USDA Certified Organic
Katharine is also a Wagener seedling, this was a breeder's favorite that somehow never got officially introduced - yet another Etter mystery. Because it somewhat resembles its sibling Waltana, perhaps Albert hesitated to put forth a variety that would compete with his brother's "pet". The Katharine apple remained unknown for many years, a solitary tree growing next to the house Albert built for his mail-order bride. The neighbors thought it was just another Waltana tree....
Katharine does indeed resemble Waltana in many respects, reflecting their common seed parent. Like Waltana, it is a large, late-ripening (November), long keeping apple that serves well for both eating and cooking. Yet, there are pronounced differences. Where the Waltana is a handsome red-striped and green apple, the Katharine can be beautiful with richer, more subtle coloration. This Yang/Yin dichotomy applies also to flavor: the Waltana's is pleasantly robust, while the Katharine possesses sublime aromatics that linger on the palate. This complexity no doubt traces back to its pollen parent, the diminutive Reinette Ananas. Please see below for more information on the Katharine apple tree.
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:
Considerations for Katharine 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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