Plant Quick Guide
Growing Zones:
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Sunlight:
Spacing:
Chill Hours:
Growth Rate:
Flower Color:
Harvest Time:
Years to Bear:
Pollinator:
Does Not Ship To:
Apple Trees - State Fair
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7.
Description
The State Fair Apple is a cheerful, early-ripening variety known for its bright red skin, crisp texture, and refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Developed by the University of Minnesota in 1977 from a cross between ‘Mantet’ and ‘Oriole,’ this cold-hardy apple was bred to thrive in northern climates while delivering outstanding fruit quality. Its lively flavor and striking appearance make it a favorite for fresh eating, baking, and applesauce, and its early harvest brings the first taste of autumn to the orchard.
Key Features
• Sweet-Tart Flavor: Refreshing, juicy balance of tangy and sweet — a delightful early-season treat.
• Crisp, Tender Flesh: White, fine-grained texture that’s both juicy and aromatic.
• Brilliant Appearance: Medium-sized fruit with vivid red stripes over a yellow background — eye-catching on the tree or in the basket.
• Early Ripening: Among the first apples to mature, typically ready in mid- to late summer.
• Cold-Hardy Performer: Developed in Minnesota to withstand harsh winters and variable northern conditions.
Mature Size
• Height: 12–15 feet (standard); 8–10 feet (semi-dwarf)
• Spread: 10–15 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones
• Zones 3–7
Chill Hours
• Requires approximately 800–900 chill hours for optimal fruiting.
Care Instructions
• Sunlight: Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) to promote vibrant color and full flavor.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0; amend heavier soils for improved drainage.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during fruit formation; mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or crowded branches and to encourage open, productive growth.
• Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with compatible early to mid-season varieties such as ‘Honeycrisp,’ ‘Zestar!,’ or ‘Wealthy’ for best results.
Landscape Uses
• Excellent for home orchards, northern gardens, and small farm production.
• Ideal for fresh eating, applesauce, baking, and drying.
• Provides seasonal beauty with pink-white spring blossoms and brilliant red fruit in late summer.
With its lively flavor, crisp bite, and dazzling color, the State Fair Apple captures the joy of the harvest season’s beginning. Hardy, productive, and delicious, it’s a must-have for growers who want an early apple that delivers both beauty and taste year after year.
More Information: Apple Growing Guide
Shipping
At Plant Me Green we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care. We ship your plants using FedEx Ground® the following business day after you have completed checkout.
We are now offering $15 flat rate shipping for all tree orders! Replacement tree shipping cost will be $15 per box. We still cannot ship to some states and US territories based off the Agricultural Laws that may be in place. Please see below for all exclusions.
If you have any questions concerning transit time for your order, please feel free to contact us at info@plantmegreen.com or toll free 855-817-5268.
Trees: Due to strict Agricultural Laws in place, we currently cannot ship to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii. We cannot ship to Puerto Rico or international.
How to Plant
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
Care Guide
