Cortland Apple: A New York Classic with Montana Potential

A cross between McIntosh and Ben Davis, Cortland was developed in 1898 by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. While it may not be widely celebrated in Montana, head over to New York and you’ll find Cortland regarded as near-sacred—a regional favorite with deep cultural roots.

Cortland inherits many of McIntosh’s best qualities, including some of its brightness, unique tanginess, and other distinct flavor characteristics.

Growing Tips and Considerations

Cortland is susceptible to sunscald, so it's important to paint the trunks with white water-based latex paint—a good practice for all fruit trees, but especially critical for Cortland.

It can be grown successfully in most areas of Montana. However, if planting in Central or Eastern Montana, it’s best to protect the tree from strong winds.

Hardiness: Zone 3

Tree Sizes and Rootstocks

• Bareroot Trees:

  • Height: 5–7 ft.

  • Rootstock: M26 semi-dwarf—a favorite for its excellent productivity and cold hardiness (reported hardy to -40°F, according to Bob Purvis), which is notable for an English rootstock.

• Older Bareroot Tree:

  • Height: 6–7 ft.

  • Rootstock: Bud 9 (dwarf)—features good branching and well-developed fine roots, ideal for those looking for a more established tree.