Esopus Spitzenburg Apple Scionwood

Esopus Spitzenburg apple scionwood comes from healthy, mature trees growing in our Oregon Coast orchard. We cut each stick during full dormancy to protect bud strength and ensure strong grafting success. Every 12 inch stick contains multiple viable buds and comes from true to type trees.

Growers use Esopus Spitzenburg apple scionwood for bench grafting onto rootstock or for top working established trees. This variety suits orchardists who value classic heirloom apples with depth and character.

A Classic American Heirloom

Esopus Spitzenburg originated in the Hudson Valley in the late 1700s. Thomas Jefferson famously planted it at Monticello because he admired its flavor. The fruit develops deep red skin and firm flesh with a layered profile of sweetness, acidity, and subtle spice.

When fully ripened, the flavor becomes rich and aromatic. Many growers consider it one of the finest historic dessert apples.

Growing Characteristics

Esopus Spitzenburg performs best in cool climates with good airflow and proper pruning. Maintain an open canopy to improve light exposure and fruit quality. With attentive orchard management, trees produce reliable crops and high quality fruit.

Grafting and Shipping

We ship Esopus Spitzenburg apple scionwood during dormancy to preserve freshness and vigor. The wood works well for whip and tongue grafting, cleft grafting, and bark grafting. Each stick receives clear labeling before shipment.

Learn more about our full apple scionwood collection to explore additional heirloom and cider varieties for your orchard.

You can also read more about the history of this variety at Monticello: https://www.monticello.org

Each order includes one 12 inch dormant scionwood stick, cut fresh during winter pruning and suitable for grafting in late winter or early spring.

Scionwood is sold in limited quantities and available only while dormant. All scionwood is harvested from healthy, productive trees grown at Little Bearfox Farm in Oregon.

How scionwood ordering works:

• Each order includes one 12-inch dormant scionwood stick.
• Scionwood is cut fresh during winter pruning and shipped promptly.
• Store scionwood refrigerated on arrival until ready to graft.
• These are cuttings for grafting, not potted or bare-root trees.