Description
One of the most widely planted apples in Colorado’s early orchards; and it is still found in our historic orchards today. When we ask our old orchardists what their favorite apple is – a usual answer is, “Well, Winter Banana is about as good as any.” This apple is beautiful from its fruit to the tree itself. Yellow fruit with a pretty pink blush; flesh is firm, tangy, juicy. Its flavor is mild, and when grown here in Colorado – the aromatic flavor of banana is detectable. Good fresh; flavor does not hold up when cooked, but good in pie when mixed with other varieties. Excellent pollinator.
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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