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Apple 'Winesap'

15-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf

Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 5a.
Other Names: Malus domestica 'Winesap'

Description:
A classic heirloom apple variety known for its deep red skin, firm texture, and rich, tangy-sweet flavor. 'Winesap' is highly versatile, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, baking, and cider production. This semi-dwarf tree is highly productive, disease-resistant, and well-suited for home orchards.

Edible Qualities:
Apple 'Winesap' is prized for its dense, crisp flesh and complex flavor with hints of spice and wine-like tartness. It stores exceptionally well, maintaining its texture and flavor for months after harvest.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Cider Making
- Sauces
- Storage

Features & Attributes:
Apple 'Winesap' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, with fragrant white and pink blossoms in spring that attract pollinators. Its medium-sized, deep red apples ripen in mid to late fall, offering a long harvest window.

This is a deciduous tree with an upright, spreading growth habit. It is known for its strong disease resistance, particularly against cedar apple rust and mildew, making it a reliable choice for home growers.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apple 'Winesap' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Apple 'Winesap' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for optimal fruit production. Regular watering during dry periods and annual pruning help maintain its shape and encourage better fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Additional Characteristics:
- Late Season Ripening
- Pollination Required
- Disease Resistant
- Excellent Storage Life
- High-Yielding