Otterson Apple Scionwood

This is a twig for grafting. Fall. Bittersharp cider apple. Unknown parentage, entered into USDA apple germplasm repository in 1992.

Rediscovered and cultivated at Michigan State U by plant geneticist Dr. Steve van Nocker and botanist Chris Gottschalk, who have done extensive research and trials on red-fleshed apple varieties and started the Michigan PureRed breeding program. Otterson was selected as one of the best from more than a hundred varieties for its size, vigor and disease resistance, as well as its deep red juice, high in anthocyanins and antioxidants.

Medium-sized round fruit are DARK red inside and out. Cidermakers have pressed and fermented Otterson into rosé cider, winning honors at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition. On trial around the U.S. and growing well in our local Maine orchards. Highly ornamental purple-red foliage and pink flowers.

Early to midseason bloomer. Z4.

7884 Otterson

Item	Discounted From	Quantity
L 7884 A: 8" scionwood stick, 1 for $6.00
L 7884 B: scionwood by the foot (10' minimum), 1 ft for $5.50

** Small & Light shipping applies if you order only items with stock numbers beginning with "L".
Click here for a complete list of qualifying items.

Additional Information

Scionwood

Scions are twigs, not trees. They have no roots and will not grow if you plant them. They are cuttings from dormant branch tips, intended for spring grafting.

We do our best to provide ¼" caliper stock. Because of factors beyond our control (such as weather!) stock may be ³⁄₁₆–³⁄₈".

We sell scionwood in two ways:

By the stick: One 8" stick will graft 3-4 trees.
By the foot: Minimum order of 10 feet per variety. For orchardists grafting large numbers of trees of a particular variety. In our own nursery work, we are usually able to graft 6-8 trees from one foot of scionwood.

You can graft right away or store scionwood for later use. It will keep quite well for several weeks stored in sealed ziplock bags in the refrigerator.

The deadline for ordering scionwood is February 21, 2025, for shipment around March 10. (Please note: we ship scionwood only in mid-March. If you would like to order rootstock to arrive in the same shipment, select mid-March shipping when adding the rootstock to your cart.)

For more info:
About Scionwood