Description
Northpole is one of the original and best-known columnar apples, bred in Canada for cold hardiness, high yield, and naturally upright growth. It produces crisp, aromatic apples with a flavor reminiscent of McIntosh—sweet, lightly tart, and very juicy.
The fruit is bright red and highly ornamental, hanging tightly along the central leader for easy picking. With its extremely narrow footprint and minimal branching, Northpole is perfect for patios, small gardens, containers, and high-density plantings. It forms a tidy, vertical pillar that remains just 2–3 feet wide, yet it produces full-sized apples and dependable annual crops. An excellent choice for anyone wanting homegrown apples without requiring orchard space.
Despite its small footprint, it is productive and rewards with a good harvest of premium apples. Fruit ripens late August, early September.
Overview
- Classic columnar growth habit — naturally vertical and space-saving.
- McIntosh-like flavor — crisp, juicy, sweet-tart, and aromatic.
- Exceptionally cold-hardy due to Canadian breeding.
- Heavy yields on short fruiting spurs along the central leader.
- Ideal for containers and tight urban or suburban plantings.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Malus domestica ‘Northpole™’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on M-7; larger sizes on M-106
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 4
Chill Requirement: 800–1200 hours
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: •
M-7: Typically 8–10 ft tall with routine pruning•
M-106: Typically 8–10 ft tall with routine pruningNote: Columnar apples remain narrow by nature; container-grown trees stay smaller and are easily managed with pruning.
Bloom Time: Early to mid-season
Flowering Group: Group 2–3
Ripening Time: Early season; typically late August to early September (varies by region)
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible apple variety within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Often described as scab resistant; standard apple pest and disease considerations still apply
Additional Notes
- Requires a compatible mid-season pollinator such as Scarlet Sentinel, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Liberty.
- Performs well in containers when provided with steady moisture and yearly fertilizer.
- Excellent for lining pathways, fences, and tight garden spaces where horizontal branches would be in the way.
- Explore more apple varieties in our collection: Apple Trees
