Zestar Apple
Introduced in 1999 by the University of Minnesota as another cold hardy apple. The Zestar, also called Minnewashta, is a cross between the State Fair and MN 1691 apples. It is medium sized and ripens in August. Its skin is green that blushes to 60-85% red. Its flesh is white and crispy that tastes very sweet with notes of brown sugar. Unlike other early apples, it stores well; up to two months in ideal conditions.
This apple likes smaller rootstock and grows well as a dwarf or semi-dwarf. The tree is precocious and does not ripen all at once allowing for multiple harvest. It is mildly resistant and even resistant to apple cedar rust to fire blight but should be sprayed with a standard fruit tree spray to keep the bugs away.
USDA Zone: 3-9
Mature Height:
M.27: ~10-12' or 35-40% of Standard; Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
G.969: ~12-14' or 45-50% of Standard; (small) Semi-Dwarf
M.7: ~15-16' or 65% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
B.118: ~18-20' or 85% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
Sun: Full Sun
Bloom Group: 2, Early Mid Season
Ripening Time: Early September
Pollination: Required