COMMON NAME: Cortland Apple

GARDEN SIZE: Depends on root stock - Dwarf 8-10 ft. tall and wide, Semi-Dwarf 12-15 ft. tall and wide, Standard/Full 15-20’ tall and wide, Espalier varies with culture

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Loamy & well drained soil

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green

BLOOM TIME: Midseason - Flowering Group 3

HARVEST TIME: Early midseason, ripens September to October

FRUIT: Medium to large apples with a base skin color of yellow-green, mostly covered with crimson blush. The fine-grained white flesh is sweet and tangy with a vinous note. Cortland apples are crunchy when freshly picked, but soften and lose flavor with storage. Therefore, they are best enjoyed straight off the tree. The apples don’t brown quickly when cut, making them ideal for slicing or serving in salads.

POLLENIZATION: Not self-fertile: Needs a pollination partner of a different variety nearby.

POLLENIZATION (Trees that pollenize this one): Colonnade Scarlet Sentinel, Golden Russet, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, Crimson Crisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Jonathan, Pink Lady, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple ‘Blushing Delight’, Urban Apple ‘Golden Treat’, Urban Apple ‘Tasty Green’, Wolf River, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden/Yellow Delicious, Honeycrisp, PREMIER Honeycrisp, Red Delicious

POLLENIZATION (Trees that are pollenized by this one): Arkansas Black, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, Colonnade Scarlet Sentinel, Crimson Crisp, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Russet, Golden/Yellow Delicious, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonathan, Liberty, Pink Lady, PREMIER Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Stayman Winesap, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple ‘Blushing Delight’, Urban Apple ‘Golden Treat’, Urban Apple ‘Tasty Green’, Winesap, Wolf River

CARE: Prune while the tree is dormant. Remove water sprouts in June or July. Options for controlling pests, bacterial infections, and fungal disease include dormant oils applied early in the season before blooming, scented insect traps, and copper-based fungicides. DO NOT apply insecticides during blooming. This risks harming bees, which are crucial for pollination and fruit production. If necessary, fireblight can be treated with a streptomycin antibiotic spray during blooming. Apple trees need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, though young trees need a little more during their first growing season as they establish roots. If not enough rain has fallen, give the tree extra water by running a hose at a trickle around the base of the tree until the ground is fully soaked (but not for so long that there is standing water). Waterlogged roots can harm apple trees, so don't overdo it!

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Somewhat susceptible to mildew; susceptible to cedar apple rust, fireblight, and scab.

USES: Eating fresh, slicing, salads, baking, applesauce

TOXICITY: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are therefore toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The fruit is non-toxic.