The comprehensive resource for apples and orchards

Cox's Orange Pippin apple

This is the benchmark for flavor in apples - from a good tree in a good year it can achieve exceptional flavor.

Cox's Orange Pippin photo tape

This is the classic English apple, often regarded as the finest of all dessert apples, and the inspiration for this website. It arose in England in the 19th century as a chance seedling, and has inspired apple lovers ever since. It remains unsurpassed for its richness and complexity of flavour.

Two characteristics tend to be apparent in its offspring to a greater or lesser extent. Firstly the relatively pronounced and complex "aromatic" flavour which elevates it above most other varieties. Secondly, the striking and attractive orange-red colouring.

It is the range and complexity of flavours which makes Cox's Orange Pippin so appealing to enthusiasts of the "English" style of apple. This is a variety for the connoisseur, who can delight in the appreciation of the remarkable range of subtle flavours - pear, melon, freshly-squeezed Florida orange juice, and mango are all evident in a good example.  Almost all other apples taste one-dimensional alongside a good Cox's Orange Pippin.

Although Cox is often considered  a variety to keep for a few months, we suspect this is a hangover from Victorian tradition before the invention of modern controlled atmosphere storage techniques, because it does not really keep that long.  The authorities may not agree but in our opinion it is at its best when picked fully ripe straight from the tree, or within a few weeks at most.  In this respect, Cox is not really a "late" apple variety and is perhaps better considered a late-picking mid-season variety - and some of its offspring such as Ellison's Orange are definitely mid-season varieties.

The term "orange" in the context of apple varieties commonly refers to an apple with an orange flush.  Many of these varieties such as Kidd's Orange Red, Ellison's Orange and Tydemann's Late Orange are related to Cox, but it can be applied to others such as Blenheim Orange.

Not surprisingly, Cox has been frequently used in breeding programmes, with growers seeking to marry its unique flavour with desirable characteristics from other varieties. Whilst some might argue that none of its offspring achieve the unique blend of flavours that Cox does, many of these varieties are nonetheless excellent in their own right - and to many people are more appealing than the more "serious" nature of the Cox.  We list many of these further down this page.

It is also worth seeking out Queen Cox, a 'sport' of the variety which has more flushed appearance and a crisper texture which - especially if you like crisp apples - is arguably an improvement over the original.

Unfortunately England's greatest apple is not particularly easy to grow. It needs a relatively cool maritime climate and is also prone to diseases.

Although quite widely available in UK supermarkets, either from UK or New Zealand suppliers, in our experience these apples often have an empty flavour and can be very disappointing, given the legendary reputation of this variety. Therefore, growing your own may be the only answer, inspite of the potential difficulties. After picking, the apples can either be eaten straight away or stored in a cold dark place to allow the flavour to develop - but best eaten before Christmas.  Alternatively, Cox can often be found at farmers's markets.

Whilst the reputation of Cox's Orange Pippin is known and respected worldwide, many apple enthusiasts outside its native home in England who have tried growing it are sometimes left unimpressed with the results.  It seems that the true flavor of Cox's Orange Pippin is only achieved in the marginal cool temperate climate of England, although the climates of the Pacific North West of the USA and Canada, and Nova Scotia in eastern Canada come close.

If you live in an area with a continental climate you may be more succcessful with some of the close relatives, of which Rubinette is probably the best example.  Although still not particularly easy, Rubinette can be grown successfully in many areas of North America where Cox's Orange Pippin does not seem to work, and crucially, when you bite into a Rubinette you are coming very close to the flavor of Cox's Orange Pippin.

Flavour is a very personal thing but Cox's Orange Pippin is essential reading for anyone interested in apples, because the insight it gives into the breadth of flavor that can be achieved.  It is unquestionably the benchmark against which all others are measured, as well as being (along with Golden Delicious) one of the most influential apples for the development of other varieties.

Last updated 06 Jan 2012.

Summary

  • Species: Malus domestica
  • Parentage: Ribston Pippin ?
  • Origin: England, United Kingdom
  • Introduced: 1825
  • Orange Pippin Cultivar ID: 108600

Identification

  • Fruit colour: Red / Orange flush
  • Flesh colour: Cream
  • Fruit size: Medium
  • Bultitude apple group: 7. Flushed / striped, some russeting, sweet

Using

  • Good for eating fresh
  • Good for juice
  • Good for hard cider
  • Flavour quality: Exceptional
  • Flavour style: Aromatic
  • Ripening period: Mid-Late season
  • Use / keeping: 1-2 months

Growing

  • Cropping: Light
  • Flowering period: Mid season
  • Flowering group: 3
  • Fertility: Self-sterile Some sports are self-fertile
  • Triploid: No
  • Vigour: Average growth
  • Gardening skill: Some skill needed
  • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
  • General disease resistance: Poor

Climate

  • Suitable for warm climates
  • Suitable for temperate climates
  • Suitable for NW. Scotland?: No

Other qualities

  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Disease resistance

  • Mildew  - Some susceptibility
  • Fireblight  - Some susceptibility
  • Bacterial canker  Pseudomonas syringae  - Very susceptible
  • Scab  - Very susceptible

Relationships to other varieties

Parents and other ancestors of this variety:

