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Apple variety

Sweet Sixteen

The short answer

Sweet Sixteen grows in USDA zones 3–7[1]. It needs a pollination partner[1].

Growing facts

Sweet Sixteen growing facts
Chill requirement800–1,000 chill hours (our estimate — no published figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 3–7[1]
PollinationNeeds a pollination partner, bloom group 4[1]
Harvest windowSeptember–October[2]
Years to bearing4–5 years (typical for apples)[3]
AppearanceMedium to large, striped and washed rosy red; crisp and juicy[4]
Sweet Sixteen appleSpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Pollination partners

Sweet Sixteen blooms in group 4. The closest bloom-time matches make the most reliable partners:

Show 20 more compatible varieties

Notes

  • A cold-hardy U of M release with a distinctive sweet, spicy flavor; ripens mid- to late September.[2]
  • Moderately susceptible to fire blight.[1]

A year with your Sweet Sixteen

When the work happens for an apple in USDA zone 5, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Apple in zone 5
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing————
Harvest——————————
Care——————————

See the full month-by-month apple calendar for zone 5 →

Can I grow Sweet Sixteen where I live?

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

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

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Questions

What hardiness zones suit Sweet Sixteen?
Sweet Sixteen grows in USDA zones 3–7.
Is Sweet Sixteen self-pollinating?
No — Sweet Sixteen needs a compatible pollination partner nearby.

Sources

  1. [1] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] University of Minnesota (Minnesota Hardy / Horticultural Research Center). All University of Minnesota Apple Varieties — Minnesota Hardy — 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] University of Minnesota Extension. Growing apples in the home garden — accessed July 2026