Spartan is a cross between McIntosh and an unknown variety, developed at the BC Summerland Research Station in 1936. While it was originally thought to be McIntosh x Newtown Pippin, recent genetic analysis revealed that Newtown Pippin is not one of its parents, leaving 50% of its identity a mystery.

We tried Spartan for the first time at Al and Mary Pernichele’s Frost Top Orchard in 2021. The apple seems to be one that people either love or prefer McIntosh over. Spartan hangs on the tree 1-2 weeks longer than McIntosh, ripening around the first or second week of October in Missoula. While considered a good all-purpose apple, it may be slightly hardier than McIntosh, making it a solid choice for colder climates.

Hardiness & Ripening

• Cold Hardiness: We believe Spartan is slightly hardier than McIntosh, which is hardy to -40F. Spartan is likely hardy to at least -45F. However, due to its later ripening, Spartan may not be ideal for areas with -45F or colder temperatures, as it ripens later than McIntosh. Spartan should be harvested 1-2 weeks after McIntosh, and may need to be picked earlier if an early frost threatens before it ripens fully.

Rootstock & Growth

• For Spring 2025, we’ve grafted Spartan onto three different rootstocks: M26, M7, and Dolgo. If you are in an area that experiences temperatures of -40F or colder, we recommend choosing Dolgo rootstock, as M26 and M7 are only hardy to -40F.