Bare Root Roxbury Russet Apple Tree (Malus cv.)

Semi-dwarf, deciduous fruit tree
Description: The fruit has a greenish skin and a crisp, tart taste which ripens in early fall; needs a pollinator
Habit: Grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstock; grows 14-16' high
Culture: Prefers full sun and well-drained garden soil
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
Attributes: Edible fruit, attracts bees
Jefferson documented

'Roxbury Russet' is an extremely productive variety, and like many older varieties, it stores well through the winter months. Modern cold storage technology has meant that the superb keeping qualities of "Roxbury Russet' are no longer important commercially, but to the home gardener, keeping quality is still an important asset for a fruit variety.

Thomas Jefferson planted a number of 'Roxbury Russet' trees in Monticello's South Orchard in 1778. He referred to them as "russetings" because of the distinctive flaking russets on the skin of the fruit. This was among the most popular varieties in America in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

This tree will ship bare root. One year grafted M111 is approximately 4-5' tall.

Bare root planting tips:

~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.

~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.

~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.