Description of the 24 best varieties of winter apples with photo names and reviews

A selection of winter apple varieties

Winter varieties of apple trees are characterized by a rich aroma, preservation of taste and commercial qualities for a long time, and resistance to scab. The skin of winter-hardy fruits is somewhat thicker than that of summer and autumn fruits, and the flesh is denser.
A description of winter varieties of apple trees with photos and names will be incomplete if it is not noted that winter varieties of apple trees are not immediately suitable for consumption after picking. The period of full ripening occurs after approximately 4-7 weeks of storage.

Content:

Winter varieties of apples for the Moscow region and the middle zone
Varieties of winter apple trees for the southern regions
Winter varieties of columnar apple trees

Experts advise planting at least 60% of winter apple trees in your garden, then you will have fresh apples on your table almost all year round. Not everyone has the opportunity to plant many apple trees of different varieties in their dacha, but at least 1-2 “winter” ones must be planted.

Video review of winter varieties of apple trees:

Many summer residents think that since the apple tree is winter, it must be frost-resistant and they can be planted in any region. This is not so: there are varieties that are cold-resistant, and there are also those specially created for the southern regions. Therefore, when purchasing, be careful and be sure to read the description and characteristics of the variety.

Winter varieties of apple trees for the Moscow region and the middle zone

Distinctive features of winter varieties of apple trees for the middle zone are resistance to frost, diseases and pests. The fruits are tasty, juicy and stored until spring.

Antey

The fruits of the variety are juicy and have good taste. Antaeus is characterized by the presence of a waxy coating on the surface of the apple, which gives it a silvery tint.

When stored in a specialized room, the fruits can be used until the middle of next summer. Consumer ripeness begins in December.

Height of an adult tree: 2.5 m.
Pollinators: Welsey, Anise, Autumn Striped, Saffron Pepin.
It begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years. Fruiting is regular. Full ripeness of apples occurs 8 weeks after harvesting.
Productivity: 50 kg per tree.
The average fruit weight is 120-200 g. The skin is green, with a waxy coating, with a bright integumentary blush. The apples are ribbed, with a slight cone towards the top. The pulp is juicy and aromatic. In a cool room, the fruits retain their marketability and taste for 6-7 months.
Immunity to scab is weak.
Frost resistance: –30°С. Climate zone: 4.

“The fruits last for up to 7 months after picking. I like that the tree produces a constant and abundant harvest. I started giving apples in the 2nd year.”

Winter Beauty

The wonderful fruits have a rich taste and delicate aroma, are stored for a long time, and are resistant to winter cold.

Tree height: 5-6 m.
Pollinators: Melba, Streifling, Zhigulevskoe.
It begins to bear fruit 4 years after planting.
Productivity: 150 kg.
The average fruit weight is 180-350 g. When ripe, the fruits acquire a light yellow color with a raspberry-red blush. The shape is conical. The pulp is sweet with sourness, moderately aromatic, juicy.
High immunity to scab and other fungal diseases.
Frost resistance: –35°С. Climate zone: 4.

"Hello. I would like to advise novice gardeners that the best variety of apple tree is Winter Beauty. I have been breeding this crop for many years and am very pleased with its qualities. It is easy to care for, does not freeze in winter, bears fruit regularly, and very rarely appears periodically. The fruits on the tree, both large and medium, ripen at the same time. In terms of taste, I would give it 5+. Apples are very good in processing, in preserves, compotes, jams. But most importantly, the apples are stored until spring.”

Antonovka

The most popular apple tree. A variety that will never be left without fans. Apples are fragrant, tasty and beautiful.

Among the distinctive qualities, it should be noted excellent frost-resistant characteristics and a long shelf life.

Tree height: 5-8 m.
Pollinators: Autumn striped, Anise, Welsey, Saffron pepin.
It begins to bear fruit in the 7-8th year. Apples are harvested in mid or late September.
Productivity: up to 200 kg, irregular.
The average weight of apples is 200-300 g. The fruits have a yellow-cream hue. The shape is flat-round or cylindrical, with ribs. The skin is shiny. The pulp of the fruit is medium dense, juicy. The shelf life of Antonovka fruits is more than 90 days.
Average resistance to scab, severely affected by codling moth.
Frost resistance: –33°С. Climate zone: 4.

