The tree is extremely cold hardy–to zone 3! It is resistant to fireblight and cedar-apple rust, but susceptible to scab. A heavy cropper, Haralson should be thinned to maintain optimal fruit size and annual bearing, but the tree itself is of moderate vigor and easy to train as it has a strong central leader habit. This is a great choice for the backyard.

This pretty apple is red striped with darker red, sometimes finely russeted, and speckled with quite prominent lenticels. The stem is long and slender. It has a mildly tart flavor and the crisp, firm flesh holds its shape and texture in baking. It will store for up to six months. Haralson does have a tendency to watercore, but this feature will be a plus for cider makers (12-14 °Brix).

Haralson was developed at the Minnesota Horticulture Research Center in 1913 and released in 1922. It is an open-pollinated cross of Malinda and genetic testing has confirmed that the pollenizer was Wealthy.