  • Ribston Pippin - Ribston Pippin is generally believed to be one of the parents of Cox

Offspring of this variety:

Sports (natural genetic mutations) of this variety:

Cox's Orange Pippin identification photos from official fruit collections


UK National Fruit Collection

©Crown Copyright more >
UK National Fruit Collection

Cox's Orange Pippin identification photos from website visitors


Cox's Orange Pippin at the National Fruit Collection, Kent, England tape


Cox's Orange Pippin at the National Fruit Collection, Kent, England

Cox's Orange Pippin in New Hampshire tape


Cox's Orange Pippin in New Hampshire

Cox's Orange Pippin tree tape


Cox's Orange Pippin tree

Copyright: A. Underhill


Rate this variety for flavor

Current rating: 4 out of 5. Total votes cast: 18
 

Visitor comments

(Use the form at the bottom to add your own comments about this variety)

11 Oct 2011 Gordon KellyFLORIDA, United States
want to purchase a box of cox pippin apples or does anyone know of any orchard that does sell them and ships them. Gordon J Kelly 850 871 2847
01 Oct 2011 GgordonWASHINGTON, United States
My COP does great here in W Wa. I came to this site to research if the apple could be picked a bit early. Most of the large crop will be used for cider/blending [28 apple varieties allows choice of uses.] Excellent but long ways from one of my favorites...in my opinion overrated as 'best' apple ever.
28 Jul 2011 Paul StevensonBRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada
I once lived on a ranch in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. The land had been settled and cleared by English settlers before 1900. Two old COP trees survived in the lower field but were past their prime and very overgrown. I pruned them back and they produced a limited supply of delicious but small Pippins. They were prone to "watering" or whatever it is properly called where the flesh has water spots inside...this was possibly in part due to the land not being properly drained. The old name for the creek was Crosdaile...an old English name no doubt!
12 Jul 2011 Terry DraycottHEREFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
I am very interested in the comments by John Cox, New Jersey on the 30th May 2011, regarding the origin of the C.O.P, Richard Cox was my Great Grandfather. If Yoy read this please get in touch.
30 May 2011 John CoxNEW JERSEY, United States
Cox's Orange Pippin is an apple cultivar first grown in 1825, at Colnbrook in Buckinghamshire, England, by my incle a retired brewer and horticulturist Richard Cox. Though the origin of the cultivar is unknown, the Ribston Pippin seems a likely candidate. The variety was introduced for sale by the 1850s by Mr. Charles Turner, and grown commercially from the 1860s, particularly in the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire, and later in Kent.