“Antonovka has been growing in my garden for decades; it was planted back in Soviet times. Over the years, it has shown itself to be at its best and does not freeze even in harsh winters. The harvest, although not regular, is plentiful. Most often I wet apples the old fashioned way, in oak tubs, and they last until the New Year fresh without any problems.”

Bogatyr

The variety was bred in 1925 by crossing Antonovka and Ranet Landsbergsky. This is one of the popular varieties among summer residents and gardeners. Ideal for preparing soaked apples, stored until May, frost-resistant.

Tree height: 5 m. Spreading crown.
Pollinators: Streifling, Sinap Severny, Melba, Zhigulevskoe.
The apple tree begins to bear fruit at 6–7 years. Fruiting is annual.
Productivity: 70 – 80 kg. Harvesting is possible in late September - early October. The fruits reach consumer ripeness by December.
Average fruit weight: 160 – 400 g. The shape is round, wide at the base, the skin is green with a yellow tint when ripe, gradually changing color to intense yellow. The pulp is dense, aromatic, crispy. The taste is sweet and sour.Fresh apples can be stored for up to 8 months.
Sustained immunity to scab.
Frost resistance: –36°С. Climate zone: 4.

“The aroma is simply magnificent when I bake charlotte from them - the whole family’s mouth waters, such an aroma is in the whole house! We collect a lot of apples, enough for everything. But I don’t preserve much, and because they keep well, in February we only eat up our last supply of apples. We are pleased that we studied the photo and description of the variety, and then planted it, such a miracle.”

Bryansk golden

High-yielding winter-ripening variety. Bred by crossing Antonovka and Golden Delicious.

Tree height is 5–7 m.
Pollinators: Bryansk scarlet or Bryansk pink.
The first apples appear in the 5-6th year.
Productivity: 200 kg. Ripening occurs at the end of September.
Average fruit weight: 180 – 250 g. The fruits are large, one-dimensional, slightly ribbed. The skin is golden yellow, with multi-colored subcutaneous dots. The taste is sweet and sour, the aroma is spicy. Apples are stored in a cool room until May.
The variety is resistant to scab and fruit rot.
Frost resistance: –35°С. Climate zone: 4.

“I came across an article in a magazine describing the Bryansk Zolotistoe apple tree variety; it is ideal for the middle region. Apples are very tasty."

Tatyana's Day

The variety is characterized by high winter hardiness, good shelf life, and small size.

Tree height: 1.5-2 m. The crown is rounded and dense.
The variety is self-pollinating, but to increase productivity you can plant Anis Sverdlovsky nearby.
It begins to bear fruit at 3-4 years.
Productivity: 40-75 kg per tree. Harvesting takes place in September–October.
The average fruit weight is 110-140 g. The fruits are large, flat-round, slightly ribbed. The peel is light yellow with a red blush in the form of fuzzy stripes. Medium density pulp.The taste is sweet with noticeable sourness, there is no aroma. Consumption period: October-March.
Resistant to diseases and pests.
Frost resistance: -34… -28°С. Climate zone: 4.

“Great apples. I collect it in the fall and you can eat fresh fruit until spring. And most importantly, the taste is wonderful.”

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Stroevskoe

The variety is immune to scab. During long-term storage, apples do not lose their taste and juiciness.

Tree height is 3-4 m. The crown is wide-pyramidal.
Pollinators: Spartan, Veteran, Ligol, Jonathan.
It begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year. Fruiting is regular.
Productivity: 50 kg per tree. Ripening in the second half of September or at the very beginning of October.
The average weight of the fruit is 120-160 g. The pulp is dense, crispy, juicy. The taste is sweet with sourness. The fruits are conical in shape, with slightly pronounced ribs, slightly truncated. The cover color is in the form of blurred stripes of a rich red hue. The skin is smooth, glossy, covered with a dense waxy coating. You can store it until May.
Resistance to diseases and pests is high.
Frost resistance: -37…-40°С. Climate zone: 4.

“On the advice of my neighbors in the country, I planted the Stroevskoye apple tree. The tree is of medium height, easy to care for and harvest. The apples are delicious and last a long time.”

