Prairie Magic
Prairie Magic is a reliably heavy-bearing, mid-season apple prized on prairie farms for its large, sweet, and crisp fruit. Trees begin yielding at the end of August, with harvest extending through late September, making it a standout choice for both fresh eating and culinary uses.
- Taste: Sweet and juicy with a crisp bite and subtle floral undertones.
- Skin & Flesh Color: Yellow ground overlaid with a vibrant red blush; creamy white flesh that retains texture when cooked.
- Harvest Season: Mid to late season (late August through late September).
- Best Uses: Fresh snacking, cooking, baking, applesauce, and pies.
- Storage Life: Keeps 6–8 weeks under cool, humid storage if picked just before full maturity.
- Chill Hours & Hardiness: Requires low chill hours; thrives in USDA zone 3 and short-season climates.3
- Tree Habit & Size: Vigorous with a spreading canopy and fruitful short spurs.
- Blossom & Ornamental Appeal: Clusters of lightly scented white flowers tinged with shell-pink in mid-spring, offering early decorative interest.
- Origin & Heritage: Developed by Wilfrid Drysdale in Neepawa, Manitoba as a Goodland × Mantet seedling and introduced by Jeffries Nurseries for its winter toughness on the Canadian prairies.
