An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.

In the fruit world a ‘sport’ is a natural occurring mutation that differs in some small way from other identical grafts. In some cases a single branch, and in other instances an entire tree, will show up with a slight variation in fruit colour or ripening time. When this happens in a top commercial variety, it becomes a big deal, even though the actual difference is rather minimal. Such is the case with the Royal Reds. A Honeycrisp with slightly more uniform red colour turned up in Washington state. It was observed, replicated and studied, and finally patented. Since we are licensed to graft this one for our commercial customers, we have also made it available for homeowners. Same sizzle and snap with somewhat more colour. Some claims for improved storage life have also been made.

NEEDS A POLLENIZER | ZONE 3/4 | HARVEST: LATE SEPT.