Spartan

The variety was obtained by crossing the varieties Mekintosh and Yellow Newtown. Late winter ripening. Ripe fruits do not fall off.

The crown is round, not dense.
Pollinators are not needed.
It begins to bear fruit at 4-5 years.
Productivity: 100 kg. Harvest time is September 20 - October 15.
The average fruit weight is 90-120 g. The shape of the apples is round or round-conical, with weakly defined ribs.The skin is light yellow with an intense burgundy-red blush and a bluish waxy coating on almost the entire surface of the fruit. The pulp is white, dense, juicy, aromatic. The taste is sweet. The fruits are stored until April.
Resistance to scab, powdery mildew and bacterial cancer is above average.
Frost resistance: -34… -28 °C. Climate zone: 4.

“I bought Spartan apple tree seedlings at the market and listened to the seller. Excellent apple tree, I am very pleased. No worries or hassle. And what delicious apples!”

Slav

The large fruits of this variety will not leave anyone indifferent. Frost resistance allows you to grow apple trees of this variety in regions with harsh winters. Self-fertility is average.

Tree height is 3.5-4.5 m. The crown is sparse and rounded.
Pollinators are not needed.
It begins to bear fruit in the 5th year.
Productivity: 180-200 kg per mature tree. The collection takes place in September.
The average fruit weight is 160-200 g. The color is yellow with a red striped blush. The pulp is greenish, dense, juicy. The fruits can be stored until the new year.
The variety is resistant to fungal diseases.
Frost resistance: -34… -27 °C. Climate zone: 4.

“The most remarkable thing about it is that the apples ripen bright green and taste very sweet - such a deceptive essence. The apple tree is very resistant to cold and even frost, so we remove them in late autumn...”

Winter varieties for the southern regions

The main requirements for apple tree varieties grown in the southern regions are resistance to high air temperatures and high humidity, and therefore to fungal diseases. Equally important are taste, appearance and keeping quality.

Jonathan

The variety is an American selection and has another name - Winter Red. A bright blush of the outer color of the fruit appears at the time of harvest.

They are distinguished by good yield, early fruiting, long shelf life, and versatility of use.

Height of an adult tree: 3-3.5 m. The crown is wide.
Pollinators: Golden Delicious, Idared, Melba.
On a dwarf rootstock, fruiting begins at 2-4 years, on a seed rootstock - at 5-6 years.
Productivity of an adult tree: up to 85 kg.
The average weight of the fruit is 150 g. The shape of the apples is cone-shaped. The skin is smooth, thin, yellow-cream in color with a dark red blush. The pulp is dense, juicy, sweet and sour with a peculiar wine flavor. Apples are stored for 6-7 months, until March - April.
The apple tree is affected by powdery mildew, especially at high humidity.
Frost resistance: -5…-10°С. Climate zone: 8.

“An excellent winter variety. They planted it eight years ago at the dacha. I've been pleased with the harvest for several years now. We really like the taste and aroma of these apples; we store them in the cellar from autumn until February. We bake apple pies all winter.”

Simirenko

One of the best winter-hardy varieties of apple trees. It has won fans among gardeners with its high yield, early fruiting, excellent keeping quality, and resistance to critical temperatures.

The main advantage is the preservation of taste and original aroma even during long-term storage.

Tree height: 3-5 m. Wide crown.
Pollinators: Idared, Korey, Golden Delicious, Memory of Sergeev, Kuban Spur.
The harvest can be obtained 4-5 years after planting. Harvesting takes place in the second half of September - mid-October.
The productivity of an adult tree is high and reaches 140-170 kg.
The average fruit weight is 150-180 g. The fruits are smooth, round, regular in shape, with a smooth surface. When picked, the color of the skin is light green, and during storage it gradually changes to yellow.On the sunny side, the fruit develops a pale pink outer blush. The pulp is creamy white, juicy, aromatic. The taste is sweet, spicy. After harvesting, the harvest is stored for 8-9 months.
High susceptibility to scab and powdery mildew.
Frost resistance: -25°C. Climate zone: 5.

