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Gravenstein Apple Tree

Malus 'Gravenstein'

Nature Hills Nursery
$6481
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This variety requires a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to develop its signature tart flavor and crisp texture. While it can survive in partial shade, you will see a significant drop in fruit production and a higher risk of fungal issues due to slower leaf drying.
  • Soil: Aim for deep, loamy soil that drains well so the roots never sit in "wet feet," which leads to rot. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant in a slight mound to keep the crown above the water line.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide about 10 gallons of water per week to help the root system anchor deeply. Once established, the Gravenstein is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during fruit swell can cause the apples to drop early or develop a mealy texture. Aim for deep, bi-weekly soakings during the heat of summer to ensure the fruit stays juicy and the tree remains stress-free.

Pruning Tips

Gravensteins bloom on spur wood, which means they produce fruit on the same small branches for several years. Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to remove inward-growing branches and "water sprouts," which are those thin vertical shoots that suck energy away from fruit production. Thinning the canopy allows light to reach the center of the tree, much like opening a window to let the sun reach the lower branches for better ripening.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, organic fruit tree fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell to support the initial growth spurt. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this encourages soft, green growth that won't have time to harden off before winter, making the tree vulnerable to frost damage. Stick to a low-nitrogen formula or aged compost if you feel the tree needs a boost later in the year.

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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Distinguished & Heirloom Gravenstein Apple Tree!

  • Light Green With Red Striped Fruit
  • Very Large Yield
  • Distinctive Flavor
  • Pale Pink Buds & Fragrant White Blooms
  • Tart, Sweet Flavor - Eating Fresh, Cooked & Baked
  • Heirloom Apple Since the 17th Century
  • Mid-Season Harvest
  • Large & Long-Lived Tree
  • Prefers Cool Temperatures
  • Resistant to Cedar Apple Rust
  • Prolonged Picking Season
  • Triploid Variety - Requires a Pollinator
  • 700 Chill Hours

The Gravenstein Apple originated in Denmark in the early 1600s, where it is called a native and is proclaimed as the "National Apple". This wonderful fruit was so admired that it was brought to the United States with Russian settlers in the early 1800s, with orchards being established at Fort Ross, California.

The Gravenstein Apple Tree (Malus 'Gravenstein') was immediately recognized as a uniquely superior fruit with its adaptability, many usages and wonderful flavor.

Pink buds open to fragrant white blooms, followed by firm, snappy, light-green fruit, with red stripes. Carrying a wonderfully distinctive flavor, the white flesh is tangy and sweet with hints of a honey aroma.

How to Use Gravenstein Apple Tree In The Landscape

The large size and heavy yield make this a fantastic orchard tree should you have the room. Prune smaller for home gardens, these are fantastic heirloom showpieces!

Gravenstein Apple has an excellent sweet-tart flavor and is famous for making the finest apple juice and ciders, pies and apple sauces.

Wonderful as dried fruit as well, the Gravenstein do not have a long shelf life.

The Gravenstein is also prized as an excellent apple sauce and is a favorite for cooking and baking. Of course, fresh off the tree is still the finest way to enjoy the Gravenstein apple.

Not known for being a good shipper or keeper, these are for immediate use only in your favorite recipes.

Home orchards and larger landscapes are perfect for these good-sized ornamental trees. The white blooms are lovely shading your vegetable garden or patio.

#ProPlantTips For Care

It's widely adapted to many climates and is known to produce in the colder zones. The adaptability extends into common apple-growing regions of growing zones 2 - 9, where it is primarily grown by farmers market growers and home gardeners.

Grow Gravenstein in full sun is required for apple trees and well-drained soils. Preferring well-drained soil that is moderately enriched. Mulch to insulate the roots and retain more moisture.

The Gravenstein Apple can be an alternate bearer and thinning your fruit to a fist length between each fruit should be an important part of your fruit tree maintenance. Thinning is a requirement with most all fruit but is particularly important with Gravenstein to avoid a shy cropping year.

One of the earlier ripening varieties, the Gravenstein should be included with a mid-season variety and requires a suitable pollinator.

Get antique flavor, a touch of the old world, and wide adaptability with the Gravenstein Apple Tree from NatureHills.com today!

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