Apple Tree (Braeburn)

Description

Braeburn is a well-loved apple that delivers bold flavor without losing balance. Discovered in New Zealand and grown worldwide, it’s prized for combining sweetness and acidity with a firm, satisfying crunch.

The fruit is medium to large with attractive red striping over a green-yellow background. Braeburn’s flesh stays crisp and juicy, making it a versatile apple for fresh eating, baking, and kitchen use. Unlike softer late apples, it holds its texture well after harvest.

Ripening late in the season, Braeburn is also valued as a keeper apple. With proper storage, it can be enjoyed well beyond harvest, making it a great choice for growers who want apples that last into winter.

Overview

• Late-season apple with bold sweet-tart flavor
• Firm, crisp texture and juicy flesh
• Excellent fresh, baked, or sliced
• Good keeping quality compared to many apples
• Partially self-fertile; improved yields with a pollination partner

Growing Details

Latin Name: Malus domestica ‘Braeburn’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Approximately 700 hoursHardiness: USDA Zone 4–8Rootstock: M-106 (semi-dwarf)Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–16 ft tall and wide with pruningBloom Time: Mid- to late-seasonRipening Time: Late season; typically October (varies by region)Flowering Group: Group 4 (late-mid season)Pollination: Partially self-fertile; heavier crops with a compatible apple variety planted within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Standard apple pest and disease considerations; good airflow and routine care are importantYield: Reliable producer once established

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Braeburn has become a parent to several modern apple varieties, valued by breeders for its strong flavor balance and firm texture.
• Regional Insight: Performs especially well in temperate regions with cool nights and a true fall season—conditions that help preserve acidity and enhance flavor.
• Braeburn’s firm flesh helps it hold texture in baking and slicing.
• Thinning in heavy crop years improves size and overall eating quality.
• Explore more apples in our collection: Apple Trees