At Sage Hen Farm in Lodi, NY, we have a young orchard, several creekside fruit trees more than twenty years old, a trio of much older apple trees just behind the house, and remnants from an old apple orchard now part of a mixed deciduous woods. Whenever we are asked how many fruit trees we have, we honestly answer that we don't know. We have been planted over 80 trees, including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, and plums. We obtained the trees as bare-roots from
different sources, principally from New York State nurseries, Cummins, Miller's, Schlabach's, and St. Lawrence, plus Fedco Trees in Maine. Most of our varieties
are either antique or winter hardy, and in the case of apples, recommended for
cider-making. We are only beginning to see the first fruits of our efforts. This chart identifies and
describes our orchard, apple and other fruit trees. Since we are uncertain as to the identity of most of the established trees, only the trees from the new orchard are included.
The tables are divided up by season and color: Summer, Yellow and Red; Fall, Yellow and Red; and Winter, Yellow and Red. Yellow includes apples that are predominantly yellow, green, or russet ted, including those with a sunny-side red blush. Red includes apples that are either solid red or decidedly red, including those with predominant red stripes, streaks, or patches.
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
& Harvest |
Rootstook
& Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Cole's Quince
(Cole, Quince)
[same as or similar to Seneca Spice & Seneca Favorite]
Me.
before
1850
me |
large
flattish, ribbed or knobby
rich; sweet to sub-acid |
yellow, dotted; thick skinned
yellow, blushed; texture is crisp and tender |
early [est.]
Aug to Sept |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
Fedco
2007
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer. Fruit: good for fresh & "first-rate" for cooking.
Faults: Fruit: poor keeper.
Merit or fault?: ripens over several weeks.
Ratings: AoNY: favorably mentioned, but not rated; NY1907: —.LM.k [Supplanted by better sorts]; Cole [son of its propagator]: "when in perfection, we have not seen its superior; Eliott: vg; Munson: vg; Hooper: 2; Ragan: vg |
Duchess of Oldenburg (Borovitsky, Duchess, Oldenburg)
Russia
1700
ta ng |
large
round, slightly ribbed
tart |
maroon over cream or green, blue bloom; moderately thick skinned
pale cream; texture is moderately fine-grained & juicy |
May 2 to May 19
late Au
|
G16 (30%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2005
first fruit: 2006
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); early bearer; long lived; heavy cropper of large fruit; well adapted to different soils and climates; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang well on tree; require little pruning. Fruit: prized for early season cooking and sauce;
Faults: Tree: short-lived; susceptible to various diseases. Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe; not prized for fresh eating.
Merit or fault?: Tree: tip bearer (pruning challenge); ripens over several weeks; tends to be biennial, but often annual; naturally small tree. Fruit: not very juicy (makes it good for baking); reports on flavor vary: not highly flavored, too tart, or well flavored.
Ratings: AoNY: g to vg for culinary purposes; NY1907: *.M.k [** in other regions. Hardy, vigorous, productive, cosmopolitan]; Cole: excellent only for cooking; Hooper: 2; Wilkinson: good; Ragan: g |
Garden Royal
Massachusetts
before
1800 |
small to medium
wide, slightly ribbed
rich & pleasant sub-acid |
green yellow with dull red stripes, dotted; thin skinned
yellow; texture is very tender & juicy; |
early [est.]
late Au
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4 |
Fedco
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; hardy; long-lived. Fruit: pleasantly aromatic; one of highest rated for flavor.
Faults: Tree: biennial. Fruit: poor keeper; tender skin.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small; heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: small.
Ratings: AoNY: vg; NY1907: *.H.d [Good dessert sort but too small for market]; Cole: nothing superior; Ragan: b |
Lodi
(Improved Yellow Transparent)
Montgomery X Yellow Transparent, NY
1911
aa ea vt ng |
large
somewhat
elongated
mild sub-acid to tart |
pale yellow; thin & tender skinned
white; texture is moderately soft & tender |
May 4 or 5 to May 18
early August |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
St. Lawrence
2003
first fruit: 2006
Creekside
|
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); resistant to apple scab; fruit hangs well. Fruit: prized for sauce & early season pies
Faults: Tree: tends biennial; bears fruits uneven in size & shape. Fruit: very poor keeper; quickly browning flesh; becomes mealy when overripe;
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: susceptible to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. |
Red Gravenstein (Banks)
Europe
before 1650,
red strain before 1880
aa op ng |
medium to large
flattish, ribbed, often lopsided
sub-acid to tart; complex flavors |
red stripes & splashes over orangy yellow; thin skinned
ivory; texture is crisp, very fine-grained & very juicy |
May 1 [est.]
Au thru mid Sep |
M7 (60%)
to z4 or z5 |
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearing; requires little pruning; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: prized for sprightly rich flavor; handles well; considered best early season cider apple
Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid (does not pollinate); may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab & various diseases; subject to winter damage. Fruit: skin can become greasy; quickly browning.
Merit or fault?: Tree: productive or not very productive (reports vary); ripens over several weeks. Fruit: subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: **.M.dk [Bears early, prodcutive, vigorous. Fruit attractive and excellent]; Cole: one of the handsomest and best; Hooper: sometimes excellent, sometimes very coarse & too acid; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg |
Northfield Beauty
(Siberian crab x Hubbardston?)
Vermont.
before 1875;
lost, but reintroduced from California by Albert Etter
ea |
medium to large
wide, asymmetric
spicy subacid; complex flavors |
red & red stripes dominant over yellow; tender skinned
white; texture is crisp & juicy |
early [est.]
Aug to early Sep
|
M111 (80%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); heavy cropper of good-sized fruit; fruit hangs well; resistant to scab. Fruit: one of better keepers among earlier ripening apples; prized for its spicy flavor.
Faults: Tree: short-lived.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: asymmetrical shape makes it not-so beautiful to some.
Ratings: Downing: good; AHS: approaching best; Ragan: vg |
Sops of Wine
UK
before 1600
cf |
medium to large
roundish, slightly ribbed, asymmetric
subacid, hint of anise |
purplish red over crimson, some yellow, dotted; moderately thin & tender skinned
white tinged with pink; texture is soft; but only moderately juicy |
May 8 to 21
early Sep
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
Miller
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper of large fruit. Fruit: distinctive red stained white flesh.
