Description
This tree is a graft from the 100 plus year old tree planted by Jasper Hall (known as the Fruit Wizard of Montezuma County) and called by the late Bill Olson “Jasper Hall Jelly Crab”. DNA test confirms Transcendent Crab. As the local name implies, this small apple makes great jelly. We also enjoy its sweet, orange flesh eaten off the tree. Prized for cider.
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.
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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