Stayman Winesap

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Aromas of warm cider and sweet-tart orchard fruit rise from Stayman Winesap as the flesh turns richly crisp beneath a deep, wine-red skin.

Expect a firm, snappy bite with a pronounced, lingering tang—ideal for those who love apples that hold their character from the first crisp to the last autumn storage days. Grow Stayman Winesap for its bold flavor profile and dependable, late-season harvest, and enjoy it as a standout centerpiece fruit for fresh enjoyment and preserving favorites.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Shrub

Botanical illustration of Stayman Winesap

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Stayman Winesap is built for the plate: its snappy flesh and pronounced tang stay crisp longer than softer apples, so it won’t collapse into sweetness when heated or dressed. It’s especially good when you want that cider-like, winey aroma to carry through—think roasted edges, cider-glazed meats, or tart-forward bakes.

Best Uses

thin slices for salads where you want crunch to stay intact
baked/roasted pieces for caramelized edges without turning mealy
apple cider–style reductions and glazes that cling with a tart backbone
sturdy apples for pies and tarts—late-season structure that doesn’t slump fast

Flavor Profile

firm, crisp bite sweet-tart tang with a dry, orchard finish winey aromatics that read like warm cider holds texture well after cutting or cooking

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar blue cheese cinnamon brown sugar dark rum pork chops or roasted poultry

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Malus domestica (apple, Stayman Winesap type) and how do I treat it?

Apple scab is one of the most common issues on Malus domestica, showing as dark, olive-green spots on leaves and fruit that can stunt growth. Remove and destroy infected leaves/fruit and improve airflow by pruning for an open canopy, then use a labeled fungicide regimen early in the season (start before symptoms appear, following the product directions). If you see scab, re-check your spray interval because new leaf growth needs protection after rains.

How often should I water Malus domestica during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—typically about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total from rainfall plus irrigation, adjusted for heat and soil type. Water deeply at the root zone rather than frequent light sprinkling, and avoid letting the soil swing from bone-dry to saturated, which can stress the tree and affect fruit quality.

How do I tell when Stayman Winesap-type apples are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit background color shifts and the apples are fully colored for the variety, with the flesh firm and crisp rather than soft. Also check for ease of separation: gently lift and twist—ripe apples release with a slight twist rather than requiring force. As a rule, Stayman Winesap-type apples typically come off around late summer to early fall (about 120 days to maturity), and they improve in storage after picking.