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All about apples, pears, plums, and cherries - and orchards where they are grown

FrostbiteTM apple

Malus domestica
Frostbite
One of the first varieties developed by the University of Minnesota, but only released around 2008. Previously known as MN 447. Frostbite has played an important role in the development of many other cold-hardy varieties.

Also known as

  • MN 447

Frostbite apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Frostbite
  • Frostbite

USDA identification images for Frostbite

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

    Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

    Parents and other ancestors of this variety


    Offspring of this variety


    Visitor reviews

    • 18 Oct 2017  MN, United States
      I've never tasted an apple quite like this one. The crisp tart/sweetness reminds me of a caramel apple.
    • 08 Oct 2017  TEXAS, Australia
      Sweet snacking apple

    Tree register

    United States

    Netherlands

    Canada

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2020 season

    • 28th April  2020  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2017 season

    • 4th June  2017  - tree owned by fendwick in Bemidji, United States
    • 30th May  2017  - tree owned by fendwick in Bemidji, United States

    Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.


    Harvest records for this variety

    2020 season

    • 2nd week October  2020  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: (Duchess of Oldenburg x Utter's Large Red) x unknown
    • Originates from: United States
    • Introduced: 1921
    • Developed by: University of Minnesota

    Identification

    • Country of origin: United States
    • Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
    • Fruit colour: Red - dark
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous
    • Flesh colour: Cream
    • Fruit size: Small
    • Fruit shape: Flat-round
    • Developer: University of Minnesota

    Using

    • Picking season: Late
    • Keeping (of fruit): 1-2 months
    • Flavour quality: Good
    • Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
    • Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
    • Juice style: Sweeter
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Juice
    • Picking month: October
    • Picking period: mid-October
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Average
    • Flowering group: 3
    • Pollinating others: Average
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Vigour: Slightly small
    • Bearing regularity: Regular
    • Growth habit: Spreading / Flat-topped
    • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile

    Climate

    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 3 (-40C)
    • Climate suitability: Temperate climates
    • Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Average

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Frostbite apple trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Frostbite:

    United States




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