What Variety of Apple Trees Did Johnny Appleseed Plant?

Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman, was a folk hero and pioneer who became famous for planting apple trees throughout the Midwest of the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Although he had a reputation as a wild and eccentric man, his contributions to American agriculture are undeniable. One question that often comes up when discussing Johnny Appleseed is what variety of apple trees did he plant. Let's explore this topic further.

The Origins of Johnny Appleseed's Apple Trees

Johnny Appleseed was known for planting apple trees from seeds rather than grafting. This method may have led to a variety of different apple trees growing throughout the areas where he traveled. Some of the trees may have been wild apple trees that he collected seeds from, while others were likely from apple cultivars that he purchased or swapped with other settlers.

Possible Apple Varieties Planted by Johnny Appleseed

It's difficult to say with certainty what variety of apple trees Johnny Appleseed planted, as he didn't keep detailed records of his plantings. However, based on the time period and location of his travels, it's possible that he planted some of the following apple varieties:

Golden Delicious

Granny Smith

Jonathan

McIntosh

Red Delicious

Rome

These varieties were all popular during the time period when Johnny Appleseed was planting apple trees, and they're still widely grown today.

The Importance of Johnny Appleseed's Apple Trees

Although the specific variety of apple trees planted by Johnny Appleseed may never be known for certain, the impact of his work is undeniable. His efforts helped to establish apple orchards across the Midwest, which in turn helped to feed settlers and provide a source of fruit for trade. Additionally, his use of seeds rather than grafting helped to promote genetic diversity among apple trees, leading to the development of new varieties over time. For this reason, Johnny Appleseed is considered by many to be an important figure in American agricultural history.

In Conclusion

While we may never know for sure what variety of apple trees Johnny Appleseed planted, we do know that his work had a profound impact on American agriculture. His dedication to planting apple trees provided a source of food and commerce for the settlers of the Midwest, and his use of seeds helped to promote genetic diversity in apple trees that still benefits us today. The legacy of Johnny Appleseed continues to live on, and his contributions will long be remembered.