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Apple variety

Gravenstein

Also known as Red Gravenstein

The short answer

Gravenstein requires 700 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 2–9[1]. It needs a pollination partner[2].

Growing facts

Gravenstein growing facts
Chill requirement700 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 2–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationNeeds a pollination partner[2]
Harvest windowNot published for this variety
Years to bearing4–5 years (typical for apples)[3]
USDA pomological watercolor of Gravenstein apple
Malus domestica: GravensteinUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1925 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[4]

Pollination partners

Plant another Apple variety with an overlapping bloom time nearby.

Notes

  • Highly susceptible to powdery mildew; highly resistant to cedar-apple rust; susceptible to apple scab and fire blight.[5]
  • Early harvest.[1]

A year with your Gravenstein

When the work happens for an apple in USDA zone 6, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Apple in zone 6
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune—————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest——————————
Care———————————

See the full month-by-month apple calendar for zone 6 →

Can I grow Gravenstein where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Gravenstein? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Gravenstein need?
Gravenstein needs 700 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Gravenstein?
Gravenstein grows in USDA zones 2–9.
Is Gravenstein self-pollinating?
No — Gravenstein needs a compatible pollination partner nearby.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] University of Minnesota Extension. Growing apples in the home garden — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026
  5. [5] Cornell University (College of Agriculture & Life Sciences). Disease Susceptibility of Common Apples — Apple Variety Database — accessed July 2026