Name: Malus domestica 'Northern Spy'
Brand: Pépinière.ca
Availability: OutOfStock

Latin name

Malus domestica 'Northern Spy'

Common name

Apple 'Northern Spy'

Type

Fruit tree

Family

Rosaceae

Malus domestica ‘Northern Spy’ is an iconic hardy apple tree for cold climates, highly valued in Quebec for its reliable production and the remarkable quality of its fruit. It produces large, glossy green-yellow to red apples with firm, juicy, and flavorful flesh—ideal for fresh eating, cooking, pies, and homemade cider. This cultivar stands out with its white spring blossoms that abundantly attract pollinators, adding visual interest to the orchard. Its rounded, well-structured habit makes it a decorative and functional tree in residential orchards, edible gardens, or sunny landscape plantings. Easy to grow in full sun in well-drained soil, ‘Northern Spy’ combines hardiness, longevity, and high-quality fruit, making it a popular choice for traditional fruit tree enthusiasts.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 3 to 8

Exposure

Full sun

Watering

Moderate watering

Fertilization

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium in early spring (March-April). On sandy soil, a second application may be necessary in summer.

Soil type

Deep, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Minimum temperature

'-34°C

Blooming period

Mid-spring (May)

Flower color

White to pink

Fruiting

Large, shiny green-yellow to red apples with firm, juicy, and flavorful flesh for fresh eating, cooking, and cider

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Shape

Rounded shape

Height

15–20 ft (4.5–6 m)

Width

15–20 ft (4.5–6 m)

Growth rate

Slow growth

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type

Apple

Pets

Pollinators

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.