24 Apr 2011 Stanley ChunnTN, United States
Looking for information regarding growing the Cox Orange Pippin. They have a rep for being hard to grow. I put one in the ground along with several other varieties last Fall and they seem to be the least vigorous of the lot.
16 Mar 2011 Terry SaleWAIRARAPA, New Zealand
I have a Cox's tree in my garden which I believe to be about 10- 12 yrs old. When we first moved into this house the tree was smallish, and I grafted Sturmer Pippin on to half of it and last year I put a few grafts of Golden Delicious and Fuji on to it. I have had good crops of Cox's, last years total being 520 plus 150 Sturmers. This year I have picked perhaps half the crop of Cox's so far and have had well over 250. The only problem I have had this year is with Codlin Moth - my control was badly timed!! I would say that my tree is about 10ft tall and a diameter of about 8ft. We do get some good frosts here in the lower half of the North Island of N.Z. ( well, I think they are good! about -5 or6 deg C or 24 - 25 F, and usually warm days after a frost. Winter lasts about 3 - 4 months here which is bearable!! Hope this is of interest. Terry
23 Jan 2011 DebraBRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada
We live on a heritage farm mid-vancouver island and have enjoyed and delighted in the abundant supply of Cox's Orange Pippin for many years. We are now looking to share and ensure the longevity of our heritage garden species. Advise on recommended root stock is msot welcome ~ The products of our labour will also be made available for others to enjoy. Note: we have not had any problems with this wonderful heritage variety. Regards and Enjoy!
31 Dec 2010 Bob OsborneNEW BRUNSWICK, Canada
I have propagated and sold 'Cox's Orange' trees for over 20 years. We are living where temperatures can drop to -40 but have never lost any trees as they are grafted on very hardy Russian rootstocks. If anyone in Canada is looking for a source they can order them at www.cornhillnursery.com Unfortunately we cannot ship fruit trees outside of Canada. The 'Cox's Orange' is the stuff of legend and they seem to enjoy our Maritime climate. At one time Nova Scotia used to ship barrel loads to England and I believe they were high quality as the conditions are not that different from England.
24 Oct 2010 N. BuckCAMBRIDGESHIRE, United Kingdom
Alison. - Are you certain that the damaged branches are a result of animals? Cox's is quite prone to canker, which causes various types of bark damage - varying from sunken areas of bark, to missing bark and exposed underlying wood, through to an appearance of unzipping and peeling of the bark. However, if you still think that the damage is being caused by animals, it may well be squirrels, or possibly deer.
24 Oct 2010 AlisonBIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom
After searching the web decided to buy a self-fertilising dwarf apple tree , and settled on Orange Pippin because of its reputation. The first year there were about 12 apples, but this second year we've had a bumper crop of around 40 apples! The only gripe is that the branches have sagged down under the weight, and some (unknown) animal/s have bitten chunks out of them. As it's at the end of the garden we'd forgotten about getting our harvest in. They're sweet and juicy. Any suggestions as to the guilty animal? Hope it isn't rats, which are found everywhere.
08 Oct 2010 Richard C. HoytMAINE, United States
In '06 I planted two full sized Cox's Orange Pippins. One was girdled by voles the other is doing moderately well. I planted comfrey as a companion plant and use cardboard topped with seaweed as a mulch to keep down the grasses. We're the, "easternmost town in the U.S." Plenty of high winds off the Atlantic, snow, and lots of fog in spring and early summer. We'll see how it does. Dick Hoyt Lubec Maine DickH@wwsisp.com
27 Jul 2010 Dave LiezenWA, United States
So happy to find the note from Axel, March '08. I have a Queen Cox, in the ground three years and looking forward to a very first taste in a few months. My tree does well until we exerience hot temps (90F+) which came a few weeks ago and again for at least a week at the end of July'10. Spokane is fairly high and dry; no matter how I water around it, the leaves curl and lose elasticity. Perhaps I dwell at the upper extreme of what this tree can withstand. If the fruit comes through as so many exclaim, I'll keep on, for the tree otherwise grows well and is problem free.
26 Apr 2010 Keith JonesCAMBRIDGE, New Zealand
I own ahouse in New Zealand and with it came a 50 year old tree which had deliceous apples. The tree was blown over but I took a number of cuttings and had them grafted. This was 3 years ago I picked my first apples from all accounts taste etc they are Cox's orange pippings. I have photographs etc and they are disease resistant no codling moth eg
20 Mar 2010 DaveLEICS., United Kingdom
English-grown Cox's, perhaps a little acid at times but can't be beaten. I have eaten NZ Cox's a few times and have assumed that they were a different variety "borrowing" the name as they have had a less complex flavour and have been uniformly more acid.
03 Feb 2010 Susan S FliegelALABAMA, United States
Many years ago found this apple in the Boston Farmer's Market when I was visiting there, and bought a few. Went back the next day and bought a huge bag full. One of the best apples I have ever eaten, and the one I will plant if I get land in the next few years.
24 Nov 2009 DamianIRELAND, Ireland
My great great grandfather was the very first to introduce the cox orange to the canterbury area in New Zealand. Arrived on the The Randolph 1850.
20 Oct 2009 NiamhIRELAND, Ireland
It annoys me so much to see Cox apples from Holland etc when we can just as easily grow it in Ireland, or at least import it from England.
18 Oct 2009 JicENGLAND, United Kingdom
I've always been mystified by this idea that Cox's Orange Pippin is the best apple in the world. I've eaten many over the years (both commercially-grown and home-grown), and I consider it a tasty but unremarkable apple. I don't even consider it the best British variety, which I think is the Egremont Russet.
17 Oct 2009 WendyROCHESTER, NY, United States
You can find 1 yr seedlings of this variety from Miller Nurseries in Canandaigua, NY. They have an online catalog.
15 Oct 2009 Paul MarshE SUSSEX, United Kingdom
Can you explain why it is that, after the Cox's season has passed, we get in the shops Cox's from New Zealand which don't look like Cox's have a different skin from Cox's and certainly don't taste like Cox's? What are these horrors? Paul Marsh
11 Oct 2009 BeeIL, United States
I am SO happy to read your post and that your farm has it's own website. I look forward to seeing you at the Saturday market in Lincoln Park!
12 Sep 2009 Brad LundB.C., Canada
I was looking around for info on the cox orange apple and saw your post. I live in North Van as was given a Cox Orange about 20yrs ago this is the first year it has produced fruit. How is yours doing?
08 Sep 2009 Ronald WhiteDELTA , BC , Canada
Where can I buy COP trees in Vancouver , BC , Canada or vicinity ?
28 Aug 2009 Roger WhitingEAST ANGLIA, United Kingdom
I have a four-year-old C.O.P. It cropped from year one and this year has the heaviest crop of big fruit so far. It has grown very straggly (my fault?); any tips on pruning please?
25 Aug 2009 DavidLONDON, United Kingdom
Has anyone tried cider made from the Orange Pippin or have an orchard? If you do, what sort of difficulties are there cultivating them? - Pests etc.
21 Aug 2009 Miguel PeredaOVIEDO-ASTURIAS-ESPAÑA, Spain
Estoy de acuerdo en que es una variedad de gusto agradable. Yo tengo un hermoso árbol en Asturias. No tiene enfermedades y es muy productivo pero la manzana es excesivamente blanda y no se conserva bien y aunque el arbol produce mucho no se aprovecha porque la manzana se estropea muy rápidamente. otras variedades se conservan mucho mejor y se pueden aprovechar más. Saludos . I agree that it is a variety of pleasant flavour. I have a nice tree in Asturias. It doesn’t have illnesses and is very productive but it is excessively soft and doesn’t conserve well and although the tree produces alot it isn’t an advantage because the apple damages very quickly. Other varieties they conserve a lot better and you can get more advantages.

