Laxton's Superb apple

Malus domestica

The definitive late Victorian dessert apple, firm, Cox-style but sweeter, understated but very "more-ish".

Laxton's Superb apple photo tape

Parentage: Cox x Wyken Pippin
Origin: England
Introduced: 1897
Season: Nov-Jan
Apple cultivar ID: 103900


Laxton's Superb is a classic and popular English-style variety from the late Victorian period, one of the high-points in the development of English apples. Laxton Brothers were important breeders at this time and this is probably their most important variety.

Laxton's Superb is essentially a Cox-style apple, but with an interesting twist in flavour inherited from its other parent Wyken Pippin, which had been popular since the 18th century but is now little known. The shape is much more upright than the flattened signature of Cox, and is reminiscent of Adams Pearmain. The colour is dull red flush over green - attractive in a subdued way.

The white-green flesh is quite dense and sweet, and very "appley". The texture is firm rather than crisp, and there is not a lot of juice. Not perhaps characteristics that would endear it to a modern audience, but nevertheless it is actually quite appealing. Like several older varieties it somehow tastes better if you cut it with a knife and eat it in slices or wedges rather than biting into it.

Laxton's Superb represented the state of the art of in English apples at the start of the 20th century, and it is fascinating to compare it with the new varieties such as Meridian and Saturn which have come through at the end of the century. All these varieties use Cox's Orange Pippin as a starting point, but the appearance and combination of flavours in Laxton's Superb makes it very different from the up-front appeal of most modern varieties.

Buy Laxton's Superb apple trees from our own Orange Pippin shop

We have Laxton's Superb apple trees for sale from the Orange Pippin fruit tree shop






Apple Tree Register

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Relationships to other apple varieties

Offspring of this variety:

Parents and other ancestors of this variety:

Discuss Laxton's Superb in our Forums

07 Aug 2009 12:19Michael Strawson
I first tasted this wonderful apple when I bought a house in Bedford which had been owned by one of the Laxton brothers. There were two trees in the garden. I now have one at my home in lincolnshire and it is in it's second season, producing well. I hope I can restrain myself and not start picking too early!
21 May 2009 21:33Gord
The only time I have ever found these apples , was at a friutiers in Tyseley , Brum ......most delicious ! Always looking for more , but will plant a tree now .
12 May 2009 16:33andrew robinson
You should get a crop after the first season since planting.

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Where to buy apple trees

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Apple tree register

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Do you have a tree of this variety in your garden or orchard? If so please found out more about our Apple Tree Register here and register your apple trees.

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