{"product_id":"apple-spartan","title":"Apple, Spartan","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Needs a full sun spot with well-drained soil. It’s a hardy variety that can tolerate slightly heavier soils than most apples, but it won’t stand for \"wet feet.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollination: While 'Spartan' is partially self-fertile, you’ll get a significantly better harvest if you plant it near a 'James Grieve', 'Fuji', or a white-flowered Crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eEarly Years: Deeply water once a week for the first two years to establish the root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature Trees: 'Spartan' is relatively resilient but needs extra hydration during the \"fruit swell\" in late summer to ensure the apples reach their full, juicy potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eRoutine: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid: Excessive nitrogen in late summer, which can lead to soft fruit that doesn't store well and makes the tree more attractive to aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Typically grown in a \"Central Leader\" shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance: It is a vigorous grower and can become quite dense. Thin out the center in late winter to ensure light reaches the inner branches, which prevents the fruit from becoming too small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eStrengths: It is highly resistant to Apple Scab and mildew, making it a dream for organic gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch Out: It can be susceptible to Canker in wetter climates. Prune out any \"weeping\" or sunken bark sections immediately with sterilized shears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eHardiness: Extremely cold-hardy (USDA Zones 3–8).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtection: In areas with heavy snow, use a wire mesh \"cage\" around the base to prevent rabbits and voles from girdling the bark during the winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFlowers: Beautiful white blossoms with a soft pink tint that emerge in mid-spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit: Stunning, medium-sized apples with a deep, dark maroon-purple skin that can look almost black when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eLeaves: Dark green, oval leaves that create a dense, attractive canopy throughout the summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eHabit: An upright-to-spreading tree that is naturally vigorous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: On semi-dwarf rootstock, it usually settles at a manageable 12–15 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eFlesh: Pure, snow-white flesh that stays white longer than most apples after being sliced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor: A perfect balance of sweet and tart with hints of strawberry or melon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTexture: Very crisp and crunchy. It’s one of the best \"lunchbox\" apples because it handles being bumped around without bruising easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eClimate: Excellent for northern gardeners or those in cooler, damp climates where other apples might struggle with fungal issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eVisual Appeal: The contrast of the dark purple fruit against the green leaves is striking. It’s an excellent choice for a focal point in a backyard or a productive addition to a mixed edible border.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52264585003291,"sku":"C00001086","price":20.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3G","offer_id":52264585036059,"sku":"C00002105","price":15.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/apple-spartan","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}