Faults: Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large.
Ratings: AoNY: good; NY1907: —.H.k [Superseded by better varieties]; Elliott: very good; Cole: neither excellent nor profitable; Hooper: 3; Moore Orchards: mediocre at best; Wilkinson: good; Ragan: g |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Antonovka
Russia
before 1750
bh ng |
large
wider than classic apple shape
sweet to sub-acid, mild |
yellow; tough skinned
creamy white; texture is coarse. |
May 6 [est.]
late Sep
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
Fedco
2003
creekside |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: does not bruise easily; good keeper.
Faults: Fruit: not very flavorful; quickly browning flesh.
Ratings: AoNY: "of no practical value for this state [Beach later revised rating to "good for dessert use" in northern New York; NY1907: —.H.k [May be of value where superior hardiness is a prime requisite]; Ragan: poor |
Briggs Auburn
Me.
before 1850
me |
large
flattish
sweet to sub-acid, mild |
yellow, blushed; tough skinned
creamy white; texture is moderately coarse & moderately juicy
|
mid [est.]
late Sep to early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
Fedco
2006
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); annual; moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: good keeper; does not bruise easily; regionally prized for fresh eating.
Faults: Fruit: not highly regarded for cooking or baking.
Rating: Munson: very good; Ragan: g |
Ginger Gold
(unknown, but Golden Delicious, Winesap, and/or Newtown Pippin may be included in its parentage)
Virginia
1938
aa ny |
medium to large
flattish
spicy sweet; complex flavors |
green-yellow with slight red blush; tough skinned
white; texture is crisp
|
early [est.]
late Au
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
St. Lawrence
2009
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: bears fruit uniform in size & shape. Fruit: non-browning flesh; does not bruise easily; excellent keeper for fall apple.
Faults: Fruit: cooking or baking.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: sweetness too cloying? |
Golden Pippin
NY
before 1850
ng |
medium to large
round
sweet to subacid, mild |
yellow, ranging from greenish yellow to golden brown; moderately thick skinned
yellow; texture is crisp, tender, & juicy
|
May 9
to May 23
Sep
|
M9 (30%)
to z4 |
Cummins
2005
first fruit: 2007
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; bears fruit uniform in size. Fruit: beautiful golden color; good for cider & fresh eating; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab. Fruit: tender skin.
Merit or fault?: Tree: ripens over several weeks.
Ratings: AoNY: good to very good; NY1907: *.M.dk [One of the most desirable fall sorts for market]; Ragan: g-vg |
Porter
Mass
before 1800
bc bh ng |
medium
elongated
rich, rather acid; complex flavors |
bright yellow, with dull orange or red blush; tender skinned
creamy white; texture is fine-grained & moderately juicy |
May 16 to May 30
late Sep
|
Bud9 (30%)
to z4 |
Schlabach 2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: although biennial, still has decent off-year production; late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: prized for pies; retains shape remarkably well.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Tree: ripens over several weeks. Fruit: too tart for fresh eating?; bruises somewhat easily, but tender skin.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: *.H.dk [Has many merits for home use and local market]; Cole: excellent; Hedrick: best of all yellow fall apples judged on quality of fruit, flavor and aroma; Hooper: 2, deserves a place in every orchard for beauty; Wilkinson: vg to best; specifically recommended by Fannie Farmer for pies; Ragan: vg-b
|
Saint Edmund's Russet
(St. Edmund's Pippin)
UK
before 1870
ta ng |
small to medium
flattish
quite sweet, but balanced: complex flavors |
russeting over greenish yellow; thick skinned
pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & very juicy
|
May 5 to May 18
late Sep
|
Antonovka (100%)
z3 |
St Lawrence
2004
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; some resistance to scab and cedar apple rust. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider
Faults: Tree: tip bearer (requires special pruning). Fruit: not a good keeper.
Merit or Fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: russet qualities.
Ratings: in Browning; Potter: among top five; Ragan: not described |
Twenty Ounce
(Cayuga Redstreak)
NY
before 1840
ny |
very large
roundish, but slightly uneven
brisk sub-acid |
greenish yellow, splashed and striped with some red; thick, tough skinned
yellow; texture is coarse & moderately juicy
|
May 9 to May 16
late Sep
|
M7 (60%)
to z3 |
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: bears early & abundantly; bears fruits of uniform large size; fruits hold well to tree. Fruit: excellent keeper for ripening so early; does not bruise easily; premier pie & baking apple; for home & commercial orchards.
Faults: Tree: subject to sun scald, canker, & winter injury. Fruit: not favored for fresh eating.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; limbs droop rather than spread.
Ratings: AoNY: good for culinary, 2nd rate for fresh; NY1907: **.M.k [One of the best of the fall varieites for home or market];Hooper: 2; Wilkinson: g to vg; Moore: favorite for pie; Ragan: g-vg |
Yellow Bellflower
NJ
before 1800
bc ta |
medium to v. large
distinctively elongated,
ribbed
briskly tart, then sub-acid |
pale yellow with brownish blush; thin, tender skinned
yellowish white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
May 7 [est.]
early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z5 |
St. Lawrence
2009
Row 7 |
Merits: Fruit: valued for multiple purposes; prized for the zing it can bring to cider blends.
Faults: Tree: slow grower; shy cropper; bears fruits variable in size; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab; quality variable due to soil. Fruit: bruises easily; quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage..
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *.LM.k [Valuable in some districts.]; Hooper: 1; Ragan: vg |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Cox's Orange
(Cox's Orange
Pippin)
UK
(Ribston Pippin open pollinated [possibly Blenheim Orange])
before 1825
op ng |
medium
wider than classic apple shape
sweet, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors |
red over orange with some yellow; tough, but thin skinned
deep cream; texture is moderately fine-grained & juicy
|
May 10 to May 27
mid Sep
|
M9 (30%)
to z5
|
Cummins
2002
first fruit: 2007
creekside |
Merits: Tree: naturaly spreading; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: beautiful coloring; non-browning flesh; high quality flavor makes it the favorite fresh eating apple in England.
