Large, red striped fruit. Firm, crisp, aromatic flesh. Moderately acidic.
Sweet Sixteen apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Sweet Sixteen
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
- Frostbite (parent)
- Northern Spy (parent)
Visitor reviews
- 07 Oct 2022I'm a small apple orchard about 12 trees. sweet sixteen is a very good apple tree for southwestern Pa very hardy apples are a very good taste. Juicy and sweet holdup good.
- 25 Oct 2018 CO, United StatesCrisp and juicy, but small fruits. Picked the last few mid/late Oct. That first bite will amaze, a taste of cherry and cotton candy, with delectable aroma. The most ambrosial apple in the orchard.
- 22 Oct 2018 MA, United StatesMaybe the apple I bought was mis-identified, but I thought it was very similar to a McIntosh in flavor and texture.
- 08 Apr 2017 United StatesOne of my favorite. Very complex, sweet flavor. Texture is great similar to MacIntosh.
- 19 Oct 2014 MA, United States2 trees on G30 planted Spring 2014 have grown from 3 feet to 6 feet this year.
- 20 Nov 2013 MAINE, United StatesSweet Sixteen's rich, complex sweet flavor -including hints of cherry candy and raw sugar... really!- coupled with its lovely yellow crisp flesh make this one of the most eye opening, fantastic apple eating experiences.
- 20 Sep 2011 WISCONSIN, United StatesSweet sixteen is an excellent mid-season apple. The fruits are medium to large and crisp. They are extremely sweet with just a bit of zing. They have an anise flavor that makes for a unique apple tasting experience. A great apple for the North as they are hardy trees.
Tree register
United States
- Aaron Millis in HELENA, MT
- Albany Appleguy in Castleton, NY
- Arthur Pitt in Finlayson, MN/PINE
- Bcarp001@Yahoo.Com in PINE CITY, MN
- Becky Liegl in Waupaca, WI/WAUPACA
- Ben in Helenwood, TN
- Bill & Maggie Hein in Faribault, MN MINNESOTA
- Brian Van Erem in Green Bay, WI
- Carl Thomas in Schaumburg, ILLINOIS
- Charley Rae in Grantsburg, WI
- Cherie Buijk in HILLSBORO, MO
- Chris in Kennewick, WA
- Cj in Horseshoe Bend, IDAHO
- Craig Williams in Manning, IOWA
- Crazyed in Oxford, WI
- Dale Kopman in Hayti, SD
- Dan Spratlen in Camano Island, WASHINGTON
- Daryl King in Denver, CO
- David in Wilson, KS
- David M. Taylor in Two Rivers, WI
- Dianne Giles in Henderson, IOWA
- Eric in Seabeck, WA
- g Joseph Jordan in WEST CHESTER, PA
- George Cochran in Maple City, MI
- George R in Fredericktown, PA
- Herdie Baisden in STOCKHOLM, WI
- Isaiah Owings in Saluda, VIRGINIA
- J.P.Curry in Sturgeon, MO
- James Roden in Estacada, OR
- Jean Cave in Sioux Falls, SD
- Jeff Fournier in Alger, MI
- Jeff Hansen in Letcher, SD
- Jerry Hudgins in Point Reyes Station, CALIFORNIA
- Jim Gana in Hallstead, PA
- Joe & Rachel Bender in ALBION, INDIANA / NOBLE
- Joel Howie in Canton, NEW YORK
- John Mason in Bethel, ME
- Jon Shannon in Shaw Island, WA
- Jon Shannon in Shaw Island, WA
- Jonathan Kraft in IDAHO SPRINGS, CO
- Jonathan Kraft in IDAHO SPRINGS, CO
- Josh Stompro in MOORHEAD, MN
- JSchreiber in West Concord, MN
- Juan Casero in PALM BAY, FLORIDA
- Karla in Littleton, COLORADO
- Kelly Quinn in Seabeck, WA
- Kelsey l Naffziger in BEAVERTON, OR
- Kelsey Naffziger in BEAVERTON, OR
- Kent Montgomery in Brainerd, MINNESOTA / CROW WING
- Kim Lapacek in Poynette, WI
- Kris in Show Low, ARIZONA
- Kultall1 in Villa Park, ILLINOIS
- Kurt in Ladysmith, WI - WISCONSIN
- Mark Douglass in Minneapolis, MN
- Mark Ring in Cape Neddick, MAINE
- Matt in New London, MN
- Michael Owens in Parker, COLORADO
- Mike in ALEXANDRIA, MN
- Mike Haller in SIOUX CITY, IOWA
- Nick in SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
- OrangePippin-Scott in Traverse City, MI
- Paul Gerrish in Newbury, MA
- Paul Gerrish in Newbury, MA
- Paul Gerrish in Newbury, MA
- Paul Grochowski in Floyd, VIRGINIA
- Peter in Johnson City, TN
- Phil in Winneconne, WI
- Ricky Bruckner in Ravenna, OHIO (OH)
- Robert Bratsch in PLYMOUTH, MN
- Roger Miller in Madison Heights, VA
- Ron Fischer in Orion, IL.
