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Sweet Sixteen Apple

Malus 'Sweet Sixteen'

Nature Hills Nursery
$000
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This variety requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Full sun is vital for the development of the fruit's unique "cherry candy" flavor and ensures the skin develops its signature red flush.
  • Soil: Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, as apple roots do not like "wet feet" which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once established, the Sweet Sixteen is quite hardy, but inconsistent moisture during fruit swell can lead to smaller harvests or fruit drop. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the tree rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

Pruning should be done in late winter while the tree is dormant to encourage growth on spurs, which are the short fruiting branches. Focus on thinning out the center of the canopy to let light reach the inner fruit and remove any branches crossing each other. Think of it like opening a window; better airflow through the branches prevents fungal issues and keeps the tree structurally sound.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before the buds break to fuel the coming season's growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this promotes tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season "soft" growth is highly susceptible to winter injury and can invite pests like aphids.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Sweet and crunchy and very flavorful, the Sweet Sixteen Apple (Malus 'Sweet Sixteen') is a delightful smaller tree that produces a bounty of yellow and pinkish-red streaked apples with creamy yellow flesh. Bursting with flavors like vanilla, anise and molasses, these are fantastic fresh eating and cooking fruits!

Late spring brings a cloud of white blossoms that are fragrant and attract swarms of early emerging pollinators looking for nectar and pollen. Soon the handsome green foliage arrives and sets the stage for the rosy red and yellow apples to form among the branches in early fall.

Sweet Sixteen Apples are mid-sized and super sweet. Use them fresh in salads and as snacks or bake into desserts that will barely need any added sweetener! The trees themselves are good-sized and can be pruned smaller. Plant with one of these trees pollinators to ensure a larger yield per tree.

Planting and Application:

Apple trees cast great shade and cooling relief over garden beds and are always picturesque in the landscape! Cast shady relief over garden beds, or anchor the corner of your home with these lovely dual-purpose blooming trees!

Sweet Sixteen will grow into a mighty specimen tree and act as a focal point for front and back yard landscaping! You can keep these pruned smaller to accommodate any sized yard, especially since you will need to plant this tree with a pollinator.

  • Drifts of Fragrant White Blossoms
  • Full-Sized Tree
  • Yellow & Pinkish Red Streaked Fruit
  • Super Sweet, Creamy Yellow Flesh
  • Requires a Pollinator

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Apple trees have the most flowers and therefore fruit when planted in at least 6 hours of full sun a day. Provide moist, well-drained and enriched soil with a healthy topdressing of mulch for best results.

Sweet Sixteen Apple Trees are delightful full-sized specimens, shade trees and of course, loaded in white blooms and sweet, crunch fruit! Order your new favorite orchard plants today at NatureHills.com!

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