Queen Cox Self-fertile Apple is a game-changer for gardeners who want homegrown apples without the complexity of managing multiple pollinators. This semi-dwarf cultivar of Malus domestica reliably sets fruit on its own, a rarity among apple varieties, making it wonderfully practical for small spaces and home orchards across hardiness zones 4 through 9. It reaches a mature height of about 5 feet, fitting neatly into most gardens, and produces fruit ready to harvest in early September. The variety requires approximately 800 chill hours to bloom and set fruit successfully, so gardeners in cooler climates will find it especially rewarding.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
60in H x ?in W
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High
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The self-fertility of Queen Cox is genuinely rare among apple trees, eliminating the need for a second pollinator variety and simplifying orchard planning considerably. Its compact semi-dwarf form on MM106 rootstock means you can grow a productive apple tree in a space where most standard varieties would feel overwhelming. Early September ripening keeps harvest aligned with late summer's bounty, and the tree's proven hardiness through zones 4 to 9 opens growing possibilities from cold climates well into warmer regions.
Queen Cox apples are harvested fresh for eating and storage, making them well-suited to both immediate consumption and preserving for winter. The early September ripening means the fruit arrives when home canning and applesauce making are in full swing, timing that many gardeners find convenient for seasonal food projects.
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Transplant bare-root or container-grown Queen Cox trees in early spring or fall, when the tree is dormant. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil adjusted to a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Space the tree with room for its mature 5-foot height. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Harvest Queen Cox apples in early September when they reach full maturity. The fruit will show color development characteristic of the variety and will detach easily from the branch when gently lifted and twisted. Pick apples at their peak ripeness for the best flavor and storage potential.
Prune Queen Cox during its dormant season in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and encourage open growth that allows sunlight to reach fruiting wood. The semi-dwarf form naturally stays compact, so focus pruning on removing crossing branches, dead wood, and any growth that crowds the interior canopy. Young trees benefit from formative pruning to establish a strong framework, while mature trees need only light maintenance to keep them productive and healthy.
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