- Rory Mcgregor in Mapleton,, MN
- Ryan in Sterling, NY
- Ryan Esparza in Somerset, WI
- Seth Powers in Mcindoe Falls, VERMONT
- Shawna in East Helena, MONTANA
- Stephan Orchard in Westfield, INDIANA
- Stephen Sain in Los Lunas, NEW MEXICO
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Surik Mehrabyan in ITHACA, NEW YORK
- Tim Cheney in Walpole, ME/LINCOLN
- Tom & Diane Davidson in Salt Lake City, UTAH
- Trevor in FERGUS FALLS, MN
- Trevor Roth in Erhard, MINNESOTA
- Valerie Hertzler in Cedar Crest, US: NEW MEXICO
United Kingdom
- Gray in Rugby, WARKS
Netherlands
- Cheuk A Lam in Amsterdam, NOORD-HOLLAND
Canada
- Nancy Wilson in Peterborough, ONTARIO ,
- Stella Hiemstra in INVERARY, ONTARIO
Spring blossom records for this variety
2023 season
- 29th May 2023 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
2022 season
- 30th May 2022 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 12th May 2022 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
2021 season
- 23rd May 2021 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 5th May 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
- 5th May 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
2020 season
- 29th May 2020 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 21st May 2020 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
- 30th April 2020 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
2019 season
- 12th June 2019 - tree owned by Steven in Skandia, United States
- 31st May 2019 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 9th May 2019 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
- 4th May 2019 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
2018 season
- 29th May 2018 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 20th May 2018 - tree owned by Kurt in Ladysmith, United States
- 1st May 2018 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
2017 season
- 28th May 2017 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 16th April 2017 - tree owned by Cj in Horseshoe Bend, United States
2016 season
- 27th May 2016 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 18th May 2016 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
2015 season
- 30th May 2015 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 10th May 2015 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
2014 season
- 6th June 2014 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 27th May 2014 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
- May 2014 - tree owned by JSchreiber in West Concord, United States
2013 season
- 8th June 2013 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 20th May 2013 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
- 9th May 2013 - tree owned by James in Estacada, United States
2011 season
- 19th May 2011 - tree owned by Ron in Orion, United States
- May 2011 - tree owned by Dan in Camano Island, United States
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2022 season
- 1st week October 2022 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 2nd week September 2022 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
2021 season
- 4th week September 2021 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 2nd week September 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
2020 season
- 4th week September 2020 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
2019 season
- 1st week October 2019 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 4th week September 2019 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
- 2nd week September 2019 - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States
2018 season
- 2nd week October 2018 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
2017 season
- 1st week October 2017 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 2nd week September 2017 - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States
2016 season
- 1st week October 2016 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 3rd week September 2016 - tree owned by JSchreiber in West Concord, United States
2015 season
- 3rd week September 2015 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 3rd week September 2015 - tree owned by JSchreiber in West Concord, United States
- 2nd week September 2015 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
- 2nd week September 2015 - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States
- September 2015 - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States
2014 season
- 2nd week October 2014 - tree owned by David in Two Rivers, United States
- 2nd week September 2014 - tree owned by JSchreiber in West Concord, United States
- 2nd week September 2014 - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States
