Northwest Greening Apple Tree

Northwest Greening Apple Tree Overview

The Northwest Greening apple tree is not only a hardy, disease resistant variety, but it is also perfect for baking and making pies. In fact it’s so good that in 1892 a bushel of Northwest Greening won the first prize at the Chicago World’s Fair. This heirloom variety ripens in late September and is resistant to fireblight and cedar apple rust. If you bite into them you’ll taste the crisp, sweet-tart, delicious flavor. In fact, Jasen Hatch from Iola, Wisconsin developed this apple variety in 1849. He raised it from a pippin which was allegedly a cross between Golden Russet with Alexander. At that time, he used this new seedling as a rootstock for another variety, but since this variety failed, Northwest Greening was left forgotten for another 20 years. It wasn’t until the 1870’s, when E.W. Daniels from Auroraville, Wisconsin tried the delicious apples that this apple tree was then promoted and introduced to the market in 1872.

Just like any other apple tree, the Northwest Greening apple tree grows best when it’s planted in full sun in well drained soil. Additionally, it will start bearing fruit after five years and is vigorous and upright spreading. Once they are ready early around late September, you can pick them and start cooking with them or make cider since it tends to be on the tart side! If there are too many to enjoy at once, you can store them for up to three months in cold storage.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: Cider, pies, cooking
• Taste: Juicy, sweet-tart, crisp
• Size: Medium – very large (can be up to 5 inches across)
• Color: Will turn to yellow from pale green once matured with sometimes a red blush.
• Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Disease resistance
  • Fireblight – resistant
  • Cedar apple rust – resistant
• Harvest period: Late September
• Flowering Group: 3
• Cross Pollinates with: Daybreak Fuji, Winecrisp, Gale Gala, to name a few.
• Cultivation: This apple tree is vigorous, upright spreading and also has a dropping growth habit. It will usually start to bear fruit after five years and will do so biennially.
• Storage: You can store the apples for up to three months in cold storage without them losing their flavor.