Winecrisp Apple Tree

The original seeding to yield the WineCrisp apple tree was first crossed in 1969 by L.F. Hough at Rutgers University; he used the unremarkably named Rock 41-112 x PRI 841-103 to produce the first tree to yield the modern WineCrisp characteristics. The actual tree moved from Rutgers and was planted at the Pomology Research Farm in Urbana, IL, producing the first WineCrisp apple in 1975. The tree was released to the public in 1990 and became available out of patent in 2002. 

The tree has medium vigor and grows moderately uptight. Typical branch angle is between 45 and 90 degrees. The semi-spreading branches allow for a uniform canopy of leaves with blossoms and fruit along the entirety of the branches. Apples tend to grow in clusters and should be thinned slightly. It is a consistent and heavy cropper earring both on spurs and lateral buds. Fruit is persistent staying on the tree even after the apple has ripened.  

Its blooms are medium in size and numerous but not crowded. Standard apple blooms. See images to the left or below. 

Its fruit are medium in size with a somewhat shiny (its actually a pretty dull apple) burgundy/ merlot color over reddish orange. The WineCrisp is round and uniform in shape and size with little ribbing. It is covered in prominent lenticels and mild vertical striations of red and pale yellow. Its flesh is yellow-white and is medium firm, crispy and juicy. Sweet- mild subacid flavor that is almost warm in consistency.

Among the WineCrisp's lineage is the Malus floribunda crabapple and other disease resistant apples. It has demonstrated a high level of resistance to apple scab, good resistance to fire blight, and moderate resistance to powdery mildew. When grown on large rootstocks, this apple tree excels at woodland growth and is great in food plots. When grown on dwarfing rootstocks, it makes for an excellent late ripening apple with good flavor and great disease resistance. 

USDA Zone: 4-8

Mature Heights:

B.9: ~8-10' tall; Dwarf (Ships Spring 2025)

M.9-337: ~8-10' tall; Dwarf

B.118: ~18-20' tall; Semi-Dwarf

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: October

Pollination: Required

Bloom Group: 4, Late Mid-Season

Cider Profile: 12.75 °Brix ~ 3.34 pH 

B.9 Rootstock Characteristics

M.9-337 Rootstock Characteristics

B.118 Rootstock Characteristics