Apple, Yates

Apple, Yates (Malus domestica 'Yates')

Yates is a heritage Southern apple known for its small, intensely flavored fruit, late-season ripening, and exceptional disease resistance. Originating in Georgia around 1844, this rugged cultivar has stood the test of time thanks to its reliable performance, resistance to pests and diseases, and versatility in use. Its fruit is firm, sweet-tart, and aromatic—perfect for fresh eating, cider, drying, or winter storage. A dependable late bloomer and heavy bearer, Yates is an excellent fit for organic orchards, low-input fruit systems, and permaculture food forests.

Key Characteristics

Small fruit, big flavor for multiple uses
Yates apples are small, red to dark red, with crisp, juicy flesh and a rich sweet-tart flavor. Their size and intensity make them perfect for drying whole, fresh snacking, and especially for blending into cider for body and aroma.

Late ripening and excellent keeper
Ripening in October, Yates extends the apple season and stores well through winter. Its firm texture and natural sugars make it ideal for long-term storage without refrigeration—a favorite among homesteaders and cider makers.

Reliable and disease-resistant southern heirloom
Yates thrives in hot, humid climates and is naturally resistant to common diseases like fire blight and cedar apple rust. Its resilience makes it a great choice for organic growers or those in the Southeast looking for low-maintenance apple varieties.

Pollinator-friendly and heavy bearing
With abundant pink-tinged white blooms, Yates supports early-season pollinators. It’s a reliable annual producer and also acts as a strong pollinator for other late-blooming apple cultivars.

Ideal for permaculture and diverse orchard systems
Yates' small tree form, disease resistance, and late-season productivity make it a valuable addition to food forests, fruit tree guilds, and regenerative orchard systems. It pairs well with understory plantings of herbs, nitrogen fixers, and pollinator-attracting flowers.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Mid to late season
• Bloom color: White with pink blush
• Fruit qualities: Small, dark red, crisp, juicy, sweet-tart
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, drying, cider, winter storage
• Fruit ripening month: October
• Required chill hours: ~800
• Pollination partners: Plant a different compatible cultivar nearby with overlapping bloom for reliable cross-pollination. A second tree of this same named variety does not provide cross-pollination. Suggested partners: Apple, Granny Smith.
• Apple, Arkansas Black
• Apple, Enterprise
• Apple, Gold Rush
• Apple, Stayman Winesap
• Apple, Liberty
• Apple, Granny Smith
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

Yates is a true workhorse heirloom apple—tough, tasty, and versatile. Perfect for extending your apple harvest and diversifying a resilient, low-input orchard.