Zestar!® Apple Tree
$89.99
Begins shipping mid-April.
Zones 4 - 8
Pollinator required to bear fruit
An early season apple with a crisp, juicy texture, and an exciting zesty flavor!
This Minnesota-bred beauty is a true winner! The Zestar!® Apple tree produces delicious fruits that ripen early in the season, in August. Expect a nice annual harvest of well-balanced, light, crisp, juicy apples. For an early bearer – fruit stores well, for up to two months in cold storage.
The Zestar!® Apple tree grows best in northern U.S., Canada, and areas with a relatively cooler climate. This apple tree has a somewhat upright form with vigorous growth in early years and attaining a spur-type habit. It is very cold-hardy and resistant to most common apple tree diseases.
Zestar!® (Minnewashta cultivar) is a registered trademark of the University of Minnesota. It Zs introduced in 1999 from a hybridization of State Fair x MN 1691.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | White |
Ripens Harvest | Early-mid August |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Medium – Large |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Taste | Sweet, Tart |
Texture | Firm |
Soil pH Level | 6-7 |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Shade Level | Full Sun |
Years to Bear | 2-5 |
Bloom Period | Mid |
Hardiness Zone Range | 4-8 |
Size & Spacing
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant a different variety within 15 meters (50 feet) for best pollination.
Recommended Pollinators: Cortland, Empire, Wolf River, Yellow Transparent, Buckeye Gala, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Royal Empire, SnowSweet, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Winter Banana
How do I find my Hardiness Zone?
Canada’s Plant Hardiness Zones will tell you which plants will do well in your particular climate. Each zone is determined by the lowest average winter temperature recorded in a given area. Hardiness Zone information is included on all tree and plant product pages, so you know instantly whether a certain plant is likely to succeed where you live. Natural Resources Canada provides helpful options to find your zone:
Gregory Horth –
. Growing good thusfar. Not much else to say. Had to protect buds from deer who want to bite them off
Carl Christensen –
Of all the apples we have, this is my current favorite. Crisp, sweet, maybe even a hint of imagination of grape.
Sam Giehtbrock –
First year growth was good This plant 12 inches I was happy with it
Linda Rogers –
I am happy to see some leaves on it this spring. No blossoms yet but it is still pretty young. I didn’t have much hope for it when I planted it, It didn’t show much life last summer.
Ginger Bandy –
I purchased 2 Zestar apple last spring and couldn’t be happier with them. They actually bloomed the first year(although I removed them) and they have put on nice new growth. They weathered our harsh winter very well here in Eastern CO and have grown very well this spring despite several last blizzards. I recommend this for colder and severe weather climates.
Yakov Katsev –
I ordered two apple trees in 2016. They started very good. Now Zestar has 3 apples and it is a pleasure to watch them growing. SnappyMac did not bloom this spring. But I did not expect them to bloom because it is only second year. Maybe it’s too early to say something but so far so good.
Jeff Lamotte –
After planting it mid year, it bounced back after a long winter with new growth.
John Imhof –
Planted this spring into ground and it has nice green leaves with new growth. Time will tell. I have had good luck with stark apple trees.
Wayne J Sargent –
Made it through the winter no problems, started out this spring very well.
Jessica Lentz –
This little tree is a champ! Growing strong and we fully anticipate good things for years to come.