Description
The rediscovery of this apple is told here. The originator of the Colorado Orange apple, Jesse Frasier of Fremont County Colorado, described it over 100 years ago, “It is the longest keeper I know and of excellent quality.” Historically described as large, round, oblate, slightly ridged at the calyx, stalk medium length, basin shallow; Yellowish-orange color with blush where exposed to the sun; flesh light yellow, exceedingly firm, yet very crisp; a rich, high aromatic, sub-acid flavor, most exceedingly juicy; in fact, in flavor and quality it is distinct and peculiar to itself, differing widely in both these characteristics from any other known apple. It is palatable in December and improves from then on to July.
Choose rootstock type depending on availability:
Malus domestica Standard sized seedling rootstock. This is what trees were historically grafted on. These will be large trees that will grow for a century or more due to their cold hardiness and drought tolerance. Plant 25 feet or more apart. Available in 3 gallon pot.
Malus Antonovka Extremely cold hardy seedling rootstock for full-sized “standard” apple trees. Plant 25 feet or more apart. Available in 1 gallon pot.
M111 Semi Dwarf rootstock. 3/4 size of standard. A good compromise if you want a slightly smaller tree. Plant 15 feet or more apart.
M7 Semi Dwarf, Smaller than M111. Probably not as long lived, but produces sooner. Longer lived than M26. Plant 12 feet or more apart.
M26 Dwarf, Short lived (a few decades), fast producing, needs staked, not drought tolerant or as cold hardy, plant as close to 1-2 feet apart.
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