We carry a large selection of hard cider apple tree varieties, including the old English and French cider trees. Cider is an ancient drink dating back to the Phoenicians. Cider attained great popularity in England soon after the Norman conquest in 1066. The art of cider making begins with the proper balance of apples providing proportions of sweet, sharp and bitter varieties. The exact percentage is open to debate, but a general rule of thumb has been 40-60% sweet varieties, 10-20% sharp varieties, and at least 20% bitter (high tannin) varieties. We have assembled a collection of cider apple trees that represent these approximate percentages and will provide the backyard cider maker with an abundance of flavor for cider, or for just eating fresh off the tree! Click on the above red names for a link to each individual variety's description. By purchasing this bundle of cider apple trees, you'll receive the above six trees for the price of five. These cider apple trees are certified organic and are grafted on semi-dwarf rootstock.
Ashmeads Kernel
Ashmead's Kernel is a highly valued apple variety for making hard cider due to its intense, complex flavor profile. It's known for its balance of sugars and acids.
Foxwhelp
Pressed cider has earthy tones. Sharp apple, with hint of pear and butterscotch.
Hewes Virgina Crab
Apples often has a bright apple flavor with banana, pear & butterscotch notes when pressed for cider.
Harrison
The Harrison apple is arguably the best cider variety America has ever produced
Golden Russet
Truly exceptional cider
Tremblett's Bitter
When blended with a sweet and a sharp cider apple, they help create a rich, refreshing overall flavor
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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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