We have two Simirenko apple trees. We bought one tall, and the second on a dwarf scion. They have been bearing fruit for 5 years, but every year we struggle with scab. In rainy years, powdery mildew also appears. I spray the entire garden twice a year to prevent the infection from spreading. The apples themselves are tasty and juicy, and last a long time.”

Renet Kubansky

The variety is characterized by early fruiting, high yield, drought resistance and winter hardiness. Transportability is high.

Tree height: 3-4 m. The crown is rounded.
Pollinators: Idared, Golden Delicious, Kuban spur, Prikubanskoe, Jonagold.
It begins to bear fruit in the 3-5th year.
The yield of an adult tree reaches 166 kg.
Fruits weighing 130-150 g, one-dimensional, slightly conical, regular in shape. The pulp is greenish, dense, fine-grained, juicy. The taste is sweet and sour, with a slight aroma. The fruits are stored until March (200 days).
Scab resistance is high.
Frost resistance: -18°C. Climate zone: 6.

Mekintosh

Red, bright fruits of regular round shape ripen earlier than other winter varieties. Mekintosh is characterized by excellent taste. They can be assessed no earlier than a month after picking the fruits from the tree.

Tree height: 3.5-4.5 m.
Pollinators: Jonathan, Idared, Calvil snowy, Alkmene.
Fruiting occurs in the 6-7th year.
The yield of an adult tree reaches 180-200 kg, without frequency.
The average fruit weight is 150-180 g. The shape is flattened, slightly conical in the upper part.The color of the peel is light yellow or greenish, with a red blush. The pulp of the fruit is white, juicy, and can be stored in the refrigerator until the end of February - beginning of March.
The variety is susceptible to fruit and leaf scab.
Frost resistance: -20°C. Climate zone: 6.

“I like Mekintosh because the trees are not very tall, spreading, with a sparse crown, so it is convenient to harvest. The apples are sweet, juicy and very tasty.”

Golden Delicious

In accordance with the description and photo, Golden Delicious apples are distinguished by their large size, excellent taste, and early fruiting.

Tree height: up to 3 m. The crown is branched, cone-shaped.
Pollinators: Jonathan, Rose Wagner.
It begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years.
The yield of an adult tree reaches 180-230 kg, fruiting is annual.
The average weight of the fruit is 160-180 g. The shape of the apples is oblong-conical. The main color of the peel when picked is greenish-yellow, then golden-yellow, sometimes with a pink blush. The pulp is light yellow, juicy, with a delicate aroma. The taste is sweet and sour. The shelf life of the fruit is 6–7 months.
Affected by scab. Resistance to powdery mildew is average.
Frost resistance: -27…-29°С. Climate zone: 5.

“We pick apples in early October. In dry years, they are usually small - 100-120 grams. Harvests are stored for a long time, almost all winter. The apples are yellow, I like them like that, sweet and fragrant, a real apple-pear. I consider them the best."

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Florina

Winter hardiness and drought resistance are average, but high yield and tasty fruits.

Tree height: 3 m. Crown of medium density.
Pollinators: Golden Delicious or Melrose.
The beginning of fruiting is the 3rd year.The harvest is harvested in late September - early October. The taste develops in November-December.
The yield of an adult tree is about 70 kg.
The average fruit weight is 110-145 g. The shape is round with wide ribs. The color is light yellow with a bright red striped blush and a waxy coating. The pulp is moderately dense, juicy, and sweet. The fruits are stored for 200 days (until May).
Resistance to diseases and pests is high.
Frost resistance: -20°C. Climate zone: 6.

“Florina suits me - an excellent, scab-resistant variety of sweet winter apples. I've been growing it since 2003. The tree is compact, no more than 3 meters high. It is convenient to care for, but with abundant harvests, the branches need supports. It bears fruit once every two years, which even makes me happy.”

Liberty

This variety is characterized by good winter hardiness and high yield. Transportability of fruits is high.

