Ranetka Crabapple Seeds

Ranetka is a Malus baccata –Manchurian apple cross which can tolerate extreme cold and short season areas. Originally from Alaska this is one of the cold hardiest apples in the world and has been used as a rootstock or direct to jelly. It produces small half inch green fruit. It also can have red and yellow fruit. My original seed sources came from Lawyers Nursery in Montana. This appeared to be the original seed source and is a direct descendant from the Alaskan apples said to be able to grow into Zone 2. I reselected the seedlings and kept those that were free of foliar diseases.  Some fruits will form on 2-3 foot trees in clusters. Seedlings are vigorous growing.

Ranetka produces uniform seedlings for grafting and is often sought after for that. It tends to be a dwarf tree at my farm and super spur type of crabapple. Excellent seed source for precocity and heavy fruiting.  Not the most seed filled crabapple. 1-4 seeds per fruit usually. But quality of the seeds is very good with few blanks. 

 "Rotunda" Ranetka  -Selected seedling grown for its heavy fruit production. Produces a round dome shaped yellow incredibly tart crabapple that ripens in August. The tree tends towards biennial bearing. The fruit is produced in solid clusters all along the branches and would be considered spur bearing. It is a dwarf tree to 10 feet tall after 25 years of growth. Parent tree is now 20 ft. tall with spur type growth and greenish yellow apples that hang on into January. Fairly good leaf retention and goes dormant in September. Perfect for incredibly cold areas for jelly and other health drinks. Because of its over production it can go to biennial bearing. Scion wood available upon request with seed purchase.

To germinate the seeds:  Plant outside in fall. Cover 1/4 inch deep and tamp into the soil firmly. Cover with light 1/8 inch compost or sawdust. Seeds will germinate very quickly in the spring and are somewhat frost resistant.  For indoor germination:  Put in lightly moist Canadian peat moss and store from 33-38 F for 60-120 days. With this strain many of the seeds will sprout very quickly after 60 days. Others will take the whole 120 days. When you remove the bag after 120 days from the fridge the remainder will usually sprout. Pluck the sprouted one and put in a pot with well drained soil.  

 Good crop of green, yellow and red fruited selections. Most are in the yellow and green camp. 2025 crop year.