Star apple, or Sterappel or Sterreinette as it is known in Holland, is a small, red, sweet apple that stores well, for about 3 months after harvesting. It is a fairly old Dutch variety, originating from Holland or Belgium in about 1830. It can be pollinated by Cox’s Orange Pippin, Golden Delicious and James Grieve.

Star was an important variety in the Netherlands, grown on bush-type trees. When spindle trees were introduced, the variety became rare because on a spindle tree it requires a strongly-growing rootstock, leading to a tree of excessive size.

The tree crops moderately and is late-bearing. It is picked in mid-September, and eats well from mid-November.

View the Apple Pollination Chart to find suitable pollinators.

Browse our list of fruit tree varieties

Star apple
Photo by Door Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0