Faults: Tree: biennial; shy bearer; bears high percentage of misshapen fruits; susceptible to scab, collar rot, mildew & canker. Fruit: subject to cracking; not prized for cooking & baking.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: has reputation in North America of not measuring up to fruit grown in UK.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: +.H.d [Desirable for the home orchard.]; A21: vg to best; in Browning; Potter: among top five; Ragan: vg |
Fameuse
(Snow, formerly Pomme de Neige)
Canada
before 1730
ta vt ng |
small to medium
round
mild, mostly sweet, somewhat subacid |
red, usually dominant over greenish yellow; thin skinned
white; texture is very tender & juicy
|
May 5 to May 16
late Sep
|
Bud9 (30%)
to z3 |
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy. Fruit: bright white, non-browning flesh; nice aroma.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear; quality variable due to soil and climate.
Merit or fault: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit; suscepible to scab. Fruit: pleasant, but not highly flavored.
Ratings: AoNY: very good; NY1907: —.M.d [++ in northern NY regions]; ; Hooper: 2; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: best |
Gala
(Kidd's Orange Red x Golden Delicious)
NZ
1934. named in 1965
aa cf op |
medium
classic apple shape
mild, sweet |
yellow, with thin orange & red stripes; moderately thin skinned
yellowish-white; texture is moderately crisp, very fine-grained, & juicy |
early [est.]
late Sept
|
G11 (40%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2009 |
Merits: Tree: resistant to mildew; crops heavily regularly; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: has become a new standard for sweet fresh eating apples; holds its shape when cooked.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab; requires much thinning for good sized fruit; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads. Fruit: turns mealy when over ripe; too bland when cooked.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: too cloyingly sweet for some.
Ratings: A21: vg to best |
Haralson
(Malinda x Wealthy)
Minn
1913
mn |
medium
somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape
tart, then sub-acid |
red & red stripes over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned
white; texture is crisp & firm
|
May 6 to May 24
late Sep/early Oct
|
O3 (40%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2002
first fruit: 2006
Creekside |
Merits: Tree: early bearer, heavy cropper of good sized fruit; moderately resistant to fireblight. Fruit: very good for multiple purposes; prized as a good cider base.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to cedar-apple rust &scab. Fruit: subject to cracking & russeting under humid conditions.
Merit or fault: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not bruise easily, but tough skin; tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
|
Holstein
(Holsteiner Cox)
(Cox's Orange x unknown)
Germany
1918
op |
large
wider than classic apple shape
sweet, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors |
bright red over orange with some yellowtough, but moderately thin skinned
deep yellow with tinge of orange texture is moderately coarse & juicy |
May 8 to May 30
early Oct
|
G30 (50%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: resistant to scab. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider; shares many qualities of Cox's Orange, but is larger size.
Faults: Tree: biennial; susceptible to scab and canker. Fruit: subject to cracking.
Ratings: Grootendors: "unblemished fruit of equally exquisite flavor"; Special: in a Danish five-year study published in 2003 that tested organically grown, unsprayed trees, the Holsteiner Cox was the only variety of 14 that combined high yield, good fruit size and good eating quality with an acceptably low susceptibility to disease. |
Honeycrisp
(Keepsake, open pollinated, not Macoun X Honeygold, as once thought)
Minn.
1991
aa mn |
large
classic apple shape
sweet, with some sub-acid |
red & orange over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned
cream texture is very crisp & coarse
|
May 12 to May 25
late Sep to early Oct |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
Fedco
2004
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy; annual; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards in northern climates. Fruit: exceptionally crisp; a new favorite for fresh eating.
Faults: Fruit: not tart enough or right texture for good cooking or baking.
Merit or fault?: Tree: has reputation for being early bearer, but not true in our orchard.
Ratings: A21: vg; special: Minnesota's State Apple. |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Jonagold
(Jonathan x Golden Delicious)
NY
1968
aa op |
large
classic apple shape
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but on the sweet side |
yellow with red stripes; red may or may not be prominent; tender skinned
yellowish-white; texture is coarse, moderately crisp, & very juicy. |
mid [est.]
late Sep
|
M106 (70%)
to z5
|
Cummins
2009
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper of large fruit; somewhat resistant to scab; little pre-harvest drop; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: aromatic; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; has become a new standard for fresh eating; prized for multiple purposes.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); susceptible to scab, powdery mildew, and several diseases; subject to winter injury. Fruit: soft texture in some climates.
Ratings: in Browning; A21: vg to best; finished first among "The World's Best Commercial Dessert Apples," in a poll of 19 apple experts in 1989. |
King of the Pippins
(King of Pippins, Golden Winter Pearmain)
UK
before 1800
op ng |
small to medium
somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape, sometimes lopsided
sweet sharp, vinous, almond-like or nutty; complex flavors |
red and orange stripes dominant over yellow; thick skinned
pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & only moderately juicy.
|
May 11 to June 2
late Sep
|
G16 (30%)
to z5 |
Cummins
2005
first fruit: 2006
Row 2 |
Merits: Fruit: highly aromatic; rich flavor; prized for nutty character in cider blending.
Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing; distinctive, sharp flavor does not appeal to everyone.
Ratings: Elliott: unworthy; Ragan: g |
Liberty
(Macoun X PRI 54-12)
NY
1962
cf
|
small to medium
classic apple shape, but
variable
mild, sweet with some subacid |
red very dominant over yellow, slight bloom; thin skinned
white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.
|
May 3 to May 20
early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
Fedco
2004
first fruit: 2007
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: annual; heavy cropper; very resistant to disease. Fruit: very crisp; good for multiple purposes; considered by many to be highest quality of the varieties bred for disease resistance.
Faults: Tree: may drop fruit prematurely; somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: has milder flavor than its non-disease-resistant parents; goes mealy & mushy quickly when overripe.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: slightly coarse flesh; optimum flavor develops after storage.
Ratings: A21: vg |
Magog Redstreak
Vermont
before 1870
|
large
flattish, faintly ribbed
sub-acid |
red splashed over light yellow, some russet; tough, thin skinned
cream; juicy; texture is moderately fine-grained & very juicy
|
mid [est.]
early Oct |
M111 (80%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad).
Faults: Tree: tends toward biennial.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: peculiar flavor liked by some, disliked by others; quality may be good only compared to other hardy trees.
