Two light green apples hanging from a branch with dark green leaves, photographed close up against a blurred natural background.

Mutsu Apple Tree

2-3ft
$54.95
$54.95
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Two light green apples hanging from a branch with dark green leaves, photographed close up against a blurred natural background.
  • Two light green apples hanging from a branch with dark green leaves, photographed close up against a blurred natural background.
  • A single green tree stands in a grassy field under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Two light green apples hanging from a branch with dark green leaves, photographed close up against a blurred natural background.
  • A single green tree stands in a grassy field under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
Mutsu Apple Tree

Mutsu Apple Tree

$54.95
$54.95
Size

Malus domestica 'Mutsu'

The Mutsu Apple Tree, also known as Crispin, is a vigorous and highly productive apple variety that brings both aesthetic beauty and delicious fruit to the home orchard. Known for its large, greenish-yellow fruit and crisp, honey-sweet flavor, this tree is a favorite among growers who appreciate a high-quality, versatile apple for fresh eating, baking, and cider making.

In mid-spring, the tree produces a stunning display of fragrant, white-to-pink blossoms that attract pollinators and brighten the landscape. As the season progresses, the large, rounded apples ripen to a beautiful golden-yellow, often with a slight orange blush when exposed to plenty of sunlight. As autumn arrives, the foliage adds a warm touch to the garden before falling to reveal the tree's sturdy, spreading structure.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Pollinator Haven: The abundant spring blossoms serve as a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other essential garden pollinators.

  • The Seasonal Snack: Produces large, crisp apples that provide a nutritious food source for local wildlife, including songbirds and small mammals, throughout the autumn.

  • Garden Aesthetic: Offers a classic orchard presence, creating a serene, inviting atmosphere while providing cooling shade during the hot summer months.

  • Sustainable Harvest: Cultivating your own fruit reduces reliance on commercial supply chains and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with store-bought produce.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Exceptionally heavy producer of large, long-storing fruit, displays good disease resistance, and offers a sweet, aromatic flavor profile that improves in storage.

  • The Caveats: Requires a compatible pollinator tree (such as Gala or Fuji) to ensure a good crop; can be susceptible to biennial bearing if not thinned properly in heavy crop years.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Malus domestica 'Mutsu'

  • Common Names: Mutsu Apple, Crispin Apple

  • Mature Height: 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf)

  • Mature Width: 12-15 feet

  • Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)

  • Lifespan: 35-50+ years

  • USDA Zones: 4-8

  • Chill Hours: 500-600 hours

  • Sun Preference: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily)

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil; tolerates a range of soil types but avoids soggy ground

  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

  • Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture required during fruit development

  • Flower Color: White to light pink; mid-spring

  • Fruit Type: Large, crisp, greenish-yellow apple; late autumn

  • Pollinators: Requires a cross-pollinator (e.g., Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)

  • Growth Habit: Spreading, open, sturdy canopy

  • Spacing: 15-18 feet apart for orchard planting

  • Landscape Uses: Home orchards, espalier, feature tree, culinary gardens

  • Maintenance Level: Moderate (requires annual pruning and fruit thinning)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water deeply at the time of planting, and provide regular, consistent irrigation during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system.

  • Siting: Select a sunny location with excellent air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; avoid low-lying frost pockets.

  • Mulching: Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, extending to the drip line, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent decay.

  • Establishment: Monitor for pests during the early growing season and ensure the tree receives adequate water, especially during hot, dry spells.

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to remove dead or diseased wood, improve light penetration, and maintain an open canopy structure.

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or high-quality compost in early spring, just as buds begin to swell, to support vigorous growth and fruit production.

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