22 Jul 2009 EleanorNT, Australia
Cox's are by far the best eating apples,is it possible to purchase these apples in Australia
13 Jun 2009 EileenWEST WALES, United Kingdom
I agree with comments made about Cox's Orange Pippin (especially Phil's!). Just bought a bag of them with UK stamped on it, but the flavour is not the true Cox's. Other Cox's I've bought I've traced to N.Z. They don't have that unique flavour of those grown in the UK. Must be our weather! I have no room for a tree in my present garden but am trying to locate a good source of a patio one, as there is no apple to beat it!
07 May 2009 Gillian BurnsLONDON, United Kingdom
The real cox's orange pippin of my childhood is no more. Where can we buy them now?
10 Apr 2009 LorenIndiana, United States
Another source for these trees in the USA is Trees of Antiquity in Paso Robles, CA. Their phone number is: (805) 467-9909. Their web site is: www.treesofantiquity.com. I got my first one from them this year, Spring 2009. They shipped excellent stock with good root systems. Unfortunately, they are now sold out of Cox's Orange Pippin for Spring 2009.
06 Apr 2009 EmrMELBOURNE,, Australia
I would love to be able to graft a branch on to one of my existing apple trees. It was my favurite apple when I was a chld. Any locals able to oblige?
23 Jan 2009 Chad NicholsMARENGO, IL, United States
We have been growing Cox Orange Pippin at out orchard in Marengo, IL for 25 years now and I agree they are the best apple ever. The density of flavor and flesh makes this one truely stand out. Its not just sweet, but has a complex flavor that words do no justice. Nicholsfarm grows over 170 varieties and this one is my favorite. We also attend 18 Chicago farmers markets so if your in the area you can get them end of August through September fresh off the tree.
02 Jan 2009 Bill WebsterCENTRAL HIGHLANDS VICTORIA, Australia
I have an espalierd cox on dwarf rootstock. It produced fruit in its second year, its now 4 years old and is laden with fruit.
29 Dec 2008 Marty MylesOSHAWA, ONT., Canada
Try this place, it is where I got my Pippin trees, great place to deal with. mail@siloamorchards.com
08 Oct 2008 OddjobESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, United States
I have just purchased my first Cox Orange Pippin last night in the grocery store I frequent (a "Whole Foods" store). They had a small number of specialty apples for sale, including this one. I have long wondered about its taste, knowing how popular and famous it was in the UK. My own favorite is an American apple named "Jonathan". I will be most interested in comparing the two! Jonathan has a gently spicy flavor. To bite into a Jonathan apple is to take a bite of apple cider! Unfortunately THAT apple I can't seem to find in this part of the world! :-(
04 Oct 2008 BradNEW YORK, NY, United States
In our NYC greenmarkets, varieties abound, there are a number of orchards that have limited amounts of "gourmet" apples. Of note, Rubinette, Calville Blanc, Court Pendu Platt are some that I have come across, but rarely. Finally, I found Cox, and wow, what a treat. I am an apple fanatic, eat 4 a day, and now i see why all the hubbub. Anyone in the UK who knows how I can some shipped, let me know: rolsto@yahoo.com. thanks brad
02 Oct 2008 Christophe DriST DIDIER (84), France
La cox orange était une vapeur du passé. Je n'en ai goûté qu'une dans ma vie... mais quelle empreinte elle a laissé sur moi... Pendant des années je n'ai plus mangé de pommes (il est vrai que nos pommes françaises manquent d'esprit), hanté par la chanson acidulée de la cox... la croyant espèce détruite et fantômatique... Je la retrouve aujourd'hui après 20 ans... apprends que vous, mes amis anglais, en êtes blasés... Tout va tout de suite mieux... CD
30 Sep 2008 JamesEASTERN TOWNSHIPS QUEBEC, Canada
Growing up on 35 acres of apple trees in the Eastern Townships of Quebec Canada, we were fortunate enough to have a couple of trees of what I believe were true Cox's Orange Pippin, that would even make Bernard from England happy. Complete with rattling seeds, these were and always will be my favourite. When my Dad sold the orchard, the new owner from what I understand, removed the trees. I have not had one since, which is very sad indeed. We are hoping to find and plant one or two of these trees on our property soon.
16 Sep 2008 SteveMISSION,KANSAS., United States
I lived in norfolk england. We had a orhard of 70 cox's and also other apples such as egmont russet,red rome,cordon's just the cox's went to market. I never thought this apple could be grown here in the States!. I had a hand in looking after these tree's from spraying, pruning,picking,gradeing and so on.
14 Sep 2008 Barbara ChiariBURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA, United States
I grew up in England and remember with great pleasure the Cox's Orange Pippin tree in my grandfather's garden. That was in the 1940's, 50's and 60's. I wonder if the tree is still there. I have never since eaten an apple to compare. Absolutely delicious.
29 Aug 2008 Ann SinclairJAMAICA PLAIN, MA, United States
Chris from Long Island. In North east MA there is a family run orchard that grows Cox's orange pippins - Greenwood Farm, 265 Millers Falls Road, Rt 63 Northfield, MA 01360 Website: www.greenwoodnursery.com; perhaps they would give you a source for trees. I live in Boston and have a converted urban lot now producing some apples including a Cox's orange pippin tree (I grew up in Scotland and was reared on these great tasting apples). To be honest this is the first year in about seven it has been truly productive. My source was Millernurseries.com but I am not so sure about the quality of their stock; though it may just be that fruit trees are not a breeze to grow. I've heard of a weekend class offered in New Hampshire by a the writer of the book The Apple Grower, Michael Philips (his focus is organic) http://www.herbsandapples.com/classes.php#apple.
29 Aug 2008 Sherman C. RunionsTRANSYLVANIA / NORTH CAROLINA, United States
We are looking for a Cox's Orange Pippin apple tree for a special client from the UK. We would like one that is bearing say 7 to 8 feet high. Would appreciate your help.
12 Aug 2008 Geoff SeymourRUGBY WARWICKSHIRE, United Kingdom
I have a cox's orange pippin tree, there is no better tasting apple anywhere in the uk, you can't buy them from supermarkets you can buy cox's (imported) sometimes english but not the orange pippin with its own flavour and crispness, just pick and enjoy.
19 Jul 2008 RoyLONDON, United Kingdom
i agree they are wonderfull apples i have a tree in my garden and think people who cant get them or never tasted them are missing out on such a wonderfull apple i have been told they were started by a gardener in harrow middx 2miles from me but dont now if its true keep eating the best apple in the world regards roy hollis uk
17 Jul 2008 Lionel ThompsonOREWA, New Zealand
When a young kid my father had a small orchard, and of all the different fruit the taste that sticks in my mind by far the most is that of the Cox's Orange. Though on the wrong side of 80 have just shifted house and since I have the space have planted another one -a bit hard to come by, but still available. Just hoping it is self fertile? and that I live long enough to pick and eat some straight off the tree!
03 Jun 2008 DerekCOAL HARBOUR, BC, Canada
I just planted a dwarf 'Cox Orange Pippin' apple tree in the front yard of my new home. I wanted to plant a tree the day I took possession of the place and this was the tree I selected. I had never heard of this varietal, but found the tree at a garden centre. Now I'm really excited to try one of these apples! I'm wondering if it's too rainy were I live. We'll see what happens. :)
18 Apr 2008 DarrenRENO, NV USA, United States
Queen Cox and six of the Cox's progeny are offerd through raintreenursery.com in the U.S. Applesource, a mailorder distributor of numerous apple varieties told me that Cox's Orange Pippin preferred to be sited next to a body of water for the temperature and humidity moderating effects. I ordered a dozen different apples to decide what to plant back of the house, and although Applesource told me the Cox's were past their prime, I insisted on trying them. What a gem! It had real competitors in Ashmead's and others, too.
26 Mar 2008 AxelSANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA, United States
Someone had what turns out to be the not so brilliant idea to have the viruses removed from the cox orange pippin (this is often done in the lab by regrowing the wood in vitro). Well, it turns out that the cox's orange pippin that has been cleaned of all viruses is reputed to be rather poor in flavor compared to the old cox. (The virus free version is available from Dave Wilson, who acknowledges it's lack in flavor compared to the regular diseased one.) Yes, cox orange pippin is very disease prone, and apparently, this is desirable in order to get the original, richly flavored and ugly, warty cox orange pippin. Here in California, we have to grow it with afternoon shade, otherwise the fruit gets fried. So it's not all that warm loving after all.