Ratings: AoNY: good; NY1907: —H.k [Not valuable enough to retain.]; Wilkinson: good; Hedrick (in 1922): has been on probation for nearly a half a century, but of unquestionable excellence as a culinary apple; Ragan: [described but not rated] |
Mother
(American Mother)
Mass
before 1850
ta
|
medium
classic apple shape
pleasant, spicy, well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
yellow, with red stripes; thin skinned
cream; texture is very fine-grained, tender, & juicy |
May 11 [est.]
early Sep
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Fruit: prized as one of the best tasting fresh eating apples; non-browning flesh; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: slow grower; thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not keep well.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: almost melting flesh
Ratings: AoNY: vg-best; NY1907: *.H.d [Tree characters poor. Appearance and quality of the best]; in Browning; Cole: has no superior, and few equals, delightful mingling of sub-acid & saccharine; Potter: among top five; Wilkinson: best; Elliot: vg; Hooper: 2; Ragan: b |
NY 674
(Golden Delicious X Monroe)
NY
19?? |
medium to large
classic apple shape
sub-acid to tart |
red dominant over a greenish yellow; moderately tough skinned
white; texture is fine-grained & juicy |
May 8 to May 26
late Sep to early Oct
|
M26 (40%)
to z5 |
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: prized for sauce; non-browning flesh.
Faults: [too little information]
Rating: special: Mott's valued it enough to purchase exclusive rights. |
Rambo
(Winter Rambo, Bread and Cheese)
Delaware or Pa.
before 1700 |
medium
flattish
rich, sprightly, well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
pale greenish yellow mottled & streaked with red; thin but tough skinned
yellow; texture is very crisp, moderately fine-grained, & juicy |
mid [est.]
late Sep
|
M111 (80%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes] |
Century
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: grows well in all soils; bears fruits uniform in shape and size; very productive. Fruit: prized for fresh eating and cooking; has special aroma; does not bruise easily.
Faults: Tree: biennial; slow grower; of questionable hardiness in northern climate; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads; subject to winter injury. Fruits: not long keeping.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: red color is often dull or lacking.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg, particularly desirable for dessert; NY1907: —.H.d [Tender tree; productive to a fault; excellent quality.]; Cole: one of the finest in the Middle States & the West; Hooper: 1; Wilkinson: vg; Elliott: has no superior; Ragan: vg. Special: falsely claimed to be favorite apple of Johnny Appleseed, but John Chapman for religious apples shunned varieties perpetuated through grafting. May have been favorite apple of Hoosier poet John Whitcomb Riley, who wrote an ode to the Rambo and mentioned it by name in four other poems. |
Wealthy
(Cherry crab open pollinated)
Minn., from Me.
before 1860
mn vt
|
medium
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
sub-acid, mild |
red stripes over pale greenish yellow; tough, thin skinned
greenish white tinged with pink; texture is moderately crisp, moderately fine-grained, & moderately juicy |
May 10 to May 22
mid Sep to early Oct
|
Bud118 (90%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); early bearer; non-browning flesh. Fruit: does not bruise easily
Faults: Tree: biennial; short lived; thinning required for good sized fruits; may drop fruit prematurely; Fruit: skin can become greasy; susceptible to cedar-apple rust and fireblight.
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper only when tree is young; ripens over several weeks.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: *.M.dk [** in some other NY regions. ]; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Ashmead's Kernel
UK
before 1700
aa cf op ng |
small to medium
irregular, slightly ribbed
sharp, sprightly,complex flavors |
yellow russet; rough, thick skinned
creamy white; texture is coarse & juicy |
May 6
to May 23
mid/late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3
|
St Lawrence
2004
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; resistant to scab, powdery mildew. Fruit: very crisp; very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for tartness in cider blends.
Faults: Tree: thinning required to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh
Merit or fault?: russet qualities.
Ratings: A21:vg to best; Grootendors: "in first rank for the fruit garden"; Potter: in top five; Ragan: g |
Calville Blanc d'Hiver
(White WInter Calville)
France
before 1600
op |
med
more elongated than classic apple shape, prominently ribbed; often misshaped
rich, sweet, spicy, sprightly; complex flavors |
pale yellow tinged with green, with faint blush; speckled; smooth skinned
yellowish-white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & tender |
May 10 to May 26
late Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z3 |
Cummins
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: non-browning flesh; very high in Vitamin C.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear, slower to bear good quality fruit; shy bearer; requires long season. Fruit: tender skin.
Merit or Fault: Fruit: odd shape; can look blemished when it is not; optimum flavor develops after storager.
Ratings: Elliott: unworthy; in Browning; Grootendors: "one of our all time favorites for dessert and for all culinary uses"; Ragan: p |
Golden Russet
(English Russet seedling)
NY before 1750
cf ng |
medium to large
round
sweet, sprightly; complex flavors |
yellow russet; rough, tough, thick skinned
cream; texture is tender & juicy |
May 3 to May 25
late Oct |
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2004
first fruit: 2007
Rows 1 & 3 |
Merits: Tree: annual, naturally spreading; heavy cropper; some resistance to scab and cedar apple rust; bears fruit of uniform large size; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as one of few varieties recommended for unblended cider; high in sugar and Vitamin C.
Faults: Tree: tip bearer; since blooms early but requires long season, can be challenged by frost in both spring & fall. Fruit: not pretty; quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: russet quality.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *.HM.dkc [Fruit small, hard to pick, very late, of excellent quality]; in Browning; Hooper: 1; Wilkinson: g to best |
Grimes Golden
WV
before 1800
cf op ng |
medium (or smaller in NY)
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
sweet; but complex, intense flavor |
yellow, some russet; tough, moderately rough skin
pale cream tinged with orange; texture is between soft & crisp, moderately coarse, & very juicy |
May 5 to May 20
mid/late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes, but sold by St. Lawrence a nursery specializing in hardy trees] |
St Lawrence
2004
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: annual; good pollinator; often heavy cropper; moderately resistant to fire blight & cedar-apple rust. Fruit: does not bruise easily; beautful rich golden color; aromatic
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; may drop fruit prematurely; fruit not uniform in size; quality variable due to soil and climate (reputation poorer in north), susceptible to scald; subject to collar rot;short-lived. Fruit: doesn't keep long before going soft.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: —.HM.dk [* in Hudson Valley region. Beautiful and of high quality but not adapted to latitude of New York]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg to best |
Newtown Pippin (Albemarle Pippin, Yellow Newtown)
NY
before 1760
aa cf |
medium to large
irregular
subacid to tart, sprightly |
greenish yellow, dotted, often russeted; tough skin
cream to greenish white; texture is crisp, moderately fine-grained |
May 8 [est.]
late Oct
|
Bud9 (30%)
to z5
|
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: tends toward biennial; fruits hang on trees for long time. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for its clear juice in cider making.
