) requirement of 600–800 (chill hours are the average hours of air temperature between 32° and 45° F in a typical winter season)
  • Grows upright in an oval or round shape but can be pruned to a more spreading, horizontal shape
  • Cannot be used to pollinate other apple trees, as it is a triploid

Tree Details

Shape

Oval

Growth Speed

Slow

Scientific Name

Malus domestica ‘Stayman Winesap’

Mature Height

10' - 25'

Mature Spread

10' - 25'

Shipping Height

3' - 4'

Highlights

A lovely combination of tart and sweet, the Stayman winesap apple has been popular since the days of the pioneers. They are not only tasty but also long-lived after being harvested, lasting 6 months or more in the refrigerator. The rich, wine-like flavor works well for applesauce, pies, and cider, and they are delicious eaten fresh.

When planting these trees, be sure to include other apple varieties such as red or yellow delicious, Jonathan, or early harvest to ensure pollination.

Sun Preference

Full Sun

Soil Preference

Acidic, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Silty Loam, Well Drained

Wildlife Value

Apples are eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. The leaves and branches are browsed. The trees can be destroyed by rodents and rabbits girdling the stem or trunk. It produces nectar and/or pollen, thus providing nutrition for bees in early to late spring.

History/Lore

During the 1800s, winesap apples were beloved because of their long shelf life. This fruit kept long into the winter, providing something delicious and healthful to eat during the snowy months.

In 1886, Dr. J. Stayman of Leavenworth, Kansas, noticed a seedling of a winesap apple that was apparently slightly different than the rest. It eventually produced apples that he deemed superior to other winesaps. The apple growing community agreed, and the cultivar was given his name.

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