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.
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 StatesI've never tasted an apple quite like this one. The crisp tart/sweetness reminds me of a caramel apple.
- 08 Oct 2017 TEXAS, AustraliaSweet snacking apple
Tree register
United States
- Aaron Millis in HELENA, MT
- Andrew David Vetsch in BUFFALO, MN
- Doreirei in Montevallo, ALABAMA
- fendwick in Bemidji, MN
- fendwick in Bemidji, MN
- Holly in REHOBOTH, MASSACHUSETTS
- Jerry Hudgins in Point Reyes Station, CALIFORNIA
- Josh Stompro in MOORHEAD, MN
- Kim Lapacek in Poynette, WI
- Kurt in Ladysmith, WI - WISCONSIN
- Kurt in Ladysmith, WI - WISCONSIN
- Kurt in Ladysmith, WI - WISCONSIN
- Mark Douglass in Minneapolis, MN
- Mike Haller in SIOUX CITY, IOWA
- Phil in Winneconne, WI
- Ricky Bruckner in Ravenna, OHIO (OH)
- Trevor in FERGUS FALLS, MN
- Trevor Roth in Erhard, MINNESOTA
Netherlands
- Cheuk A Lam in Amsterdam, NOORD-HOLLAND
Canada
- Ryan Monahan in Brantford, ON
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:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
Frostbite apple trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Frostbite:
United States
Maine
- Tiny Orchards, Saco
Vermont
- Seven Saplings Farm, Richford