Freedom Apple Tree Overview
If you would like a disease resistant apple that is not only tartly delicious but also easy to grow then the Freedom apple tree is for you! It matures in late September to mid October and has a sweet-tart, juicy, and crisp taste. Moreover, the Freedom apple tree is resistant to scab, cedar apple rust, mildew, and fireblight which will make your life much easier.
In fact, Robert Lamb form the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) at Geneva (operated by Cornell University) developed Freedom so that it would be free from diseases. He used the following parents, Antonovka, Golden Delicious, Macoun, Malus floribunda, and Rome Beauty.
Although NYSAES developed it in the 1958, they didn’t introduce it until 1983. Even though it has disease resistance, you should still check the tree regularly and protect it form pests. Since it is very cold hardy, you can grow it even if you are in zone 4. For best results, be sure to plant it with its cross pollinators, water regularly in the first year, and prune during the winter.
Tree Characteristics
- Uses: Cooking and baking, sometimes eating fresh. Is great for cider because of its spicy flavor.
- Taste: Sweet, crisp, juicy, a little tart, sharp
- Size: Medium to large
- Color: Red striped yellow apple with cream colored flesh
- Hardiness Zones: 4-7
- Disease resistance:
- Canker – Some resistance
- Scab – Very resistant
- Mildew – Resistant
- Fireblight – Some resistance
- Cedar apple rust – Resistant
- Harvest period: Late September to mid October
- Flowering Group: 2
- Cross pollinates with: Liberty, Sansa, Pristine, and Suncrisp to name a few!
- Cultivation: This apple tree is not only precocious but also hardy and vigorous. It is a spur bearer and you will also need to thin it.
- Storage: Can keep for up to three months.
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