08 Mar 2008 JohnNEW YORK, NY, United States
I lived in England for 8.5 yrs. This is the best apple I ever tasted & will always be my favorite.
27 Feb 2008 Peter CopestakeCOLNE, LANCASHIRE. ENGLAND, United Kingdom
As I've just put on another site I don't think there is any comparison between Cox apples and Cox's Orange Pippins and if they are not the same is there a case for ASA or Trading Standards intervening. I think we are being conned.
25 Feb 2008 Lee MinceySAVANNAH GA, United States
THIS APPLE ROCKS!!!
23 Feb 2008 ReeceAustralia
cox's orange pippins are da best ya Know
04 Feb 2008 Laraine SantagatoCALIFORNIA, United States
Having called a local nursery I thought may have the Cox's apple and didn't, I decided to browse the internet and found an orchard in Virginia that grafts and stocks old fashioned apples or vintage apples, Cox's orange pipin was among their rootstock. I end up buying it from this orchard, called "Rural ridge orchard" its a 1 year old, so I have no idea when it will bare fruit. Anyone out there know how old they are when they bare fruit?
03 Feb 2008 Laraine SantagatoCALIFORNIA, United States
I just wanted to ask Steve from Orange Vale Ca, where he purchased his Cox's apple tree? I phoned the nursery nearest me that USED TO USE DAVE WILSON'S and she told me she would see what she could do, but that she now uses different suppliers. I was told that I couldn't buy the tree from Wilson's because he's a whole seller. I would gladly buy it through a web page, but haven't found one yet that has them. Anyone with suggestions ?
03 Feb 2008 Laraine SantagatoCALIFORNIA, United States
I had forgotten that I had left a comment on this board before, because to my delight I received an e-mail today letting me know that a local nursery near me can order a Cox's apple tree. I will definitely pursue this lead, and thank Steve that informed me of this, thanks Steve, I will let you know what I find out, Laraine
03 Feb 2008 SteveCALIFORNIA/Sacramento County, United States
Laraine- I just bought a Cox's Orange Pippin. Your local nursery can order it from Dave Wilson Nursery, a wholesale nursery in central Cal.
26 Jan 2008 Frances PologiorgiATHENS,GREECE, Greece
I grew up in Sussex, England inthe 50's and always remembered the exquisite Cox's orange pipins my grandfather grew{yes,the seeds rattled] A few years ago in England I bought some so-called Cox's,but there was no comparison,neither in appearance or flavour. There is however a very tasty Greek variety traditionally from Tripolis,with an similar uneven,rough appearance. It seems that the growers who develop "attractive"apples for the supermarkets are unable to combine looks with flavour.
25 Jan 2008 Chris SanfordLONG ISLAND, NY, United States
I grew up on a farm in Somerset, England and we had four or five orchards the apples of which were never picked. We also had just three Cox's Orange Pippin trees in the kitchen garden which were always picked bare for the house! One great apple it was, and you never wanted anything else. I'd love to find out if same can be grown in Long Island, NY which lately has had fairly mild Winters but Summers are fairly hot. Does anyone know if this apple tree is wind/soil/temperature sensitive (or a combo?) I had no idea they were prone to disease or tricky to grow. Also where can I get starter trees/cuttings in NE US? Also, any basic growing "do's" and "don'ts would be much appreciated?"
21 Jan 2008 Enid HughesALDERSHOT, United Kingdom
Cox's are my favourites,(except for lovely Ashmead's Kernel, which don't come into the equation because they are hardly ever grown commercially) We are lucky, we have a Cox's tree--- Pick your Cox's when they come easily into your hand---if they don't give way at the lightest twist, they're not ready!
31 Dec 2007 Laraine SantagatoCALIFORNIA, United States
I'm from England originally and cox's apples were my favourite. I guess we could try and find a nursery that perhaps owns the root stock ? I have never ever heard them called orange pipin's, nor have I ever seen a cox's apple in a supermarket here,or in the midwest where I had lived many years ago, oh well I guess I have to make do with Braeburn and Gala apples
16 Dec 2007 EleanorNORTH OF TORONTO, ONTARIO, Canada
I have been looking for orange pippens in Ontario. Are they available anywhere near here?
22 Nov 2007 Abner J. SchlabachSO. ROYALTON, VERMONT, United States
Steve Parkes asked about Cox apples in Vt. I recently purchased some from Scott Farm who have a Dummerston, Vt address but are, in fact, near Brattleboro. There's a very nice article about them at http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/Heirloom- Apples.html I love old varieties of apples and Scott Farm has a wide range of them. Poverty Lane Orchard just across the river in Lebanon, NH has one tree of Cox. In both cases I would call regarding availability before driving there. If you wish you may contact me directly at AV62@Localnet.com.
21 Nov 2007 Steve ParkesVERMONT, United States
Abner. Can you contact me with details on where to find them in Vermont? My family were given a box of them for Christmas in England in the early 70's.
05 Nov 2007 Abner J. SchlabachSO. ROYALTON, VERMONT, United States
I agree that the flavor of the Cox is unsurpassed, as is the aroma. I have lived in London where I often purchased Cox apples. Also in Pennsylvania USA where I previously lived I had a Cox tree. Now in Vermont I can purchase them from two different specialty orchards. The ones I currently have do indeed have seeds that rattle. I have never heard that with any other apple. The Cox apples we have here may or may not be precisely like the English one but they're very close.
01 Nov 2007 James RoseLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, United States
Do you have any info on where I might find this apple in this area?
20 Oct 2007 Stewart HobbsNASILSEA SOMERSET, United Kingdom
Is the coxs orange pippin the same as a coxs orange. My friend says they are different true or false? [OP: They are the same]
20 Oct 2007 Debbie XochimitlPROVO, UTAH, United States
I adore pippin apples but cannot purchase them here. I would like to grow them, but don't know if I can. Is there anywhere that I can go for information?
18 Oct 2007 DaffyMICHIGAN, United States
I remember my father talking about this apple variety and he had looked for it up until his death. Afterwhich I took the task of finding it just by visiting various growers and poking around. After a nearly 40 year quest between us, I finally located it. It is everything my father said it was and more. Wow, so flavorful with wonderful hits of orange. Do anyone know where I can get a tree. I have been saving seeds from the bushel of apples I bought, but know it will take far too long to wait and enjoy this apple variety again! You help is apprecaited. daffyslanding@yahoo.com
18 Oct 2007 Jack ConnerCASTRO VALLEY, CA, United States
A friend imported a dwarf Cox's in 1968 and gave me a twig. I have been growing it ever since. The fruit is ugly, often with corking at the stem end, but its flavor is incomparable. Some years ago, coming out of the British Museum, I crossed the street and found the Museum Pub, with a little old lady standing beside a display of her pies, made that morning with apples from her son's orchard in Kent: Cox's Orange Pippin. Best pie I ever ate.
17 Oct 2007 Julie BezantWEST WALES, United Kingdom
I'm sure the modern cox isn't the true, traditonal one of my childhood. A proper cox has a superb taste, but the imported, supermarket "cox's" are imposters. They don't look like a cox's orange and they don't taste like one either.
02 Oct 2007 MollyIL, United States
Apples on Oak in Joliet, IL is an hobbyist's orchard that has over 100 varieties of apple. You can pick your own, but it is getting late, and they don't have many apples left. The owner sold me an apple he described as "Cox-like," and it is indeed delicious and aromatic. I don't think I've ever had a more flavorful apple.
01 Oct 2007 Roslyn StempelILLINOIS, United States
I used to enjoy Cox's orange pippins while living in the state of Michigan, but after moving to Illinois I was unable to find them in any farmer's markets here -- most market apple dealers had never even heard of them. Are they available anywhere here?
20 Sep 2007 CornetVANCOUVER-CANADA, Canada
I have a 3yr old tree that is now giving us some super good looking apples. I would love to know When we can start to pick them...my mouth is watering already in anticipation ;)
16 Sep 2007 Basil LongyISLE OF WIGHT, United Kingdom
The above description of the Cox is accurate. I have a tree which is a derivative and has in some years given me delicious aromatic fruit. But I have difficulty knowing when to pick as birds seem to like them too and fruit picked too early is too tart and dense to be edible. How should I know the point of ripeness?

