Sweet Sixteen Apple Tree Overview
The Sweet Sixteen (or Sweet 16) apple tree is a truly unique apple tree that is not only cold hardy (zone 3b) but also produces fruit with a McIntosh style texture and flavor that is sweet, vanilla, and cherry flavors. While it may seem too sweet to some, others notice the anise-like, spicy, and bourbon flavors. In addition to eating it fresh, you will have to try it next time you make cider, pies, applesauce, and butter. W.H. Alderman started to developed this beautiful tree in 1937 at the University of Minnesota, the place which also produced beloved apples like Honeycrisp and Haralson. In fact he crossed, MN 447, known as Frostbite which gives Sweet Sixteen its predominant flavor, with Northern Spy. Much later, in 1977, they introduced this special tree.
If you would like an apple tree that is easy to grow as well as beautiful, then Sweet Sixteen apple tree is for you. Not only is this apple tree resistant to scab and fire blight (and somewhat susceptible to apple rust and powdery mildew) but it also produces beautiful and sweet-smelling blossoms in the spring. If you use a horticultural dormant spray in the wintertime, you won’t have many issues when the pests and diseases come around. Additionally, it can provide a uniquely shaped presence to your garden or landscape. Your apples will be ready in mid-late summer and you can start making some delicious pies with them then!
Growing Characteristics
- Uses: Perfect for making deserts and wonderful for apple sauce.
- Taste: Juicy, sweet-tart, aromatic with sugar cane flavors.
- Size: Medium to large sized
- Color: Beautiful red striped blush on a base of yellow with a cream colored flesh
- Hardiness Zones: 3b-7
- Disease resistance:
- Scab – Some resistance
- Fireblight – Some resistance
- Cedar apple rust – Some resistance
- Powdery Mildew – Some susceptibility
- Harvest period: August to September
- Flowering Group: 3
- Cross pollinates with: Akane, McIntosh, Nova Spy, to name a few!
- Cultivation: In addition to being vigorous and upright, this apple tree is also precocious. It will produce crops annually, especially when planted in well in well-drained sandy or clay based loam.
- Storage: Can keep for up to 3 months in cold storage.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.