Name: Chehalis Apple Tree | Huge Sweet Yellow Apple for Low-Spray Orchards
SKU: Apple Tree (Chehalis)
Availability: InStock

Apple Tree (Chehalis)

Chehalis is a true Pacific Northwest heritage apple—valued for its reliable performance in cool, wet climates and its balanced flavor for fresh eating and cooking.

Historic Washington apple adapted to maritime climates
Mildly sweet flavor with balanced acidity
Good for fresh eating and cooking
Mid-season ripening
Self-fertile; heavier crops with a pollination partner

SKU: Apple Tree (Chehalis) Categories: Apple, Fruit Trees Tag: online

Description

Chehalis is a locally rooted apple with deep ties to western Washington. It earned its place in Pacific Northwest orchards not through marketing, but by performing reliably in conditions where many apples struggle—cool summers, wet springs, and variable fall weather.The fruit offers a balanced, approachable flavor with mild sweetness and enough acidity to keep it versatile. It’s enjoyable fresh, holds its shape in cooking, and fits well into the everyday kitchen rather than aiming for extreme sweetness or sharpness.Ripening in mid-season, Chehalis is a dependable choice for growers who want an apple that finishes well without needing excessive heat or a long, dry autumn.

Overview

Pacific Northwest heritage apple with local roots
Balanced flavor suited to fresh eating and cooking
Reliable producer in cool, maritime climates
Mid-season ripening
Self-fertile; improved yields with a compatible pollination partner

Growing Details

Latin Name: Malus domestica ’Chehalis’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Approximately 800 hoursHardiness: USDA Zone 4–8Rootstock: M-106 (semi-dwarf)Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–16 ft tall and wide with pruningBloom Time: Mid-seasonRipening Time: Mid-season; typically September (varies by region)Flowering Group: Group 3 (mid-season)Pollination: Self-fertile; heavier crops with a compatible apple variety planted within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Standard apple pest and disease considerations; good airflow and routine care are importantYield: Reliable producer once established

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Chehalis is a place-based apple—kept and shared locally because it worked well in Pacific Northwest conditions when many imported varieties did not.
Regional Insight: Especially well suited to the Pacific Northwest and other cool-summer, maritime regions where dependable mid-season apples are needed.
Even though it can set fruit on its own, a nearby compatible apple often increases crop size and consistency.
A practical choice for growers who value reliability and adaptability over extreme sweetness.
Explore more apples in our collection: Apple Trees

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Chehalis Apple

Sun: 1/2 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil; avoid prolonged saturation
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture during establishment
Size: Semi-dwarf; easily maintained with pruning
Pollination: Self-fertile; better yields with a partner
Harvest: Mid-season (typically September)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4–8

Planting & Care – Chehalis Apple

Site Selection

Select a site with good sunlight to support consistent ripening.
Full sun is ideal, though at least 1/2 day is sufficient.
Good airflow helps reduce disease pressure in wet climates.

Soil Preparation

Apples perform best in deep, well-drained soil.
If soils are heavy, improve drainage or plant on a slight mound.
Amend lightly with compost if needed; avoid excessive fertility.
Ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole twice the width of the root system.
Plant with the root flare at or just above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch 2–3″ deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

Keep soil evenly moist during the first 1–2 years.
Deep water 1–2 times per week during dry weather.
Once established, water every 7–14 days during dry periods.
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak.

Pollination

Chehalis is self-fertile and can produce fruit on its own.
For heavier and more consistent crops, plant a compatible apple variety within 20–30 feet.

Pruning & Training

Train to a central leader or modified central leader.
Prune in late winter to maintain structure and airflow.
Remove crossing or shaded branches as the tree matures.

Harvest & Use

Harvest when fruit is fully sized and colored.
Enjoy fresh or use in cooking and baking.
Best used within a moderate window after harvest.

General Tips

Thin fruit in heavy-set years to improve size and consistency.
Annual pruning supports dependable crops in maritime climates.
Consistent early care builds long-term reliability.