One of our all-time favorites, Kerr is an apple crab (Haralson x Dolgo) bred by W.L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1938 and released in 1952. First introduced to us by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016, this variety immediately stood out. It’s Roger’s favorite, and we totally get why—it’s since become one of our go-to apple crabs.

Flavor & Uses

• Bold, complex flavor with a beautiful red skin and yellow-tinged flesh

• Flavor notes people have reported:
  "Floral, cinnamon, cherry, grape, almond, pineapple, and even hoppy"

• Best for fresh eating, but also makes:

  • Gorgeous rosé-colored cider

  • Vibrant pink applesauce

  • An amazing addition to oatmeal

• Does not store well – enjoy fresh off the tree for full flavor

We love it alongside Chestnut and Martha crabapples—together they make an unbeatable trio for flavor and versatility.

Cold Hardiness

• Survived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway with zero winter injury

• Likely hardy to -50°F or colder

• Thanks to its Dolgo and Haralson parentage, it’s an ideal apple for even the harshest northern climates

Rootstock & Tree Info

For Spring 2025, we’ve grafted Kerr onto two options:

• M26 (semi-dwarf) – Hardy to -40°F

  Great for areas that don’t typically dip below -40°F

• Dolgo (full size) – Hardy to -60°F

  Ideal for Alaska, eastern Montana, or any location that gets brutal winters