Malus domestica 'Gravenstein' Dwarf

Gravenstein Dwarf Apple

Malus domestica ‘Gravenstein’ is a dwarf fruit tree grown for its crisp, juicy, aromatic apples with a sweet-tart, old-fashioned flavor. This deciduous apple tree has an upright to rounded habit, white spring blossoms, and medium to large yellow-green fruit striped and flushed red that ripens early, usually in late summer. It is an heirloom cultivar especially valued for fresh eating, sauce, pies, and cider.

Type: Dwarf fruit tree
Mature Size: 8–12' wide x 8–12' high
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Upright, rounded
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil / moderate, consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Early to mid spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators attracted to spring flowers.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for home orchards and edible landscapes. ‘Gravenstein’ is an early-blooming triploid apple, so it needs two other compatible early-blooming apple varieties nearby for reliable pollination and fruit set, and it will not pollinate other apples itself. Trees are often productive but may need thinning for better fruit size and more consistent yearly crops.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Water regularly during establishment and dry periods. Prune annually in late winter to maintain structure and fruiting wood, and thin heavy crops to improve fruit size and reduce branch stress. 

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

15'

Width

10'-30'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No