If you live in Kentucky and want to grow apples, you are in luck. It’s a fantastic place to grow apples because the temperate and humid climate means they will grow well.
If you look online for apples to grow in KY, they often recommend popular varieties, like Golden Delicious, that are susceptible to scab.
However, the humid climate in KY means widespread apple scab and other diseases, so the University of Kentucky (UK) recommends only using resistant trees.
Below are disease-resistant apple tree varieties to grow in Kentucky that are proven to produce well in any Kentucky growing zone.
Apple Trees That Will Produce Well in Kentucky
1. Spartan Apple – Malus domestica ‘Spartan’
Spartan Apples are a Canadian version of the McIntosh, but a little smaller, in pale to dark red.
The apples are ready mid-season (early September) and store well until January. They are excellent cooking and dessert apples that hold their shape and sweet flavor well.
Spartan Apples are highly resistant to apple scab and moderately to highly resistant to all other apple diseases. The University of Kentucky reports that they produce very well in KY.
These trees bloom later than many apples, therefore avoiding those spring frosts. Since they are hardy to USDA Zone 5, this means that even those at higher elevations in the eastern mountains can grow them.
Spartan Apples are partially self-fertile, so only one tree is necessary to get crops, but yields will increase if grown with pollinator partners.
Those with small gardens or limited space can choose dwarf varieties and get apples with one tree.
Pollinator Partners for Spartan Apples: Cortland, Crimson Crisp, Gala, Dayton*, Fuji, Granny Smith, Gold Rush*, Jonathon, Pristine* *Varieties said to grow especially well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: N/A; in Latin, sometimes called Malus pumila ‘Spartan’
USDA Growing Zones: 5(4) – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 8 – 25 ft* tall, 8 – 25 ft spread *in dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard sizes
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Spartan Apples are in Flowering Group 3 and bloom mid-spring; mid-season fruits ripen in early September and store until January
2. Pristine Apple – Malus domestica ‘Pristine’
Pristine Apples are gorgeous light yellow apples with a red blush and a tart-sweet flavor.
These early-season apples ripen in early July, which, like most early-season apples, means they have a short shelf life. But whatever you can’t eat fresh will make delicious applesauce.
Pristine Apples are very resistant to apple scab and powdery mildew but can be susceptible to cedar rust and fireblight. Despite that, the UK states that these apples have been proven to produce well in KY.
For the homeowner, these trees are available in standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf sizes to fit in any yard. Like most apples, they grow best in full sun in slightly acidic, well-drained, fertile loams.
Pristine Apples are not self-fertile and require a pollinating partner of a different variety to cross-pollinate.
Pollinator Partners for Pristine Apples: Cortland, Chestnut Crab, Crimson Crisp, Dayton*, Gala, Jonathon, Spartan*, Enterprise*, Pixie Crisp* *Varieties said to grow well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: N/A
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 8 – 25 ft* tall, 8 – 25 ft spread *in dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard sizes
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowering Group 4 blooms in mid to late spring; early season fruits mature in early July
3. Sundance Apple – Malus domestica ‘Sundance’ PP13819
Sundance Apples are an excellent quality eating apple with pale yellow skin, a pink blush, some russet, and firm, crisp flesh with a fruity pineapple or lemon-like flavor.
These late-season apples ripen mid-October, and, like most late-season apples, they store well for up to seven months.
Sundance Apples have excellent resistance to all the major apple diseases, including apple scab, making them perfect for organic growers. The UK says that they have been proven to produce good quality apples in Kentucky.
These trees are cold-hardy enough to grow anywhere in KY but also have lower chill hours (500 hours), so those in warmer areas don’t have to worry if they have a mild winter.
Sundance Apples also bloom late and won’t be harmed by late frosts, which is great news for those at higher elevations in the east.
These trees are not self-fertile and will need a compatible pollinator partner.