Tree height: 3 m. The crown is rounded.
Pollinators: Gloucester, Idared, Florina, Golden Delicious.
In the 4th year it begins to bear fruit. Fruit consumption October-January.
The productivity of an adult tree is 100 kg.
The average fruit weight is 130-140 g. The shape is round-conical. The color of the peel is yellowish-green with a purple-red blush. The pulp is tender and aromatic. At a temperature not higher than 5-10°C, apples can last up to 4-5 months without loss of taste.
Scab-resistant variety.
Frost resistance: -22…-25°С. Climate zone: 6.

“I planted it about 6 years ago in the Krasnodar region. Now this is a young tree that has been bearing fruit for the 3rd year. This apple tree requires a pollinator if a good harvest is needed, otherwise there will be few apples. I have a Gloucester apple tree in my garden; it is a good pollinator for many, including Liberty.”

Aurora Crimean

It is characterized by high yield, winter hardiness, and good keeping quality.

The tree is medium-sized, the crown is of medium density, drooping.
Pollinators: Idared, Florina, Golden Delicious.
It begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years. Fruiting is annual.
Productivity: 150-200 kg per tree. The time for picking fruits is the first ten days of October. Ready for consumption after 2 months.
The fruits are medium, weighing 150 g, conical in shape. The skin is rough and shiny. The skin color of the fruit is yellow-green with a red outer blush. The pulp is light cream, moderately dense, tender, sweet with sourness. The fruits are stored without loss of taste for 170 days.
Resistance to diseases is above average.
Frost resistance: -22…-25°С. Climate zone: 6.

Nymph

The variety is attractive due to its high yield, disease resistance, winter hardiness and drought resistance. But the main advantage is large, beautiful and tasty apples. Distributed in the southern regions.

The tree is medium-sized, the crown is round, of medium density.
Pollinators: Prikubanskoye, Idared, Persikovoe, Florina, Zarnitsa or Korey.
It begins to bear fruit in the 2-3rd year. Apples ripen at the beginning of October.
Productivity: 30 kg per tree per season.
The average fruit weight is 220-300 g. The apples are large, flattened, round-conical. The color is greenish-yellow with a pink blush. Stored for up to 6 months.
Resistant to powdery mildew and scab.
Frost resistance: -24°C. Climate zone: 6.

“The harvest of Nymph apples occurs at the beginning of October. A valuable quality is the shelf life (until the end of spring). There is no loss of part of the crop during storage. Apples tolerate transportation well and have an excellent presentation.”

Winter varieties of columnar apple trees

Apple trees with a compact crown and intense fruiting are a real gift for owners of small garden plots.Columnar apple trees are a good solution if you want to change your landscape design. There are many advantages:

Possibility of growing in small areas.
It is convenient to care for and harvest due to the small size of the plant.
Highly decorative.
High early pregnancy (1-2-3 years after planting).
High taste qualities.

Cascade

The variety is high-yielding, early-fruiting, and frost-resistant. Not susceptible to disease, universal in use. Apples hold tightly to the branches.

The height of the tree is 2.5 m. The crown is columnar.
The variety is self-fertile, but neighbors will not interfere to increase the yield: Antonovka, Ostankino, Valyuta, Melba.
It begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Harvesting can begin in late September - mid-October. Under optimal conditions, apples can be preserved until spring.
Productivity: 15-18 kg. Fruiting is annual and abundant.
The average fruit weight is 180-210 g. The skin of apples is dense, green in color when unripe, then yellowish-green. The cover blush is a cherry shade, blurry. The pulp is dense, aromatic, juicy, cream-colored. The taste is sweet with sourness. Keeps refrigerated for 5-6 months.
High immunity to diseases and pests.
Frost resistance: -35°C. Climate zone: 4.

“I have had the Cascade column for 6 years, it bears fruit every year. I'm pleased that it doesn't require much maintenance. She never got sick at all.”

Constellation

In the photo there is a columnar apple tree “Constellation”

Tree height is 2.2-2.5 m. The crown is columnar.
No pollinators required.
Fruiting begins at 2-4 years. The harvest is harvested in late September - mid-October. During the period of ripeness, a bluish waxy coating appears on the apples, which means it’s time to remove the fruit and store it.
Productivity 7-10 kg.
The average fruit weight is 120-140 g.Apples are round in shape, but may be slightly flattened. The skin is dense, glossy. The taste is sweet and sour, slightly winey. Under the right conditions, the fruits can be stored until next summer.
Resistance to diseases and pests at a high level.
Frost resistance: -37…-42°С. Climate zone: 3.

