Apple (Malus) Spartan 12L MM106

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A classic, easy-to-grow dessert apple bred in Canada from McIntosh parentage, and one of the best-loved red-skinned varieties for good reason. Deep maroon-red skin gives way to crisp, juicy, brilliantly white flesh with a sweet, vinous flavour — a real favourite with children. The tree itself is a delight too, covered in pure white, cup-shaped blossom in mid- to late spring before cropping heavily and reliably. Ready to harvest from early October, and the fruit stores well for several months if kept correctly.

This variety sits in pollination group 3 and, while partially self-fertile, will crop far better with a compatible pollination partner nearby — and it's an excellent pollinator for other varieties in return. Grow in a fertile, well-drained, sunny position, keeping a clear area of at least 60cm around the trunk. Fruit thinning in early summer is worthwhile, as Spartan can be a heavy setter. Good resistance to scab and mildew, though it can be prone to canker in wetter areas.

Grafted onto MM106 semi-dwarfing rootstock, giving a manageable, productive tree well suited to most gardens — typically reaching around 3-4m in height and spread at maturity, depending on training method.

As with all apple trees, the leaves and seeds carry a mild toxicity risk if ingested by pets or children.

Hand-selected here at Pengelly for strong form and healthy growth.