This item is only available for in store pickup at this time. If you are looking to place an order for shipping, view the items available for shipping here.

Inventory numbers for these items can be unreliable and it's best to come into the store to shop for these. Our intention with putting these online is to give you a better idea of what is currently in stock.

With annual veggies, we will automatically make substitutions for the closest available item when the ordered item is out of stock. Make a note on your order if you do not want substitutions.

Apple, Yates

Name: Apple, Yates
Brand: The Farm Connection
SKU: AP-28ST6
Price: 46.95 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Late Heirloom Apple for Cider & Storage

Small, intensely flavored fruit ripens in October. Disease-resistant, great for cider, snacking, drying, and storing through winter.

$46⁹⁵

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Pot size

7 Gallon

Rootstock

Standard Rootstock

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Make sure to thoroughly review our entire "Shipping, Returns, Refunds, and Our Guarantee" page for all relevant details about ordering from our store.

Making a purchase from our store constitutes an agreement to all the conditions outlined in those policies.

We appreciate your support and look forward to being your favorite plant provider!

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 requirements: Requires a pollination partner; good matches include:
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.