Impatiens Flowers: Origin, Identifying Characteristics, USDA Zones & Cultivation

Impatiens, known as busy lizzies or touch-me-nots, are beloved flowering plants in the Balsaminaceae family, celebrated for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive in shady gardens. With over 1,000 species native to tropical and temperate regions of Africa, Asia, and North America, these versatile annuals and perennials offer a dazzling array of colors, including … Read more

Honeygold Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Honeygold Apple (Malus domestica ‘Honeygold’) is a delightful heirloom apple variety, celebrated for its golden-yellow skin, crisp texture, and sweet, honeyed flavor. Developed in Minnesota to combine the sweetness of Golden Delicious with the cold hardiness of Haralson, Honeygold is a favorite in northern climates, offering a versatile fruit perfect for fresh eating, baking, … Read more

Crispin (Mutsu) Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Crispin Apple, also known as Mutsu (Malus domestica ‘Mutsu’), is a celebrated apple variety renowned for its large size, vibrant green-to-yellow coloration, and refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Originating in Japan and popularized in the United States, this cultivar, a cross between Golden Delicious and Indo, is prized for its crisp texture, juiciness, and versatility in … Read more

Jonathan Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Jonathan Apple (Malus domestica ‘Jonathan’) is a classic American heirloom apple, cherished for its glossy red coloration, crisp texture, and vibrant sweet-tart flavor. Originating in the United States, this versatile cultivar has been a staple in orchards and kitchens for over a century, prized for its suitability in fresh eating, baking, and cider production. … Read more

Northern Spy Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Northern Spy Apple (Malus domestica ‘Northern Spy’) is a legendary heirloom apple variety, revered for its vibrant red-and-green coloration, firm texture, and bold sweet-tart flavor. Originating in the United States, this late-season cultivar is a favorite among apple enthusiasts for its exceptional performance in pies, cider, and fresh eating. Known for its large size, … Read more

SweeTango Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The SweeTango Apple (Malus domestica ‘Minneiska’), a modern apple cultivar, is celebrated for its explosive crunch, vibrant sweet-tart flavor, and striking red-and-yellow coloration. Developed by the University of Minnesota, SweeTango is a cross between the iconic Honeycrisp and Zestar!® apples, inheriting the crisp texture of its Honeycrisp parent and the zesty, spiced notes of Zestar!®. … Read more

Empire Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Empire Apple (Malus domestica ‘Empire’) is a beloved modern apple variety renowned for its deep red coloration, crisp texture, and well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. Developed in New York, this cultivar is a cross between two American favorites, McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best traits of both to create an apple that excels in fresh … Read more

Gravenstein Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Gravenstein Apple (Malus domestica ‘Gravenstein’) is a revered heirloom apple variety, cherished for its vibrant green-and-red coloration, crisp texture, and bold tart-sweet flavor. With origins tracing back to Europe, this cultivar has become a beloved staple in North America, particularly in California, where it’s celebrated for its exceptional culinary versatility in pies, sauces, and … Read more

Ambrosia Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Ambrosia Apple (Malus domestica ‘Ambrosia’) is a modern apple variety celebrated for its glossy, bi-colored appearance, crisp texture, and exceptionally sweet, honeyed flavor. Discovered in Canada, this cultivar has quickly risen to prominence for its low acidity, slow-browning flesh, and versatility in fresh eating and culinary applications. Named after the “food of the gods” … Read more

Rome Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Rome Apple (Malus domestica ‘Rome’), often called the “baker’s apple,” is a time-honored American cultivar celebrated for its deep red coloration, firm flesh, and mild, sweet-tart flavor. Originating in Ohio, this heirloom variety has been a cornerstone of American orchards for over a century, prized for its exceptional performance in baked goods like pies, … Read more