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; weak grower; quality variable depending on soil; susceptible to scab, mildew. Fruit: not pretty, but today's standards; very quickly browning flesh.
Merit or Fault?: Tree: bears fruits of variable size and color; early bearer or slow to mature (reports very). Fruit: optimum flavor develops after storage.
Ratings: AoNY: best; NY1907: —.HM.dk [** in Hudson Valley region. Standard in quality. Succeeds in certain localities only]; in Browning; Wilkinson: vg to best; Grootendors: "fully merits [Beach's best] rating"; Hooper: 1; Ragan: Green=b, Yellow=vg-b; A21: best |
Pitmaston Pine Apple
(English Golden Pippin seedling)
UK
before 1785
ta |
small
elongated, tapered
sweet, sprightly |
golden, russeted; rough, thick skinned
yellow; texture is crisp & fine-grained |
May 8 to May 31
mid Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z5 (but sources differ widely) |
Cummins
2006
Row 5 |
Merits: Fruit: very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for rich, sweet flavoring in cider.
Faults: Tree: shy to moderate cropper. Fruit: goes mealy quickly
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small tree; Fruit: russet qualities; small; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: Ragan: [described but not rated] |
Rhode Island Greening
RI
before 1650
aa ta ng |
large
somewhat flattish
tart, sprightly |
grass green with late developing yellow tinge & occasional bright cheek, dotted, slight bloom; moderately thick skinned
greenish-yellow; texture is crisp, tender, & juicy |
May 11 to May 22
mid Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2005
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: reliably heavy cropper; bears fruits uniform in shape and large size; long lived; once second leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: very juicy; aromatic; keeps well even in less than ideal conditions (except for some scalding).
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), slow to mature; biennial; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab, mildew, cankers. Fruit: bruises easily.
Merit or Fault?: Tree: naturally spreading and droopy, but crooked growth. Fruit: waxy skin.
Ratings: AoNY: vg, NY1907: **.M.dk [Standard green apple in New York. Second in commercial importance]; Hooper: 1 (but variable with location); Wilkinson: vg; A21: vg |
Roxbury Russet
Mass.
before 1650 [1st recorded North American cultivar]
cf ng |
med-large
irregular, slightly ribbed
sub-acid to tart |
green brown russet; rough, thick skinned
quickly browning cream; texture is moderately coarse & juicy |
May 6 to May 23
mid Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2004
first fruit: 2007
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: keeps well even in less than ideal storage; resistant to scab & cedar apple rust; once fifth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for rich flavoring & high sugar content for cider.
Faults: Tree: biennial; often a shy bearer; quality variable due to soil and climate; fruit subject to cracking; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; rough skin is not attractive.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: russet quality; coarse flesh; does not bruise easily, but tough skin.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: **.M.dk [A leading commerical variety. Standard of its class]; in Browning; Hooper: 3 for table, 1 to 2 for cooking; Wilkinson: g to vg; Grootendors: "shows an austere perfection and refinement of flavor"; A21: good to vg |
Tolman Sweet
(Tallman Sweeting)
Mass.
before 1860
vt
|
medium
classic apple shape
decidedly sweet |
pale yellow, with distinct brown line from top to bottom; tough skinned
yellowish white; texture is between soft & crisp, between dry & juicy, & moderately fine-grained |
mid [est.]
early/mid Oct
|
G11 (40%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: Hardy [nearly ironclad]; early bearer; reliable cropper. Fruit: prized among sweet apples for fresh eating; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.
Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh; varies in keeping quality.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small.
Ratings: AoNY: g to vg; NY1907: *.H.dk [** in northern NY regions.]; Hooper: 1: Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: g. |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest
|
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Baldwin (Woodpecker)
Mass.
before 1740
aa ta |
large
classic apple shape
pleasant, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
multiple shades of red stripes & mottling, dominant over yellow; tough skinned
white tinged with green; texture is moderately coarse & very juicy; |
May 10 [est.]
mid to late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z5 (marginal in z4) |
Fedco
2004
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; long lived; grows well on a variety of soils; bears fruit of uniform large size; once leading apple variety grown in New York & other northern states. Fruit: keeps well; does not bruise easily; attractive in shape & color; prized for quality for multiple purposes; revered for excellence as cider base.
Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid (does not pollinate); below average for Northern tree in hardiness; susceptible to scab.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; occasionally a moderate cropper on off years.
Ratings: AoNY: good to very good; NY1907: **.M.dk [Standard winter apple of New York.]; Hooper: 1 (where it succeeds); Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg; Special: America's first dominant commercial variety (for more than 75 years). |
Black Oxford
Me.
before 1790
me |
small to medium
classic apple shape
mild, sub-acid to tart |
deep purple, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned
greenish white; texture is crisp, very firm, and between dry & juicy |
May 13 to May 28
late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3
|
Fedco
2004
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: annual; disease resistant; late blooming protects it from frost damage; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: handsome dark color.
Faults: its hard flesh earned it the nickname “the rock.”
Ratings: Munson: good; Ragan: g |
Blue Pearmain
New England
early 1800s
aa ng |
large
flattish, but variable & irregular; some ribbing
sweet, with some sub-acid, mild, pleasant |
deep red yellow, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned
creamy yellow; texture is coarse, moderately juicy, & moderately soft. |
May 9 to May 27
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
St Lawrence
2004
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy; long lived. Fruit: handsome coloring; does not bruise easily; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear. Fruit: not crisp.
Merit or fault: mixed reports on bearing, shy or productive.
Ratings: AoNY: good; Elliott: vg; NY1907: —.H.dk [* in northern NY region. [An old hardy variety now rarely planted in New York] Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg; special: featured in Thoreau's essay "Wild apples" |
Connell Red
(Red Fireside)
(thought to be red sport of Fireside (McIntosh x Longfield)), but may be open pollenated Fireside, discovered in
Wisc. in 1956
mn |
very large to huge
classic apple shape
flavorful, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
red, with waxy bloom; moderately thick skinned.
white; texture is crisp & fine-grained.
|
mid [est.]
