Vixen™ (CV. Etter 34-3) More than one person has expressed to us their fantasy: "If only Etter had made a variety that looks and tastes like Wickson - but was the size of a conventional apple...." This is probably too much to ask for; intense flavor seems linked to compact size ( the wild strawberry paradox). Nevertheless, we did discover an apple that approached these parameters. Not quite as large as an ordinary apple, Vixen ™ is still several times the size of Wickson. And while it doesn't have the unprecedented sugar content of Wickson, it does have enough sweetness to render it an excellent eating apple. Vixen™ ripens several weeks later than its namesake (i.e. early November ) and stands up better to weather. Please refer below for more information on Vixen apple trees.
The description above is reprinted with permission from greenmantlenursery.com - which details Ram Fishman's work bringing the Rosetta™ & Sweetmeat Crab™ apple varieties to the world:
RESTRICTIONS TO PROPAGATION & COMMERCIAL USE
NO UNAUTHORIZED PROPAGATION OR SALE OF TREES. NO SALE OF FRUIT WITHOUT LICENSE
Considerations for Vixen apple tree
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Heirloom: Yes
Uses: Fresh Eating, Desserts, Pies, Cider
Harvest Period: Very Late
Bloom Period: Midseason
Pollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom period
Origin Date: Ettersburg, CA 1900's
Storage: A few weeks
Rootstock: MM 111 (semi-dwarf)
Years to Bear: 2-4 years
Recommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.
Mature Size: 12-16 ft.
Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.
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Size of tree
Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock. .
Pruning tip
Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more...
Shipping information
Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits.
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