Pollinator Partners for Sundance Apples: Enterprise*, Galarina, Dayton*, Gold Rush*, Pink Lady, Pristine*, Sansa, Redfree* *Varieties said to grow well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: Sundancer Apples, Co-Op 29
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 10 – 13 ft tall, 8 – 10 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers emerge in mid to late spring (Flowering Group 4); late-season fruits mature in mid to late October and can be stored for seven months
4. Liberty Apple – Malus domestica ‘Liberty’
Liberty Apples are a popular variety that is highly resistant to all major apple diseases, and the UK says they produce high-quality apples in Kentucky.
The apples are crisp and juicy with a sweet-tart flavor and green-yellow skin, mostly (90%) covered with dark red stripes. These mid-season apples ripen in late September, are great for eating fresh or cooking, and last well in storage for about three months.
These low-maintenance trees work well with organic growing and can be pruned and trained to dwarf-sized trees.
Liberty Apples bloom slightly earlier than the other varieties here, so those at higher elevations may want to choose a different variety.
These partial triploid trees are not self-fertile but also cannot pollinate others. If you are short on space, choose a compatible partner that is self-fertile so both can successfully set fruit.
For more information, learn how to identify Liberty Apple.
Pollinator Partners for Liberty Apples: McIntosh, Centennial Crab, Dayton*, Yellow Transparent, Fuji, Jonathan, Cortland, Redfree*, Spartan*, Williams Pride, Zestar! *Varieties said to grow well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: N/A; in Latin, sometimes called Malus pumila ‘Liberty’
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 12 – 25 ft* tall, 10 – 18 ft spread *height depends on semi-dwarf or standard rootstocks
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Liberty Apples are in Flowering Group 2 and bloom from early to mid-spring; mid to late-season fruits mature in early October and can be stored for three months
Available at: Nature Hills
5. Enterprise Apple – Malus domestica ‘Enterprise’
Enterprise Apple produces larger apples with glossy red skin and spicy, crisp, fine-grained, juicy flesh with a sprightly, subacid flavor and nice aroma. They ripen mid-late season in early October and store well in cold storage for 5 – 6 months for fresh eating or baking all winter.
According to the UK, they produce high-quality apples in KY and are very resistant to apple scab and other common apple diseases. They are vigorous, highly productive, fast-growing trees that work well for organic growers.
Although Enterprise Apples are hardy to USDA Zone 4, they also have low chill hours at only 400 hours, so those unpredictable winters in KY shouldn’t be a problem.
Since they also bloom late, they can be grown anywhere in KY without worrying about spring frosts.
Enterprise Apples are not self-fertile and will need a compatible pollinating partner of a different variety to be grown nearby.
Pollinator Partners for Enterprise Apples: Akane, Honeycrisp, Pixie Crunch*, Empire, Crimson Crisp, Dayton*, Golden Hornet, Chestnut Crab, Fuji, Gold Rush*, Redfree*, Spartan*, Sundance* *Varieties said to grow well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: N/A
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 7
Average Size at Maturity: 8 – 16 ft tall, 6 – 14 ft spread* In semi-dwarf or dwarf sizes
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom in mid-spring (Flowering Group 4); fruits mature in early October (mid-late season).
Available at: Nature Hills
6. Jonafree Apple – Malus domestica ‘Jonafree’
Jonafree Apples are another high-quality apple that the UK says produces very well in Kentucky, reliably producing heavy annual crops. They are very resistant to apple scab and powdery mildew, although they are susceptible to cedar apple rust and fireblight.
These are an improved Jonathon-type apple that produces a similar fruit that is less acidic. Their medium-sized apples are 90- 95% covered in medium-red stripes. They ripen mid-season in early September and store well in cold storage for 3 – 4 months.
Jonafree Apples bloom later than many apples (Flowering Group 3) and should be able to avoid spring frosts anywhere in KY in most years.
These trees are not self-fertile and will need a compatible pollinator partner of a different variety nearby. Pairing them with King or Gravenstein is not recommended, which are both only moderately resistant to scab and should not be grown in KY anyway.
