Wodarz
Wodarz is a cold-hardy, mid-to-late season apple that brings reliable yields and a sweet, firm bite—ideal for growers in northern climates seeking a dual-purpose variety.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with low acidity and a clean finish, appealing to those who prefer a gentle, easy-going apple
- Skin & Flesh Color: Pale yellow-green skin often flushed with soft pink or orange blush; crisp, creamy white flesh
- Harvest Season: Mid to late season (late September through early October)
- Disease Resistance: Moderate resistance to scab; shows good tolerance to fire blight; may need attention for powdery mildew in humid years
- Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking (pies and crisps), cooking (sauces and butters), and light-style ciders
- Storage Life: Keeps 2–3 months under cool, humid conditions; flavor peaks in the first six weeks post-harvest
- Pollination: Self-sterile (pollination group 3); plant alongside Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, or McIntosh for reliable fruit set
- Chill Hours & Cold Hardiness: Approximately 600–700 chill hours; thrives down to USDA zone 3 once established
- Tree Habit & Size: Vigorous grower with an upright-spreading canopy with fruitful short spurs
- Blossom & Ornamental Appeal: Produces abundant creamy-white spring blossoms tinged with pink, lending early visual interest in the orchard
- Origin & Heritage: Bred by R.L. Wodarz in North Dakota and released in 1978 through North Dakota State University—valued for its resilience in brutal winters
Wodarz’s combination of cold-climate toughness, handsome blush, and versatile flavor makes it a standout choice for customers wanting both decorative spring blooms and reliably sweet fruit well into autumn.
