They are absolutely my favorite apple, hands flipping down. So much so, that 4 years ago I bought 3 trees from Stark along with some others, well before I had researched disease resistant varieties and rootstock. I forgot to tag the trees, and had at least 2 trees from that batch die the first year. Had a tree produce one apple this year that I swear was a pink lady, but I never got to try it for myself.
Looking at the Purdue resistances chart, they are pan-susceptible to all diseases and my experience and their poor growth have reflected that. I implemented a consistent spray regimen this year, and I did notice improved growth and the one apple in year 4.
If you are serious about growing them, plan to absolutely baby the trees. The good news is the one apple I had was still hanging into November, so it might yet be a decent deer apple.
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