How to Grow Burro Apple

Burro Apple

Malus domestica 'Burro'

fruit

Burro apples are a heirloom variety known for their distinctive yellow-green skin with red striping and their crisp, slightly tart flavor. These medium-sized apples are excellent for fresh eating and cooking, offering good storage life and disease resistance. They originated in southern Spain and are prized by gardeners seeking unusual, flavorful heritage varieties.

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Example Burro Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Burro Apple
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Burro Apple
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burro Apple dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours ideal for optimal flavor development

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Water: Regular watering during growing season, approximately 1-2 inches per week. Reduce watering once established but maintain consistent moisture during fruit development. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 days (3-4 years from planting to first significant fruit production)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; graft union should be 2 inches above ground to prevent sucker growth

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure at planting Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring Potassium and phosphorus for fruiting Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree develops root system and establishes main scaffold branches; minimal fruiting expected

Focus on structural pruning to create strong framework; stake for wind support; remove any flower buds to encourage vegetative growth; maintain consistent watering and weed control

Development (Years 2-3)

24 months

Tree grows larger, branches fill in, and some flowering begins; light fruit set may occur

Continue training with heading and thinning cuts; thin fruit clusters aggressively if flowering occurs; apply dormant oil in late winter; monitor for pests and disease

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Pink-white blossoms emerge in spring (April-May in most regions); requires cross-pollination for fruit set

Ensure compatible pollinator variety nearby (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well); avoid frost damage during bloom; do not apply pesticides during bloom to protect pollinators

Fruit Development & Maturation

90-120 days

Fruits grow from nickel to full size; green skin develops yellow-green base with red striping; flavors develop

Thin fruits to one every 6 inches for larger specimens; apply balanced fertilizer mid-summer; maintain steady water supply; monitor for sunburn and pests; calcium application (lime) may prevent bitter pit

Harvest & Post-Harvest

Variable; storage extends through winter

Apples reach full size and develop characteristic color; ready for picking in late September-October

Harvest when apples detach easily with gentle twist; store at 32-40°F for extended life (2-4 months); continue pruning dormant tree in winter; prepare for next season's fruiting

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Granny Smith apple Honeycrisp apple Gala apple Borage Nasturtium Chives Garlic Clover

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Fennel (allelopathic, inhibits growth) Dill Potato (susceptible to similar diseases)

Common Pests

Pheromone traps for monitoring; spinosad or organic insecticides in early June and July; bagging individual fruits with paper bags; remove fallen fruit promptly
Red sphere traps with sticky coating; avoid yellow traps; sanitation of dropped fruit; spinosad applications in late July-August
Prune for air circulation; sulfur dust or neem oil in early season; resistant rootstocks; avoid overhead watering
Remove fallen leaves; copper fungicide in spring at bud break; sulfur applications; prune for air flow; choose resistant varieties nearby
Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil; miticide if severe; encourage predatory mites by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides
Hand-pick early morning; Japanese beetle traps away from tree; neem oil; spinosad for heavy infestations

Uses

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Fresh eating and crisping

Culinary

Burro apples have a firm, crisp flesh with balanced sweetness and tartness, making them excellent for eating fresh out of hand. Their texture holds up well in storage, providing apples with exceptional eating quality throughout winter months. [source]

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Cooking and baking

Culinary

These apples maintain their shape well during cooking and provide good flavor in pies, crisps, and sauces. Their acidity and firm texture make them versatile for both sweet and savory preparations. [source]

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Cider production

Culinary

Burro apples' balanced acid-sugar ratio and complex flavors make them suitable for cider and apple juice production, contributing depth to fermented beverages. [source]

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Dietary fiber and antioxidants

Medicinal

Like all apples, Burros contain beneficial fiber, particularly in the skin, along with polyphenolic antioxidants. The tart flavor indicates higher malic acid content, supporting digestive health. [source]

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Long-term storage preservation

Household

Burro apples are prized for exceptional storage life in cool cellars or refrigeration, remaining crisp and flavorful for months. This heritage trait made them valuable in pre-refrigeration agriculture. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Burro apples typically ripen in late September to early October. Harvest when fruits are fully colored and detach easily with a gentle twist (do not pull hard). Test for ripeness by tasting one; mature apples have characteristic flavor. Store at 32-40°F in humid conditions for 2-4 months. They keep exceptionally well compared to many modern varieties, making them excellent for winter storage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Burro apples are a Spanish heirloom variety whose name means 'donkey' in Spanish, though the etymology of why it earned this name is unclear. The variety has been grown in Spain for centuries and represents a link to traditional European pomology.
🌱 Apple trees require 'chilling hours' (temperatures below 45°F) to break dormancy and flower. Burro apples need approximately 900-1200 chilling hours, making them well-suited to temperate zones but unsuitable for very mild winter climates.
🌱 A mature apple tree can produce 100-300 pounds of fruit per year once fully established. Burro apples' exceptional keeping quality means home growers can harvest the entire crop at once and store it for use throughout winter.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Pollination Thinning

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