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
St Law
2009 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes; resistant to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: very aromatic; prized for fresh eating & cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); produces fruits of non-uniform size. Fruit: subject to cracking; quickly browning flesh: skin can become greasy.
Merit or fault: Tree: usually, but unreliably annual.
Rating: top pick at taste test held at Cooperative Extension in Ithaca, 2007. |
Esopus Spitzenberg
NY
before 1790
cf op ta ng |
med-large
classic apple shape, but blocky & slightly ribbed
sprightly; well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
dark red stripes over red, dominant over some yellow, dotted, slight bloom; tough skinned.
deep cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy
|
May 10 to May 16
mid Oct
|
M9 (30%) & G16 (30%)
to z4 or z5
|
Cummins
2006
& 2007
Rows 4 & 5 |
Merits: Tree: bears fruit of uniform size; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: unexcelled in rich, spicy, exceedingly high flavor; attractive in shape & color; does not bruise easily; non-browning flesh
Faults: Tree: slow to bear;
biennial; shy to moderate bearer; susceptible to canker, scab & fire blight; quality variable due to soil and climate -- requires rich, fertile soil.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: ripens over several weeks; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *.HM.dk [** in some other regions. Lacks vigor. Uncertain poductiveness. Standard in quality. Adapted to some localities]; A21: vg to best; in Browning; Hooper: 1 to 2; Wilkinson: vg to best; Grootendors: "one of the best to eat out of hand"; Ragan: b; special: planted by T. Jefferson, Washington Irving & G. Washington |
Hubbardston Nonesuch
Mass.
before
1830
aa ta |
large
somewhat flattish
sweet with some sub-acid, sprightly |
dull brownish or bright red over yellow, dotted, some russet; rough, thick skinned.
pale cream; texture is moderately soft & juicy |
May 6 to May 28
early/mid Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z5
|
Cummins
2004
first fruit: 2007
(both eaten by dog)
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper; annual; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for fresh eating & cider; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; very juicy.
Faults: Tree: bears fruit of various sizes and coloring; thinning required for good sized fruit & to prevent biennial bearing; susceptible to winter injury; subject to collar rot; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: "hammered" skin can become greasy; not prized for pies & other baking; loses flavor in storage.
Merit or fault: Tree: naturally large
Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; NY1907: **.M.dk [Tree productive, not hardy. Fruit handsome and of highest quality.]; Cole: excellent; Wilkinson: vg |
Keepsake
(MN 447 [Malinda open pollinated] X Northern Spy)
Minn. 1936, released 1979
mn |
small to medium
irregularly shaped
subacid to tart, sprightly |
red stripes over yellow; slight bloom; thick skinned.
creamy yellow; texture is crisp & coarse. |
May 7 to May 22
mid Oct |
Bud9
(30%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2005
first fruit: 2007
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual somewhat resistant to fire blight, scab & cedar apple rust; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: non-browning flesh.
Faults: Fruit: not pretty.
Ratings: A21: good to vg |
Kidd's Orange Red
(Cox's Orange Pippin x Red Delicious)
NZ
1924
op |
medium to large
somewhat elongated, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, sprightly |
yellow crimson, dotted, occasionally russeting; thick skinned
deep cream; texture is fine-grained & firm. |
May 8 to May 24
mid Oct
|
Bud9
(30%)
to z5 or higher [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
Cummins
2006
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual (if thinned); some resistance to fireblight & scab. Fruit: very juicy; non-browning flesh
Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab & canker; requires thinning for large sized fruit; best suited in climate warmer than the Finger Lakes. Fruit: has tendency to russet
Merit or fault: slow to bear or precocious (depending on source)
Ratings: A21: vg |
King David
Ark.
before 1890
ta
|
medium
round
very rich, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors |
dark red very dominant over hint of green; tough, thin skinned
yellow; texture is crisp, firm, & very juicy. |
late [est.]
late Oct
|
M111 (80%)
to z5
|
Century
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: bears early; late blooming protects it from frost damage; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang on trees for long time; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: beautiful in shape and color; does not bruise easily; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: requires long season.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: coarse flesh; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: NY Bulletin 385 [suppl to AoNY]: good to vg; in Browning. |
King of Tompkins County
(King, Tompkins King)
NY
before 1800
bc op |
large to very large
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but sweeter than tart |
yellow orange red, with bloom; smooth, moderately thick skin.
yellow; texture is crisp, moderately coarse, & juicy. |
May 6 to May 23
early/mid Oct
|
Bud9
(30%)
to z4 |
Cummins
2005
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: annual; naturally spreading; once fourth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit:
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate; although has some self-fertility)slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to mildew & scab; subject to collar rot. Fruit: waxy skin becomes greasy in storage.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: subject to sweet water core. [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]
Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; NY1907: **.M.dk [Were the tree hardier, healthier, longer lived, and more productive, it would be more commonly grown]; Wilkinson: vg; Grootendors: "brings back childhood memories of the way a real apple ought to taste"; Ragan: vg-b. |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest
|
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Northern Spy
(Wagener open pollinated)
NY
before 1800
aa ta ng |
large
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but tarter than sweet, sprightly |
multiple shades of red over a pale yellow, bloom; thin skinned
pale cream; texture is crisp & fine grained. |
May 15 to June 2
mid/late Oct |
M9 (30%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2004
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); late blooming protects it from frost damage; reliable bearer; long lived; once third leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: aromatic; classic apple flavor; prized for multiple purposes, especially pies.
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; susceptible to scab, bitter pit; quality variable due to soil; irregular bearer. Fruit: subject to cracking.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: bruises easily, but stores well if careful packed.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: **.M.dk [Tardy bearer. Vigorous. Highest quality. Succeeds only on certain localities]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Hooper: 2; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg to best |
Redfield
(Wolf River x Niedzwetzskayana Red Crab)
NY
1933
ng |
medium to large
round
tart, sharp, with some bitterness |
waxy-pink to red
white & red; texture is moderately dry |
?
mid Oct
|
B9 (30%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2009
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad). Fruit: red juice, excellent for colorful cider blending; makes good tasting, eye catching pies.
Faults: Tree: not highly productive, doesn't keep long. Fruit: poor eating quality; quickly browning flesh |
Smokehouse
(Vandevere seedling?)
