Malus domestica 'Sweet Sixteen'

Sweet Sixteen Apple

Malus domestica ‘Sweet Sixteen’ is a fruit tree grown for its medium-sized red-striped apples with crisp, juicy flesh and a very sweet, unusual flavor often described as spicy, candy-like, or sugar cane-like. This deciduous apple tree has an upright to rounded habit, white spring blossoms, and mid- to late-September fruit that is prized for fresh eating, cooking, juice, and canning. It was introduced by the University of Minnesota and is especially valued for cold hardiness.

Type: Fruit tree
Mature Size: 15–20' wide x 15–20' high
USDA Zones: 3a–7b
Form: Upright, rounded
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil / moderate, consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Early spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators attracted to spring flowers.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for home orchards and edible landscapes, especially in colder regions. Fruit stores about 5–8 weeks and is noted for its distinctive flavor and dependable cropping. It is not self-pollinating, so another compatible apple nearby is needed for reliable fruit set.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods. Prune when dormant in late winter or early spring to maintain structure and fruiting wood.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Ruby

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No