Apple 'Liberty'

(Malus domestica "Liberty")

Light Full Sun
Plant type Deciduous tree
Hardiness zones Zone 4-7 (-10F)

(-10° F.).

(-10° F.).

(-10° F.).

Height 12 - 15 feet
Width 12 - 15 feet
Accent White bloom in April.
Foliage Deciduous.
 
• low-maintenance due to its resistance to apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight, and powdery mildew
• Cold-hardy.
• Best pollinators: Cortland, Freedom, or Starkspur® UltraMac™.


PLANTING

Planting time: dormant bare root in spring.
Light: Full sun. 
Soil: 6.0-7.0. Loamy. Well Drained - Average Moistness


MAINTENANCE

Watering• Weekly during dry spells.

Fertilizing
• Do not fertilize until your trees begin bearing fruit (about 2-4 years).
• To prevent any chance of chemical burn, do not fertilize past July 1st.
  
Pruning • Thin fruits to a stretch of hand span.
• Summer solstice pruning slows tree's growth.
• Winter is the best time to remove 3D (dead, diseased, & disoriented) branches.
• Prune suckers and water sprouts at any time of year.


PROBLEMS

•      Scab  - Very resistant
    Cedar apple rust  - Very resistant
    Mildew  - Some resistance
    Fireblight  - Some resistance


HARVEST

• 2-5 years to bear
• Ripens in early September.
• Perfect for fresh-eating, cooking, canning, or keeping — proper storage improves the flavor!