Dolgo Crabapple

A Russian discovered crabapple; the word ‘Dolgo’ means long in Russian which describes both its extended bloom time and the conical shape of the crabapples. Propagated in South Dakota as early as the late 19th century, this tree is prized for its cold hardiness and disease resistance. 

The Dolgo Crab is an early but extended bloomer. Blooming from March through mid-May, this crabapple pollinates apples through the first four bloom groups. The buds are pink that open to white and linger on the tree for many weeks. The fruit ripens in August and are deeply scarlet in color. The flesh has an ivory tint to it with some red bleeding from the skin. It is generally not eaten off the tree; instead cideries use its highly astringent taste and tannic properties to add a bitter sweet flavor to their ciders. The cider the Dolgo Crab produces is red, light, and very tart with an astringent aftertaste. It certainly can be drank unmixed but a sweeter cider should be mixed with it. They also make excellent jams, jellies, and chutneys. 

The tree itself is tall and upright, further accentuated by its rootstock: Antonovka. This Standard sized tree grows skyward without weeping and can reach to heights of 25-30’ tall. Perfect for wildlife plots as the crabapples are both out of reach of herbivorous grazers and persist well into December. The Dolgo is also disease resistant to nearly all common apple problems and is hardy to zone 3. The Quart container tree is 2-3' tall.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Mature Heights:

M.7 ~15-17' or 65% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf

Antonovka ~25'+ or 100% of Standard

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: August

Bloom Group: 1-4, March through Mid-May in Northern Climates

Pollination: Self Fertile

Cider Profile: Sharp

M.7 Rootstock Characteristics

Antonovka Rootstock Characteristics