03/13/2026
Spring Heirloom Apple Tree Sale Starts March 21 at Horne Creek Farm!
The Annual Spring Heirloom Apple Tree Sale at Horne Creek Farm will kick off on Saturday, March 21 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. The sale will be on-going throughout the spring – Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – until all trees are sold. The location for the sale is at the back of the Horne Creek Farm Visitor Center.
This year, Arbor Day in North Carolina is on March 20 and Earth Day is on April 22. What better way to participate and honor environmental protection, sustainability, and awareness than by purchasing some of our very special heirloom apple trees to plant in your own yard or community? Because so many of the varieties being sold are extremely rare and endangered, you will be helping the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard at Horne Creek Farm save an integral part of the South’s rich agricultural heritage for posterity.
Our heirloom apple trees are also a great way to celebrate a birthday, holiday, anniversary, new birth, graduation, or as a means of employee recognition. In the words of the Arbor Day Foundation, "trees planted for you are an act of optimism and kindness, a labor of love, and a commitment to stewardship." They're also a gift that grows and keeps on giving.
Horne Creek's Southern Heritage Apple Orchard has plenty of varieties to choose from -- Blacktwig, Winesap, Arkansas Black, Dula’s Beauty, Rusty Coat, Winter Jon, Virginia Beauty, multiple selections from the Limbertwig family, and Magnum Bonum are just a few examples of what will be available to purchase. And, we even have one – Hunge – that tastes like a strawberry!
Approximately 75 additional varieties will be available from which to choose. Jason Bowen, the site’s horticulturist, will be on hand to provide information on which varieties are good for cooking, making apple butter, or cider, etc. We know you’re sure to find something you like.
The rootstock that apple scion wood is grafted onto determines the mature size of the tree. Four different rootstocks will be available: B9 Rootstock is a dwarf rootstock, which produces a 6 – 10 ft. tree at maturity (depending on how it is pruned). It will bear fruit in 2 – 3 years. G202 Rootstock is a semi-dwarf rootstock which produces a 12 – 14 ft. tree at maturity (depending on how it is pruned). It typically bears fruit in 2 – 3 years. M7 Rootstock is a semi-dwarf rootstock which produces a 14 – 16 ft. tree at maturity (again, depending on how it is pruned). It typically bears fruit in 3 – 5 years. MM111 Rootstock is a semi-dwarf rootstock, which produces a 15 – 25 ft. tree at maturity (depending on how it is pruned). It typically bears fruit in 5 – 7 years.
Please note: Some apple varieties will be limited in number and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All apple trees will be $25.00 each. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, check, or cash.
This program is sponsored by the site’s non-profit organization, the North Carolina Living Historical Farm Committee, Inc. All proceeds generated from the sale of apple trees will help with the upkeep of the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard.
Make plans now to attend! At this point in time, Horne Creek Farm does not ship apple trees. Call 336-325-2298 for more information.
Directions to the site: Horne Creek Living Historical Farm is located at 308 Horne Creek Farm Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043. To reach the site, take the Pinnacle Exit ( # 29) off US Hwy 52 and follow the signs.
