Key Features:

• Produces the well-known Cortland apple variety

• Sweet, juicy flavor with crisp white flesh

• Ideal for fresh eating, salads, and kitchen use

• Vigorous, reliable growth suitable for home orchards

• Cold-hardy and adaptable in temperate climates

• Non-GMO seed source with good germination potential

Specifications:

• Seed Name: Cortland Apple (Malus domestica)

• Plant Type: Deciduous Fruit Tree

• Growth Habit: Upright canopy that spreads as it matures

• USDA Climate Zones: 4 to 8

• Planting Season: Spring or Fall

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun for strong fruit development

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained loamy soil, moderate organic matter

• Water Needs: Moderate and consistent, especially during establishment

• Flowering Period: Mid to Late Spring

• Fruit Characteristics: Sweet, juicy, crisp texture with bright red skin

• Mature Height: 12–20 feet depending on care and site conditions

• GMO Status: Non-GMO

• Germination Time: 30–90 days (Cold stratification recommended)

• Pollination: Requires a second apple variety for cross-pollination

• Time to Bear Fruit: Typically 3–6 years after planting

Planting Guide:

1. Cold Stratification Required:
   Refrigerate seeds in a lightly moist medium (such as peat or paper towel) for 8–12 weeks to enhance germination.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-draining potting soil.

3. Moisture & Light:
   Keep soil gently moist. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.

4. Transplanting:
   Move outdoors only after frost danger has passed. Select a sunny site with good airflow.

5. Spacing:
   Allow 15–20 feet of spacing per tree in orchard planting.

6. Pruning:
   Prune annually during late winter to shape the tree and encourage productive branch structure.