“I chose Constellation by chance, it was my first columnar apple tree. I was very pleased, first of all, because it does not take up much space, but produces a lot of delicious fruit. There are no worries with it, I just insulate it in the fall, I’m afraid it won’t freeze.”

Yesenia

One of the best columnar varieties for winter ripening. Along the entire height of the apple tree there are beautiful fruits of a bright crimson color. A special feature of the variety is its high resistance to low temperatures, diseases and pests. Suitable for southern regions.

Tree height: up to 3 m.
Pollinators: Melba, Lobo, Jonathan, Sinap orlovsky.
It begins to bear fruit in 3-4 years. Fruit can be collected at the end of September or beginning of October. They are not prone to shedding and adhere tightly to the tree.
Productivity is 10-14 kg per tree per season.
The average fruit weight is 170-200 g. The shape of the apples is round and classic. The skin is dense, elastic, light green or yellowish in color, and during the period of technical maturity it is covered with a dense waxy coating. Top blush of a bright red hue. The pulp is juicy and tasty. The shelf life lasts until spring.
Resistance to diseases and pests is above average.
Frost resistance: -20…-25°С. Climate zone: 6.

“Yesenia was my test columnar apple tree. I selected it based on the description and photo. I also liked the reviews about it. And I fell in love with this variety. No worries or hassle, just insulate it for the winter. And the fruit is simply amazingly delicious.”

Arbat

An excellent variety for small areas. The harvest ripens every year. Excellent immunity.

The height of the tree is 2.5 m. The crown is columnar.
Pollinators: Vasyugan, Medok, Bolero, Dialogue.
It begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years.
Productivity of an adult tree: 20-22 kg. The fruits are eaten no earlier than September.
The average weight of the fruit is 150-180 g. The shape of the apples is round, flattened, sometimes turnip-shaped. The skin is dense, light green in color. The cover blush is blurry-striped, bright pink or crimson in color. The pulp is aromatic and juicy. The taste is sweet and sour. Apples can be stored without loss of taste for up to 30 days.
Disease resistance is high. In pest control, you need the help of a gardener.
Frost resistance: -25…-27°С. Climate zone: 5.

“I purchased a couple of columnar apple trees called Arbat. The apple trees are on a dwarf rootstock, so they will not be tall - about 1.5 m. The nursery explained that they will live, on average, 15 years. This apple tree needs pruning and insulation of the roots for the winter. I planted it in the sun, in a row, along the fence. The distance was exactly 50 centimeters between them.”

Elite

The Elite columnar apple tree is valued not only for its tasty fruits, but also for its decorative properties. With the help of plantings, they create alleys and hedges in suburban areas. The fruit tree is unpretentious in care.

The height of the tree is 2-3 m. The crown is columnar.
No pollinators required.
It begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years. They reach full maturity in late September to mid-October.
Productivity: 30 kg per tree.
The average weight of ruddy apples reaches from 100 g to 150 g. The fruits are smooth, without ribbing, are well preserved and do not spoil. Apples have a sweet and sour dessert taste. The taste only improves with time. They can be stored for 1 to 4 months.
The apple tree is not affected by scab and is resistant to pests.
Frost resistance: -25…-27°С. Climate zone: 5.

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Trident

The variety is early winter, the fruits are ready for picking in September, then they can be eaten, but they also last well until spring. Recommended for cultivation in the southern regions.

Tree height is 1.5 m. The crown is compact.
The variety is self-fertile, pollinators are not needed.
It begins to bear fruit 2 years after planting.
Productivity: 20 kg per tree.
The average weight of the fruit is about 120 g. The skin color is yellow-green under a thick integumentary blush. The pulp is juicy and dense. The taste is sweet and sour, dessert.
Resistance to diseases and pests is high.
Frost resistance: -20°C. Climate zone: 6.

“The columnar Trident apple tree grows and bears fruit here. We chose it based on the description and reviews on the Internet. I really liked the photo. The apples turned out to be delicious, very sweet and juicy, and last a long time. Rarely affected by disease."