MN 1628 Apple Rootstock/Size:Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.

MN 1628 Apple Rootstock/Size:Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.Overview MN 1628 is a new variety for usSpring 2025 marks our first year growing it. You might be wondering about the name. This apple comes from the University of Minnesotas apple breeding program, where all experimental seedlings are given numerical designations until they are officially named (if ever). For example, Honeycrisp was originally known as MN 1711, and Frostbite, developed in 1920, was labeled MN 447 until it was formally released in

That set us back a few years

Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative at Agriculture Canada’s Morden Research Station in Morden

Sparkle is perhaps right up there with Honeoye in terms of survivability

This variety has been successfully grown on Bruce Benson’s farm in Missoula for over 50 years

and when he finally tasted the fruit he said

University and extension references consistently note that Ellis Bitter shows susceptibility to fire blight

dark-blue berry-like cones

Research Center taste testing in July of 2019

though the mother tree grows in a somewhat protected location

as well as applecrabs and crabapples

warm spots along the Flathead River near Dixon/Paradise) but will not survive in most parts of Montana

Trees are in 2-4 ft