2013 season
- 3rd week October 2013 - tree owned by Craig in Manning, United States
- 2nd week October 2013 - tree owned by James in Estacada, United States
- 4th week September 2013 - tree owned by Charley in Grantsburg, United States
- 3rd week September 2013 - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
- 2nd week September 2013 - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Frostbite x Northern Spy
- Originates from: Minnesota, United States
- Introduced: 1973
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1976-004
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1950 - 1999
- Fruit colour: Red
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Best sellers
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
- Developer: University of Minnesota
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-2 months
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Discoloration of fruit: Slightly oxidising (browns slowly)
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking period: mid-September
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Vigorous
- Precocity: Precocious
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 3 (-40C)
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
- Fire blight: Some resistance
- Cedar apple rust: Some resistance
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Sweet Sixteen apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
Sweet Sixteen apple trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Sweet Sixteen:
United States
Colorado
- Gott Bro's Orchard & Produce, L.L.C., Ignacio
- Masonville Orchard, Fort Collins
Georgia
- Freedom Farms - Apple & Peach Orchard, Chatsworth
Idaho
- BYU-Idaho Apple Orchard Museum, Rexburg
Illinois
- Apples On Oak, Lockport
- Camp's Orchard, Roseville
- Meadowmoor Orchard, Woodstock
Indiana
- Apple Works, Trafalgar
- Bender's Nursery and Orchard, Albion
- HighPoint Orchard & Farm Market, Greensburg
- Harker Family Farms & Orchard, Waldron
Iowa
- Allen's Orchard, Marion
- Ditmars Orchard, Council Bluffs
- East View Orchard, Fredericksburg
- Gravert's Apple Basket Orchard, Sabula
- Hillside Orchard, Newell
Kansas
- Stephen's Orchard, Bonner Springs
Kentucky
- Reed Valley Orchard, Paris
Maine
- Eden Acres Family Farm, East Waterboro
- Hooper's Orchard, Monroe
- Plowshares Community Farm, Gorham
- Tiny Orchards, Saco
Massachusetts
- Brook Farm Orchard, Ashfield
Michigan
- Alber's Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester
- Knaebe's "Mmmunchy Krunchy" Apple Farm Cider Mill, Rogers City
- T&K Orchard, Lake City
Minnesota
- Aamodt's Apple Farm and Bakery, Stillwater
- Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings
- Apple Jack Orchards, Delano
- Center Creek Orchard, Fairmont
- Das Apfel Haus Orchard, Hancock
- Dayton Avenue Orchard, Adrian
- Fireside Orchard and Gardens, Northfield
- Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard, Hastings
- Hidden Cove Orchard, Cold Spring
- J.Q. Fruit Farm, Princeton
- LuceLine Orchard, Watertown
- Lucking's Cannon Valley Orchard, Cannon Falls
- Maple Hills Orchard, Frazee
- Maple Run Orchard, Finlayson
- Minnesota Harvest, Jordan
- Minnetonka Orchards, Minnetrista
- Montgomery Orchards, Montgomery
- Nelson's Apple Farm, Webster
- Novak's Orchards, LLC, Woodbury
- Orchard on the Bluff, Franconia Township
- Pleasant Valley Orchard, Taylors Falls
- Red Barn Orchard, Pine River
- Sekapp Orchard, Rochester
- Sogn Valley Orchard, Dennison
- Straight River Farm, Faribault
- Sweetland Orchard, Webster
- Two Fruit's Fruits, Hinckley
- Woods' Edge Apples, Buffalo
Montana
- Big Mountain Fruitworks / Big Mountain Ciderworks, Kalispell
- Boja Farm, Bridger
New Hampshire
- Lull Farm, Hollis
New York
- Albany Apple Guy:Purveyor of Rare & Exotic Apples, Castleton
- Bellinger's Apple Orchard, Fultonville
- Canton Apples, Canton
- Indian Ladder Farms Inc., Altamont
- Whittier Fruit Farm, Rochester
Ohio
- Lynd Fruit Farm, Pataskala
- Ochs Fruit Farm, Lancaster
South Dakota
- Country Apple Orchard, Harrisburg
- Hoversten Orchards LTD, Brandon
- Krause Family Orchard & Nursery Inc., Glenham
- Prairie Blush Orchards, Lake Norden
Vermont
- Woodman Hill Orchard, Vergennes
Wisconsin
- Birch Creek Apple & Honey, Holcombe
- Cattleana Ranch, Poygan Township/Omro
- Nature's Select Orchard, Turtle Lake
- Peck & Bushel Fruit Company, Town of Erin/City of Colgate
- Roo's Apple Orchard, Omro
Canada
British Columbia
- Fruit Forest Certified Organic Farm, Cobble Hill
- Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island
- Starry Night Meadows Farm, Mayne Island
Ontario
- Kilmarnock Orchard, Jasper
- Loughborough Heritage Orchard, Inverary
- Organics Farm, Markham
References
- Apples for the 21st Century
Author: Manhart