most trees from the big box stores are in pots which can be planted any time. If it was me and I wanted what they had I would give it a try. Just make sure it is for your zone with the right chill hours. Good luck PS I am a sucker for a good deal.

For me, it depends on how much land/space you have and how much you mind re. time investment. If you have plenty of space and do not mind planting an apple that may be mislabeled, go for it.

Otherwise, I prefers knowing a rootstock and being sure a variety I plant is the correct one. I hate to wait 3-4 years (or more) to find out the "red" apple I planted was actually a "yellow" one, or worse, a pear!!!

This goes with other fruit trees, too.

Thank you both for responding. I actually have plenty of space and tend to can anything I can get ahold of so if something comes up I didn't plan on, I will find a use for it (plus I have kids that will eat applesauce anything).

Thanks for the help, I think I will buy a few varieties and go for it. At $11 and $15 a tree I don't think I can go wrong.

Do the trees pollinate each other?

I've bought several trees from Lowe's when they put them on clearance. I bought them one year when it was too late to plant them in the ground so I kept them in the pots and planted them the following year. They are all doing great. I usually check with the garden manager and ask him when they will be getting rid of the unsold trees. He will then make me a great deal on them. I figure if they turn out to be a type I don't want I can always graft them. I usually pay between 5-6 a tree.