12 Sep 2007 LynHERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, United Kingdom
I stumbled across some cox's orange pippins, in garden centre in Royston , my husband and i had actually given up trying to locate them .We were immediatley transported back about 20, 30 years , this is what apples should be like , please try to grow more for us .they are the best apple ever
03 Aug 2007 TomUnited Kingdom
The Cox's Orange Pippins that I grew up with in England in the 60s and 70s weren't shiny, rosy-cheeked, photogenic, cookie-cutter supermarketapples. They were often deeply orange in patches, yes; but they were just as likely to be brown all over. They were rough, warty, often wrinkled, often lopsided. They were the apples that would be passed by without a second glance by the poor unfortunates who didn't know what they were. Cox's Orange Pippins don't do shiny and photogenic. They weren't just anther variation of picture-perfect Stepford apples. They had personality and individuality. The thought of Cox's Orange Pippins becoming just another apple analogue of the overblown and flavorless American beefsteak tomato, along with Golden Disgustings, even blander Red Disgustings, and Australian Watersaps, is too terrible to contemplate. Some of these supermarket-tuned wonder-varieties haven't the texture of decent sawdust or the flavor of a properly aged plastic bag. It'll be an irretrievable loss if the true Cox's Orange Pippin has been sacrificed, like so many other wonderful heritage varieties of fruit and vegetables, on the altar of picture-perfect produce-department homogeneity.
03 Aug 2007 TomUnited Kingdom
I now live in Quebec the home of the Mackintosh of which I have become very fond. My wife insists on them though I am also fond of Famous when picked in the cold at the verger. I can remember the Cox's from the uncared trees at Goodmanham Wold Farm (Yorkshire, England) where I stayed with my Uncle about 1953 and I wish that they could be grown here. Like you say not too much to look at but one really great taste."
03 Aug 2007 TomUnited Kingdom
I agree with your tasting notes about this variety - but I am 60 years old. How does anyone younger know when they are tasting a genuine one? I have the impression that imported ones are not the true variety and should not be allowed to be so named. Am I wrong? It used to be a diagnostic of the Cox's Orange Pippin that the seeds rattle when it is shaken. Those which often appear in the supermarkets labelled "Cox's apples", though English, do not rattle and do not taste like Cox's Orange Pippin. Are we being conned?
03 Aug 2007 TomUnited Kingdom
I dislike the imported Cox’s or for that matter most of the imported apples – to me they are not the same; there is something about our climate that makes our apples the best!!!

