Starking is an apple variety with red-flushed or pure red skin. The fruit is sweet and aromatic. It ripens in October and matures stored in December. It can be stored by March. Pruning is needed for good cropping and if you wish to keep the tree compact.

Starking is a self-sterile variety which needs a pollinator for heavy crop. The following varieties are suitable: Falstaff, Gala, Golden Delicious , Golden Reinette, Granny Smith, James Grieve, Jonathan, Otava, Pinova, Rubinola, and the best ones are Spartan and Spencer.