Stayman Apple Malus domestica 'Stayman'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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The Stayman apple is a triploid cultivar (three chromosomes instead of two) that can consistently bear apples if no conditions like freezing or late frosts happen. The size of the tree depends on the varieties you choose, standard, semi-dwarf or dwarf. It needs other apple trees to ensure pollination because of its triploid heritage, with potential choices including Gala, Golden or Red Delicious. It grows rather slowly at less than 12'' per year.
Soil type needed is average to loamy but responds to enriched soil with better production. Most apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8. Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. Air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree.
Its height and width vary from 10 feet, 12-15 feet, to 20-25 feet. This tree grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam and well-drained soil. It grows upright in an oval or round shape but can be pruned to a more spreading, horizontal shape. The semi-dwarf may need pruning to maintain a lower height.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- USA
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollinators during blooming
- Edibility:
- The medium to large-sized, roundish-conic fruit has a thick, red skin. Stayman apple is crisp and juicy with a flavor that combines sweet and tart. It is great for making pies, cider and eating fresh. Ripens from mid to late October. The fruit can be kept up to 6 months if stored in colder temps in the near 40 range.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Horizontal
- Oval
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Description:
- The medium to large-sized, roundish-conic fruit has a thick, red skin. The taste is sweet/tart and crisp. The apple ripens from mid to late October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- It blooms mid to late season with white flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