Pollinator Partners for Enterprise Apples: Enterprise*, Ben Davis, Ginger Gold, Candy Crisp
*Varieties said to grow well in KY by the UK
Other Common Names: N/A
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 12 – 25 ft* tall, 12 – 25 ft spread *in semi-dwarf and standard sizes
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers bloom around early May; fruits ripen mid-season, around mid-September
Table Comparing Kentucky Apple Trees
Here is a detailed table comparing the apple trees mentioned in this article, including harvest time, disease resistance, average size and USDA growing zones.
| # | Variety | Description | Harvest Time | Average Size at Maturity* | Disease Resistance | Pollinator Partners | USDA Growing Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartan Apple | Resembles McIntosh, smaller, dark red apples. | Early September | 8 – 25 ft tall and wide | Highly resistant | Cortland, Crimson Crisp, Gala, Dayton, Fuji, Granny Smith, Gold Rush, Jonathon, Pristine | 5(4) – 9 |
| 2 | Pristine Apple | Light yellow apples with a red blush, tart-sweet flavor. | Early July | 8 – 25 ft tall and wide | Very resistant to scab, susceptible to cedar rust and fireblight | Cortland, Chestnut Crab, Crimson Crisp, Dayton, Gala, Jonathon, Spartan, Enterprise, Pixie Crisp | 5 – 8 |
| 3 | Sundance Apple | Pale yellow skin, pink blush, some russet, pineapple/lemon-like flavor. | Mid-October | 10 – 13 ft tall, 8 – 10 ft wide | Excellent resistance | Enterprise, Galarina, Dayton, Gold Rush, Pink Lady, Pristine, Sansa, Redfree, Spartan | 5 – 9 |
| 4 | Liberty Apple | Green-yellow skin, mostly dark red stripes, crisp and juicy, sweet-tart flavor. | Late September | 12 – 25 ft tall, 10 – 18 ft wide | Highly resistant | McIntosh, Centennial Crab, Dayton, Yellow Transparent, Fuji, Jonathan, Cortland, Redfree, Spartan | 4 – 9 |
| 5 | Enterprise Apple | Larger apples, glossy red skin, spicy, crisp, fine-grained, juicy flesh. | Early October | 8 – 16 ft tall, 6 – 14 ft wide | Very resistant | Akane, Honeycrisp, Pixie Crunch, Empire, Crimson Crisp, Dayton, Golden Hornet, Chestnut Crab, Fuji, Gold Rush, Redfree, Spartan, Sundance | 4 – 7 |
| 6 | Jonafree Apple | Similar to Jonathon-type apple, less acidic, medium-sized apples, 90-95% covered in medium-red stripes. | Early September | 12 – 25 ft tall and wide | Resistant to scab, susceptible to cedar apple rust and fireblight | Enterprise, Ben Davis, Ginger Gold, Candy Crisp | 5 – 8 |
Delicious Apples That Will Grow and Thrive in Kentucky
I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the different types of delicious apples that will grow and thrive in Kentucky. The temperate climate is perfect for apples. If you have a location with well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy soil, then you will have low-maintenance productive crops in no time.
However, don’t choose popular varieties based solely on climate if you want productive crops. The University of Kentucky (UK) says that only varieties resistant to apple scab should be grown due to the prevalence of that disease in KY.
Another factor in choosing apples for KY is their cold-hardiness. Those at higher elevations in eastern KY will have apples that ripen a week later than estimates. They should only choose hardy varieties to USDA Zone 5 to ensure they survive particularly bad winters.
Fortunately, there are lots of new disease-resistant and cold-hardy varieties that you can grow anywhere in KY.
If you want more information on apple diseases, check out this fantastic PDF guide on Common Apple Problems in Kentucky that the UK put out.
Also, check out my Pollinator Companion Chart to learn more about choosing the right apple varieties to ensure successful cross-pollination.
And try this link if you want to learn more about how much fruit can one apple tree produce.
Now, all you need to do is go out and start planning your Kentucky fruit orchard. Have fun!
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