A vigorous, easy-to-grow tree that will perform well in a wide range of climates, Spartan is a precocious and heavy cropper. It also has excellent disease resistance: it is tolerant of fireblight, powdery mildew, and scab, but growers on the West Coast should note that it is very vulnerable to anthracnose. Although the tree is reliably annual, growers will find that fruit size is significantly improved by thinning. Likewise, although it has been found to be partially self-fertile, cropping will be much improved by a pollenizer.

Spartan is a McIntosh progeny and its parentage is evident in its appearance. The skin is an attractive deep red, and the flesh is very white, with a pink tinge near the skin. The firm, crisp, and finely-grained texture makes it an excellent dessert apple, and the kids will love the simple, aromatic, sweet-tart flavor. Spartan has a long harvest season that requires several harvests and makes it a great choice for the home grower.

Essentially a later-ripening, disease-resistant McIntosh, Spartan was created at the Dominion Experiment Station in Summerland, British Columbia. It's pollen parent is Newtown Pippin.