Pa.
1837
cf ng |
large
somewhat flattish
mild, sweet, with only slight tartness |
dull red, yellow, dotted; tough, but thin skinned
yellow; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
May 3 to May 24
mid Oct
|
MM111 (80%)
to z3
|
Cummins
2005
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer; holds fruit well; some resistance to fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as a multi-purpose apple; prized a cider base.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to apple scab. Fruit: flavor has been described as too mid or lacking high character.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally spreading, but crooked growth and dense head provide extra pruning challenge; heavy cropper, but thinning required for large sized fruit.
Ratings: AoNY: good; NY1907: —.H.dk [Its cultivation is not being extended in New York.]; Hooper: 2 to 1; Ragan: g |
Starkey
(Moses Starkey)
(RIbston Pippin seedling)
Me.
before 1820
me |
medium
round
subacid, sprightly |
red crimson, dotted; tough, but thin skinned
pale cream; texture is tender & juicy |
mid [est.]
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
Fedco
2006
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: highly regarded regionally for fresh eating.
Faults: Tree: biennial.
Ratings: AoNY: very good; NY1907: —.M.d [+ in several regions. Appears to be worthy of testing for the North]; Munson: very good; Ragan: listed, but quality not rated. |
Stayman
(Stayman's Winesap)
(Winesap open pollinated)
Kansas
before 1875
aa cf ta |
medium to large
classic apple shape
tart, with some sweetness; wine-like |
red bloom or stripes over green, dotted; tough, moderately thick skinned
greenish yellow; texture is moderately fine, tender, & juicy |
May 8 to May 30
late Oct
|
M7
(60%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
Cummins
2004
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for larger size and sweeter flavor, but other good qualities of Winesap; prized for cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), unreliably annual; requires long season. Fruit: dull color; quickly browning flesh; subject to cracking.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: —.M.d [Not adapted to New York conditions]; in Browning; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg |
Striped Harvey
Maine
before 1800
me |
medium
classic apple shape
sprightly tart |
yellow with red stripes
yellow |
mid [est.]
late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
St Lawrence
2009
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad). Fruit: rich, well blended flavor.
Faults: Tree: requires long season.
Ratings: Ragan: listed under Harvey Stripe, but not described nor rated. |
Wagener
NY
before 1790
ta |
medium to large
flattish, ribbed
sprightly, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
yellow crimson, bloom
pale cream tinged with yellow; texture is very crisp, very tender & juicy. |
May 4 to May 16
early/mid Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z4
|
Cummins
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: naturally dwarfing, early bearer, heavy cropper (when young); fruits hang on trees for long time; nearly scab proof; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.
Faults: Tree: biennial; tip bearer; susceptible to mildew, apple scald; short-lived. Fruit: skin can become greasy.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *.M.d [Attractive and high quality]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b. |
Westfield Seek No Further
(Westfield, Seek No Further, Seek)
Mass.
before 1800
ta |
medium
round, but irregular; slightly ribbed
sweet with some sharp, sprightly, nutty; complex flavors |
bright red stripes over deep yellow tinged with green, splashed with dull red, dotted, often covered with blue bloom; russeting possible
white tinged with yellow; texture is fine & tender. |
May 8 to May 19
late Sep to mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4 |
St Lawrence
2004
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper. Fruit: fresh; prized for sweet/sharp kick it provides in cider blending
Faults: Fruit: doesn't keep well
Merit or fault: Fruit: has unique aroma; taste is too astringent for some
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *.M.d [Tree qualities good. Uncertain in adaptibility. A favorite dessert apple.]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b. |
Winesap
USA, possibly VA or NJ
before 1800
cf ng |
small to medium
classic apple shape
sprightly tart, wine-like, less sweet than Stayman |
two shades of deep red very dominant over yellow; tough, moderately thin skinned
greenish yellow; texture is cris, fine, & very juicy. |
May 10 [est.]
late Oct
|
M111 (80%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
Century
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; fruit hangs well; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: aromatic; does not bruise easily; prized for its tart, wine-like flavor, especially in cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); extra thinning required to prevent overbearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; fruit subject to small cracking.
Merit or fault?: Tree: young trees are reliable & heavy cropper; but decline noticeable in reliability & fruit size as trees age; irregular, straggling growth.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: —.M.d [Both tree qualities and fruit poor in New York]; Hooper: 2 to 1; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg. |
Variety Origin Date |
Fruit Size |
Skin |
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstock
&
Hardiness |
Source Year
Location |
Merits & Faults |
Bosc
Belgium
circa
1800 |
large
classic pear shape
|
dull yellow |
crisp, tender, melting and juicy |
May 6 (est.)
mid Sep |
P. communis
to z3 |
St Lawrence 2002
Row 1 |
early bearer; lots of grit cells; needs refrigeration for best ripening |
Gifford
(Beurre Gifford)
France
found 1825 |
large
classic pear shape
|
red |
crisp, tender, melting and juicy |
May 3 to May 18
early Au |
P. communis
to z3 |
St Lawrence 2002
Creekside |
early bearer; small core; keeps well; lots of grit cells; vinous flavor |
Clapps Favorite
(Bartlett x Flemish Beauty?)
MA
before 1860 |
large
somewhat more roundish than classic pear shape
|
yellow with a red cheek |
juicy and fine-grained |
May 3 to May 16
mid Au
|
unknown & P. communis
to z4 |
Reisinger & Fedco
2003
Row 1 & 2 |
must be picked early since susceptible to core
breakdown if left on tree too long; lots of grit cells; susceptible to fire blight; nonaromatic |
Dana Hovey (Winter Seckel)
(Seckel open seedling)
MA
before 1855 |
small |
golden-yellow, russeted |
highly aromatic tender |
May 9
Oct
|
P. communis
to z4 |
Fedco
2005
Row 2
|
moderately heavy cropper; spreading tree; adapts to a variety of soils; scab and insect resistant; intensely
sweet |
Magness
(Seckel x Comice)
Iowa
released
1968
|
medium |
greenish yellow with blushes of red |
soft, juicy |
May 6 (est.)