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Fruit tree register

Do you have a tree of this variety in your garden or orchard? If so please register the details here and contribute to our international register of fruit trees.

The following Cox's Orange Pippin trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree.

You can also view these trees on a map.

United States

United Kingdom

Belgium

France

Germany

Ireland

Netherlands

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Japan

Poland



Latest Spring blossom records for this variety

2011 season

  • 24th May  2011  - tree owned by Chris in NANAIMO, Canada
  • 12th May  2011  - tree owned by Clayton in DANBURY, United States
  • 5th May  2011  - tree owned by Keith in ABAERDEEN, United Kingdom
  • 2nd May  2011  - tree owned by Madeleine in CASTRO VALLEY, United States
  • 1st May  2011  - tree owned by Grace in PORTLAND, United States
  • 24th April  2011  - tree owned by Malcolm in loughborough, United Kingdom
  • 19th April  2011  - tree owned by John in ramsgate, United Kingdom
  • 18th April  2011  - tree owned by Sarah in LONDON, United Kingdom
  • 16th April  2011  - tree owned by James in NARAMATA, Canada
  • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by Frank in PEACEHAVEN, United Kingdom
  • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by James in York, United Kingdom
  • 14th April  2011  - tree owned by Peter in PETERBOROUGH, United Kingdom
  • 12th April  2011  - tree owned by Angela in BEDFORD, United Kingdom
  • 11th April  2011  - tree owned by A in CHIPPENHAM, United Kingdom
  • 7th April  2011  - tree owned by Lee in WISBECH, United Kingdom
  • 4th April  2011  - tree owned by Steve in ORANGE VALE, United States
  • April  2011  - tree owned by Lyn in Cambridge, United Kingdom

