Sweet Sixteen Apple

History: Sweet Sixteen was developed by the University of Minnesota and introduced in 1977. It is one of nearly thirty varieties released by the university since its breeding program began in 1888.

Why We Grow It: Some apples taste better when grown in colder climates, and Sweet Sixteen is one of them. For a fresh-eating apple, this is one of Ken's top picks. Sweet Sixteen provides that crisp first bite that so many people love in an apple, and the sugary pure white flesh will not disappoint for flavour. Its cold-hardiness and general disease-resistance (tolerant of scab and cedar rust) make it winner for the grower too.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions. 

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Moderately vigorous and very hardy, precocious, upright growth pattern, reliable and good crops, spur bearing. Slightly susceptible to mildew and fireblight but resistant to scab and cedar rust.

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time

Flowering Time: Late bloomer

Ripens: Early October

Storage: Keeps until December when stored in cool, humid conditions

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking

Size including roots:

• 100-200 cm whip, 1 year grade
• 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more, 2 year grade
• 50-80 cm, B-grade