early Sept |
BET
to z5 |
Cummins 2009
Row 1
|
late bearing; pollen sterile; few grit cells; resistant to fire blight; rich, complex flavor |
Patten Iowa
released 1922 |
medium to large
classic pear shape |
dark red |
firm |
April 30 to May 14
late Sept |
BET
to z3 |
Cummins 2005
Row 1
|
moderately heavy cropper; slow to bear fruit; good pollinator; must be picked early; susceptible to fireblight |
Savignac Quebec
late 20th Century |
medium |
greenish yellow |
juicy |
April 29 to May 19
Sept |
P. communis
to z3 |
St Lawrence 2002
Creekside |
heavy cropper; few grit cells; very sweet |
Seckel
(Sugar Pear)
Pennsylvania
before 1760 |
small
roundish |
reddish-brown russet over yellow or greenish-brown |
creamy white |
April 28 to May 10
Sept |
BET
to z4 |
Cummins 2003
Row 1 |
self fertile; thinning helps increase fruit size; resistant to fire blight; intensely sweet & spicy; aromatic, |
Tyson
Pennsylvania
before 1800 |
small to medium
more roundish than classic pear shape |
red |
|
May 6 to after May 23
late Au |
P. communis
to z4 |
Fedco
2003
Row 2 |
resistant to fire-blight; almost as sweet as Seckel; creamy, few or no grit cells; aromatic; very juicy |
Vermont Beauty
(may be identical to Forelle or Trout Pear)
Vt & NY
around 1880
or
Germany before 1700
|
medium |
lemon yellow with a bright red
blush & pinkish-red dots |
yellow-tinged, tender, melting, smooth, dense, fine-grained,
juicy, aromatic |
May 8 (est.)
Sept |
P. communis
to z4 |
Fedco
2006
Row 1 |
naturally spreading tree; very few grit cells; susceptible to scab. |
Variety
Origin
Date |
Fruit
Size |
Skin |
Flesh |
Bloom
Harvest |
Rootstock
&
Hardiness
|
Source Year Location |
Merits & Faults |
Contender
(Summercrest x Redhaven)
NC 1987 |
med to large |
predominantly red over yellow |
yellow, firm, non-browning, freestone |
April 28 to May 11
Sep 8-12 |
to z4
|
Cummins 2008
Row 4
|
tree: vigorous, reliable, heavy cropper; ver hardy fruit buds. |
Eden
NY1466
(Champion x Raritan Rose)
NY 1940 |
med to large
|
red over creamy white, little fuzz |
white, firm, browns quickly, freestone |
April 27 to May 11
Aug 27-31 |
to z5
Halford |
Cummins 2007
Row 2
|
tree: vigorous, heavy cropper, self pollinator |
Finger Lakes Super Hardy
NY |
small to medium |
red-orange over yellow |
yellow, non-browning, freestone |
April 26 to May 7
Sep 14-18 |
to z5
standard |
Miller
2008
Row 1
|
tree: |
Garnet Beauty
(Red Haven bud mutant)
Ontario, discovered in 1951 |
large to very large |
red over yellow |
yellow, firm, non-browning, semi-freestone |
April 26 (est.)
Aug 9-13 |
to z4
peach |
Cummins 2009
Row 4
|
tree: vigorous |
Glowing Star
(from Stellar series)
Michigan, post-1990 |
medium large |
bright red |
yellow, firm, non-browning, freestone |
April 27 (est.)
Sep 8-12 |
to z4
Halford |
Cummins 2009
Row 5
|
tree: vigorous, fruit hangs well |
Halehaven
(JH Hale and South Haven) Michigan 1932 |
medium |
some red over dull greenish yellow |
yellow with red around pit, non-browning, firm, freestone to semi-freestone |
April 27 (est.)
Aug 19-23 |
to z5
Halford
|
Miller
2008
Row 7
|
tree: vigorous, heavy cropper (needs thinning) |
Loring
(Frank x Halehaven)
Missouri 1946 |
large |
mostly yellow, little fuzz |
yellow, firm melting-flesh, freestone |
April 27 to May 10
Sep 10-14 |
to z5/z6
Halford |
Cummins 2008
Row 2
|
tree: requires little or no thinning, heavy cropper, fruit hangs well; highest rated for flavor in several tests |
Madison
(open pollinated x Redhaven)
Virginia 1963 |
medium |
bright red, little fuzz |
orange yellow, browns quickly, very firm, freestone |
April 27 to May 12
Sep 10-14 |
to z4
Halford |
Cummins 2007
Row 6
|
tree: vigorous; buds hardy, fruit tender. |
Redhaven
(Halehaven' x 'Halehaven)
Michigan 1948 |
medium |
predominantly red over golden yellow |
yellow with red around pit, very firm, non-browning, freestone to semi-freestone |
April 27 to May 12
Aug 19-23 |
to z5
Halford
|
Cummins 2005
Rows 2 & 5 |
tree: vigorous, heavy cropper (needs thinning) |
Reliance
NH 1964 |
medium |
dark red over yellow |
vibrant yellow, browns quickly, soft, freestone to semi-freestone |
April 30 May 16
Aug 14-18 |
to z4
Halford |
Cummins 2005
first fruit 2007
Row 3
|
tree: vigorous, fast-growing, not a heavy cropper, fruit does not hang well; good tasting fresh off the tree, but low rated in many tests |
Rochester
(Early Crawford x open pollinated)
NY 1900 |
medium to large |
red over yellow |
yellow, browns quickly, medium soft, freestone to semi-freestone |
April 28 to May 14
Aug 14-25 |
to z4
standard |
Miller
2008
Row 6
|
tree: vigorous, upright spreading
more popular in England than in US |
Saturn
(Doughnut)
NJ 1990 |
medium to large, very oblate |
white, with red blush; heavy fuzz, skin peels easily |
white, soft, freestone |
April 28 May 11
Aug 15-20 |
to z5
Halford |
Cummins 2008
Row 3
|
tree: fruit does not hang well; very sweet |
Veteran
(Early Elberta x Vaughn)
Canada 1928 |
medium to large |
yellow to yellow-orange, with almost no red; heavy fuzz, skin peels easily |
yellow, browns quickly, soft, freestone to semi-freestone |
April 27 to May 14
Sep 4-8 |
to z4
Halford |
Cummins 2007
Row 6
|
Tree: dependable cropper. Fruit: not attractiv |
For cherries, large is 1" or more, medium around 3/4 inch.
Failed varieties: Fortune, Stanley, Underwood, South Dakota, Toka.