2010 season

  • 16th October  2010  - tree owned by Marinus in MOUNT EVELYN, Australia
  • September  2010  - tree owned by Mark in Rangiora, New Zealand
  • July  2010  - tree owned by Lesley in SALTCOATS, United Kingdom
  • 2nd June  2010  - tree owned by John in KOMAGANE-SHI,, Japan
  • 28th May  2010  - tree owned by Frank in PEACEHAVEN, United Kingdom
  • 21st May  2010  - tree owned by Mrs J in settle, United Kingdom
  • 14th May  2010  - tree owned by John in ramsgate, United Kingdom
  • 5th May  2010  - tree owned by Elizabeth in EVESHAM, United Kingdom
  • 5th May  2010  - tree owned by Brian in Haverhill, United Kingdom
  • 31st April  2010  - tree owned by Chris in NANAIMO, Canada
  • 28th April  2010  - tree owned by Angela in BEDFORD, United Kingdom
  • 27th April  2010  - tree owned by Johan in GENT, Belgium
  • 26th April  2010  - tree owned by John in VANCOUVER, Canada
  • 22nd April  2010  - tree owned by Peter in PETERBOROUGH, United Kingdom
  • April  2010  - tree owned by James in NARAMATA, Canada

2009 season

  • 25th April  2009  - tree owned by Frank in PEACEHAVEN, United Kingdom
  • 23rd April  2009  - tree owned by Brian in Haverhill, United Kingdom
  • April  2009  - tree owned by Elizabeth in EVESHAM, United Kingdom
  • April  2009  - tree owned by Malcolm in loughborough, United Kingdom
  • April  2009  - tree owned by James in NARAMATA, Canada

Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.

Latest harvest records for this variety

2011 season

  • 1st week October  2011  - tree owned by Chris in NANAIMO, Canada
  • 4th week September  2011  - tree owned by Jude in PEASENHALL, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week September  2011  - tree owned by James in NARAMATA, Canada
  • 1st week September  2011  - tree owned by Angela in BEDFORD, United Kingdom
  • 4th week August  2011  - tree owned by John in ramsgate, United Kingdom
  • 4th week August  2011  - tree owned by Mark in PALO ALTO, United States

2010 season

  • 3rd week October  2010  - tree owned by Frank in PEACEHAVEN, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week October  2010  - tree owned by James in NARAMATA, Canada
  • October  2010  - tree owned by Steve in POOLE, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week September  2010  - tree owned by John in ramsgate, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week September  2010  - tree owned by James in York, United Kingdom
  • 2nd week September  2010  - tree owned by Jimj in San Francisco, United States
  • 1st week September  2010  - tree owned by Angela in BEDFORD, United Kingdom

2009 season

  • 2nd week October  2009  - tree owned by Frank in PEACEHAVEN, United Kingdom
  • October  2009  - tree owned by Elizabeth in EVESHAM, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week September  2009  - tree owned by Brian in Haverhill, United Kingdom
  • 3rd week September  2009  - tree owned by Andrea in MALDON, United Kingdom
  • September  2009  - tree owned by Angela in BEDFORD, United Kingdom
  • September  2009  - tree owned by Malcolm in loughborough, United Kingdom
  • August  2009  - tree owned by Johan in GENT, Belgium
  • 3rd week February  2009  - tree owned by Mark in Rangiora, New Zealand

Mature heights for Cox's Orange Pippin trees

This table shows the likely mature height for a Cox's Orange Pippin tree taking into account the vigor of the variety, the rootstock, and soil conditions.

Rootstock Soil quality
Poor Below average Average Above average Very good
P22 2.5 ft
0.8 m		 3.1 ft
0.9 m		 3.7 ft
1.1 m		 4.3 ft
1.3 m		 4.9 ft
1.5 m
M27 2.8 ft
0.9 m		 3.5 ft
1.1 m		 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 4.9 ft
1.5 m		 5.6 ft
1.7 m
M9 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Bud.9 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Geneva 16 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Geneva 11 4.9 ft
1.5 m		 6.1 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.6 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m
M26 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.6 ft
2.0 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.2 ft
2.8 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m
Geneva 30 5.6 ft
1.7 m		 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m		 11.2 ft
3.4 m
MM102 5.6 ft
1.7 m		 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m		 11.2 ft
3.4 m
M7 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.5 ft
2.9 m		 11.0 ft
3.4 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m
M116 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.5 ft
2.9 m		 11.0 ft
3.4 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m
MM106 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.8 ft
2.7 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 12.3 ft
3.8 m		 14.0 ft
4.3 m
MM111 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m		 14.7 ft
4.5 m		 16.8 ft
5.2 m
Bud.118 9.1 ft
2.8 m		 11.4 ft
3.5 m		 13.7 ft
4.2 m		 15.9 ft
4.9 m		 18.2 ft
5.6 m
M25 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 13.1 ft
4.0 m		 15.8 ft
4.8 m		 18.4 ft
5.6 m		 21.0 ft
6.4 m

From an idea by N. Buck - more details.

Where to buy apple trees

The following fruit tree nurseries offer Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees for sale:

Where to buy apples

The following orchards and suppliers offer Cox's Orange Pippin apples for sale. map >

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