SnapDragon

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add SnapDragon to a garden.

Crisp as a cool morning breeze, SnapDragon apples burst with a bright, snap-forward bite and a lively balance of sweet-tart flavor.

The flesh stays pleasantly firm and juicy, making each orchard-fresh apple a standout for fresh enjoyment and for turning into fragrant sauces and preserves. Grow SnapDragon for a season-long harvest rhythm and a tree that rewards attention with glossy fruit and bold, eye-catching color at maturity.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Shrub

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SnapDragon Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Direct Sow	Jun 15th	Sep 13th – Jul 15th
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Aug 30th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Aug 23rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Aug 13th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Aug 13th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Aug 17th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Aug 13th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Aug 11th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Aug 6th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Aug 2nd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jul 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jul 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jul 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jul 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jun 30th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	Jun 21st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Jun 4th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	May 10th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

SnapDragon’s high-juice, snap-forward structure makes it ideal where you want apple to stay crisp under handling—shaved, dressed, or lightly warmed without turning mealy. That bright sweet-tart lift also plays perfectly with salty fats like cheddar or pork, and with honey-cinnamon for desserts that taste awake, not cooked-down.

Best Uses

thin slices for slaws and cabbage salads where the apple shouldn’t collapse
eating fresh chilled—unapologetically crisp bite straight off the core
quick pan-caramel apple compote that stays textured instead of stewing
fragrant apple preserves with good set thanks to firmer flesh

Flavor Profile

bright sweet-tart balance cool-crisp snap with high juice yield firm, juicy flesh that holds its bite aromatic, fruit-forward acidity

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar cinnamon honey pork belly walnuts lemon juice

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Malus domestica (apple/SnapDragon), and how do I treat it?

Watch for apple scab and cedar-apple rust (common on Malus domestica in humid, spring weather). Remove and destroy fallen leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a labeled fungicide early in the season (start at bud break or when you first see spots), rotating modes of action to slow resistance. If you see signs of fire blight (blackened shoots/cankers), prune back well into healthy tissue and disinfect tools between cuts.

How often should I water Malus domestica during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing phase (roughly from early spring through fruit set), water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall, aiming for consistently moist—not soggy—soil. The top 2–4 inches should dry slightly between waterings, while the root zone stays evenly moist. Use a slow, targeted soak at the base and improve drainage if water pools after watering.

How can I tell when Malus domestica is ready to harvest (SnapDragon)?

Harvest when background color changes from green to the mature apple color and the fruit easily separates from the spur with a gentle twist. Taste is your best guide at the 90-day mark: mature fruit should be crisp and flavorful rather than starchy. If fruit skins are still very firm with a chalky/starchy taste, leave them a bit longer and re-check every 3–5 days.