Keepsake Apple Tree
Aromatic, cold-hardy, and built to last
Keepsake is a hidden gem from the University of Minnesota — a cold-hardy, disease-resistant apple with bold flavor and exceptional storage life. Though its appearance may be humble, Keepsake delivers dense, crisp flesh with spicy floral notes that deepen in storage. It’s a favorite among organic growers and a parent of the beloved Honeycrisp.
Why Grow Keepsake?
- Bold, Aromatic Flavor – Dense, crisp texture with spicy-sweet notes and floral complexity. A flavor that intensifies in storage.
- Cold-Hardy & Reliable – Bred for northern climates, with consistent productivity and moderate vigor.
- Disease Resistance – Naturally resistant to fireblight and cedar apple rust — ideal for low-spray orchards.
- Excellent Storage – Keeps up to 6 months in regular refrigeration, reaching peak flavor in January.
- Organic-Friendly – A great “starter tree” for backyard growers and organic orchardists.
- Heirloom Pedigree – Developed by W.H. Alderman (also behind Sweet Sixteen), from a cross of Malinda × Northern Spy.
Growing Details:
- Zones: 4–7
- Chill Hours: 800–1,000
- Ripening: Mid-October
- Pollination: Needs a compatible pollinator (try pairing with Honeycrisp, Liberty, or Haralson)
Fruit Notes:
- Small to medium fruit with irregular, tapering shape
- Orange-red skin over creamy white patches — not flashy, but full of character
- Fruit may not win beauty contests, but it wins on flavor and shelf life
Perfect For:
- Northern growers seeking a long-keeping apple
- Organic orchardists and flavor-focused gardeners
- Fans of Honeycrisp looking for its aromatic, denser parent
