Apple Red Elstar A variant of the Dutch-bred Elstar with redder, firmer fruit, late dessert Apple Red Elstar is particularly well adapted to cool Irish conditions. Medium-sized, bright red fruit, with firm, crisp, juicy flesh and an intense, rich, honeyed flavour, reminiscent of Cox’s Orange Pippin. Good keeper – can even last until January with good storage. Small spur-bearing tree, and a heavy cropper. Some susceptibility to scab, and prone to biennial bearing – perhaps not the best tree for beginners. Site: Some shelterSoil: Any reasonably well drainedPosition: Crops best in full sunPick: OctoberKeep: October to DecemberHardiness: HardyPollination: Pollination Group 3 (pollinates with Groups 2, 3 and 4)Uses: Eating apple Learn more about fruit tree rootstocks During the bareroot season, our apples are pre pruned before being dispatched by mail order.