Apple variety
Zestar
Also known as Zestar!, Minnewashta
Growing facts
| Chill requirement | 800–1,000 chill hours (our estimate — no published figure) |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3–6[1] |
| Pollination | Needs a pollination partner, bloom group 3[1] |
| Harvest window | August–September[2] |
| Years to bearing | 4–5 years (typical for apples)[3] |
| Appearance | Large, crunchy and juicy red fruit; balanced sweet-tart flavor[4] |
Pollination partners
Zestar blooms in group 3. The closest bloom-time matches make the most reliable partners:
Notes
A year with your Zestar
When the work happens for an apple in USDA zone 5, anchored to typical frost dates.
| Task | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prune | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Thin | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Spray timing | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Care | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Can I grow Zestar where I live?
Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:
Growing a Zestar? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.
Save this tree in My OrchardQuestions
- What hardiness zones suit Zestar?
- Zestar grows in USDA zones 3–6.
- Is Zestar self-pollinating?
- No — Zestar needs a compatible pollination partner nearby.
Sources
- [1] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
- [2] University of Minnesota (Minnesota Hardy / Horticultural Research Center). All University of Minnesota Apple Varieties — Minnesota Hardy — accessed July 2026
- [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] University of Minnesota Extension. Growing apples in the home garden — accessed July 2026