I've lived in the wonderful New Hampshire Seacoast for many years, but one of the things I do miss is Stayman Winesap apples. Every Autumn I get a craving for them but I just can't seem to find an orchard anywhere that has this variety.

I have found a few places that have Winesap apples, but that is (confusingly) a different variety than Stayman/Stayman Winesap. I found one place in Massachusetts (Smolak Farms) that says they have "Red Staymans" but every year they always say they are out of them when I call. Not even sure if this is the same thing since I remember them ripening mid to late October where I grew up.

Does anyone have any tips on where to find this delicious apple? It's hands-down my favorite but seems uncommon outside of New Jersey and New York.

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sassooal t1_ireuecv wrote on October 7, 2022 at 3:09 PM

They don't have them specifically listed, but they do say "other" so it might be worth a call: https://farnumhillciders.com

RebelWithoutASauce OP t1_iruc0o9 wrote on October 11, 2022 at 2:27 AM

Although they didn't have any Stayman Winesap apple trees, this turned out to be a good tip. One of the growers at their orchard wrote me back telling me that they had tried to grow some of this variety years ago and it wasn't as productive as other varieties and didn't produce very good apples.

Although I have always seen USDA zone 5 listed as within the range for this tree, that might just be included as the limit for where the tree would survive. Or perhaps it does better in other USDA zone 5 areas but doesn't tolerate the cold-warm weather swings common in the Northeast.

sassooal t1_irudkx2 wrote on October 11, 2022 at 2:40 AM

I had a feeling that might be the case based on where one can typically find that apple. I'm glad you found some answers.

Ogre213 t1_irfnaog wrote on October 7, 2022 at 6:46 PM

Not sure if they grow the particular variety, but Lull farm ( http://www.livefreeandfarm.com ) and brookdale ( https://www.brookdalefruitfarm.com ) both grow a broad selection of varieties. Could be worth a call. Since you mention being Seacoast, I assume you’ve already hit applecrest.

RebelWithoutASauce OP t1_irr59hh wrote on October 10, 2022 at 12:33 PM

Thanks!

woolsocksandsandals t1_irgn04z wrote on October 7, 2022 at 11:38 PM

Arbor Day Foundation says they have them for sale and delivery next month. You could have as many as you can eat in like three years.

RebelWithoutASauce OP t1_irr45gs wrote on October 10, 2022 at 12:22 PM

I'll have to get some land first; I don't think they would grow too well in my 2nd floor apartment.

woolsocksandsandals t1_irr6c6g wrote on October 10, 2022 at 12:43 PM

Lol no probably not. You could do some gorilla orcharding and plant them in some random place where are you don’t think people would mess with them or connect with a friend or family member that has some land and plant them there.

woolsocksandsandals t1_irr6cuw wrote on October 10, 2022 at 12:43 PM

TutenWelch t1_iscwiz9 wrote on October 15, 2022 at 12:15 AM

Lull’s in Hollis had them this morning, though not their own (I don’t know where they were grown).

RebelWithoutASauce OP t1_iscyiwp wrote on October 15, 2022 at 12:31 AM

Long drive for me but I will give them a call tomorrow and ask some questions. Thanks for the tip!