Niedzwetzky's Paradise Apple Seeds

This tiny apple is one of the most robust crabapples we have at the farm. It is more like a standard apple tree reaching 40 ft. tall with an equal width. The amazing fruit set is off the charts in terms of yields.  The branches gracefully arch over as the fruit increases in size as the season progresses. The pea size dark red fruit with a pink interior when fully ripe is like a concentrated cider. Just a wonderful experience. It also is suppose to be one of the most nutritious apples containing high amounts of minerals and anthocyanins.  We found a few hybrids with this species, however it is rare and it probably is more or less true to type from seed. It may be apomictic meaning no matter what the pollen source the apple breeds true from seed. Ours came from an arboretum exchange and is likely the original Russian crabapple and may have traces of Malus baccata the worlds hardiest apple. It has large snow white flowers and is extremely dense in flowers.The birds in November love the fruit and decimate the tree as it ripens apparently more than the persimmons ripening at the same time. 

Easy to grow from seed. To germinate the seed: Put in a zip lock bag with moist medai. Store for 70-120 days in the refrigerator making sure to turn the bag a few times during dormancy to prevent mold. After the cold period put your seed at room temperature and pluck out the seedlings in pots that sprout first or plant outside in a good garden soil. Cover the seed lightly. The seeds usually sprout the first year but you may find a few may go into a second year dormancy.