How to Grow a Spartan Apple Tree: The Sweet and Crisp Garden Favourite

Malus domestica

If you love crisp, juicy apples packed with flavour, the Spartan apple tree is a fantastic choice for your garden. This dessert apple variety is easy to grow, offers heavy and regular crops, and produces dark red apples with crisp white flesh. Whether you want to eat them straight from the tree or use them for fresh juice, the Spartan apple delivers on both taste and beauty. You can read on to discover how to grow, care for, and enjoy this Canadian apple.

The Spartan apple tree (Malus domestica Spartan) is a deciduous fruit tree developed in Canada in 1926. It was bred at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Station in Summerland, British Columbia, making it one of the first formal scientific breeding successes. It is believed to be a cross between McIntosh and an unknown variety, resulting in a compact tree that produces maroon apples with a vinous flavour.

Growing a Spartan apple tree is easy, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners. This variety thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny spot in your garden.

• Soil: Ensure your tree is planted in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. A mix of compost and well-rotted manure will help boost growth.
• Watering: Young trees require frequent watering, especially in dry spells. Once established, they are more drought-tolerant.
• Support: Use a stake to support the tree in its first few years of growth, preventing wind damage.
• Rootstock Choices: Spartan is commonly grafted onto MM106, M26, or M27 rootstocks, affecting its final size and growth habit.

The best time to plant a tree is during its dormant period, typically in late autumn or early spring. You can choose between bare-root and pot-grown trees.

1. Bare Root Trees: These establish quickly and should be planted in the dormant period. Soak the roots before planting.
2. Pot-Grown Trees: These can be planted anytime but require more frequent watering initially.
3. Tree Planting Steps:

• • Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Mix in well-rotted manure and place the tree at the correct depth.
  • Firm the soil around the base and water well.

The best time to plant a Sunset apple tree is during the dormant period, from late autumn to early spring. If planting a bare-root tree, ensure the roots are soaked in water for a few hours before planting. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball, and mix in well-rotted manure or compost to support the tree’s early growth.

Young trees require regular watering, especially in dry spells. Established trees need less frequent watering but should be monitored during the growing season. Feeding the tree in early spring with a balanced fruit tree feed will encourage a healthy crop.

Spartan apples ripen in early October, making them a mid-to-late-season variety. If left on the tree for a little longer before picking, the apples develop their full flavour. The fruit stores well for several weeks.

Yes – Spartan apple trees are not self-fertile, so they need a suitable pollination partner to produce fruit. They belong to pollination group 3, which means they should be planted near another apple variety from the same or an adjacent group (2, 3 or 4) for successful pollination.

Ideal pollinators include:

• Cox’s Orange Pippin

• James Grieve

• Newtown Pippin

• Red Falstaff

If you have the space, adding a compatible apple variety will significantly boost fruit set and improve yields. Spartan also makes a great pollinator for other apple trees in your garden.

Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

Pruning apple trees helps maintain their shape, encourages new growth, and ensures a good harvest. Follow these tips:

• Prune during the dormant period (late winter to early spring).
• Remove side shoots to encourage a single stem for young trees.
• Thin fruit clusters in summer to encourage larger apples.
• Remove dead or diseased branches to prevent scab and other disease problems.

The Spartan apple tree has good disease resistance, especially against scab and mildew. However, regular maintenance, including pruning and removing weeds and grass around the base, will help keep your tree healthy.

You can buy a Spartan apple tree from most garden centres and reputable online retailers. If you choose a bare root or pot-grown tree, please purchase from a trusted nursery for the best quality stock.

Key Points to Remember:

• The Spartan apple tree is an easy-to-grow variety producing crisp and juicy apples
• Developed in Canada in 1926, it is a cross between McIntosh and an unknown variety
• The apples are dark red with a crisp white flesh and a vinous flavour
• Best planted in late autumn or early spring
• Choose bare-root or pot-grown trees depending on your preference
• Requires well-drained soil and benefits from pruning apple trees in winter
• Partially self-fertile but benefits from a pollination partner
• Ideal for eating straight from the tree or juicing
• Generally disease-resistant, particularly against scab and mildew
• Available from garden centres and online

Whether you’re an experienced grower or new to fruit trees, the Spartan apple tree is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering reliable crops and delicious apples year after year.

To see the RHS article, please click here

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here

Q: What is a Spartan Apple Tree?

A: The Spartan Apple Tree (Malus domestica ‘Spartan’) is a well-loved variety that produces crisp, sweet dessert apples. It is popular among home gardeners for its reliable cropping and delicious fruit, perfect for eating fresh or using in various desserts.

Q: Are Spartan Apple Trees self-fertile?

A: No, Spartan Apple Trees are not self-fertile. They belong to pollination group 3 and require a compatible pollination partner to set fruit. Good options include Cox’s Orange Pippin, Egremont Russet, or James Grieve, as they flower around the same time.

Q: When are Spartan Apples ready for picking?

A: Spartan Apples are typically ready to harvest in late September to early October. Before picking, they should be firm to the touch and have developed their deep red colouring. Their flavour is at its best when fully ripe.

Q: What kind of soil do Spartan Apple Trees prefer?

A: Spartan Apple Trees thrive in well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool, as soggy roots can lead to disease. A loamy soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal for promoting healthy growth and fruit production.

Q: What are the main features of Spartan Apples?

A: Spartan Apples are known for their crisp texture and sweet, juicy flavour. They have an attractive, deep red skin with a slight yellow undertone, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Q: Do Spartan Apple Trees have any ornamental value?

A: Yes! In addition to producing tasty fruit, Spartan Apple Trees also provide beautiful pink-tinged blossom in spring, adding ornamental value to gardens. Their compact growth habit makes them an excellent choice for smaller spaces.

Q: What is the best way to care for a Spartan Apple Tree?

A: To keep your Spartan Apple Tree healthy and productive:

• Water it regularly, particularly during dry spells.
• Apply mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed the tree annually with a balanced fruit tree feed.
• Prune in winter to maintain its shape and encourage fruiting.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, treating them promptly if needed.

Q: What can I use Spartan Apples for besides eating fresh?

A: Spartan Apples are highly versatile! While they are excellent for fresh eating, they can also be used in pies, crumbles, applesauce, and even cider. Their natural sweetness means you may not need to add much sugar when cooking with them.

Q: Where can I buy a Spartan Apple Tree?

A: Spartan Apple Trees are available at garden centres and through online nurseries specialising in fruit trees. When you purchase, please look for healthy specimens with strong roots to ensure a good start in your garden.