Malus domestica 'Zestar' Dwarf

Zestar Apple

Malus domestica ‘Zestar!’ is a dwarf fruit tree grown for its medium-sized red-blushed apples with crisp, juicy white flesh and a bright sweet-tart flavor with hints of brown sugar. This deciduous apple tree has an upright to rounded habit, white spring blossoms, and very early fruit that is prized for fresh eating, cooking, and sauce. It was introduced by the University of Minnesota and is especially valued for cold hardiness and good flavor early in the apple season.

Type: Dwarf fruit tree
Mature Size: 8–10' wide x 6–10' high
USDA Zones: 3a–7b
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, especially in colder regions. Fruit typically ripens in late August to early September and is known for keeping better than many other early apples. It needs another compatible early- or mid-season apple nearby for reliable pollination and fruit set. Some sources note good resistance to mildew and some resistance to fire blight, with some susceptibility to scab.

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

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

10'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Amaranth

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No