Orange Pippin logo
All about apples, pears, plums, and cherries - and orchards where they are grown

Kidd's Orange Red apple

Kidd's Orange Red

Kidd's Orange Red is named after James Hutton Kidd, an orchard owner living in New Zealand in the early 20th century who had a passion for raising new varieties. Kidd might have been living in the New World, but he was clearly a fan of the complex aromatic flavours of the "English" style of apple. Like many before and since, he experimented with crossing Cox's Orange Pippin, the temperamental but definitive English apple variety. In Kidd's Orange Red he achieved that something special which marks the great from the ordinary, and set a benchmark that has rarely been matched - this is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding "English" style apples available.

The skin colour is yellow but with an extensive orange-red flush. The irregular light patches of russet give it a strongly marbled appearance - more interesting to look at than the super-smooth glossy red skins of the more modern varieties. As it ripens Kidd's Orange Red sometimes has a distinctive pink blush, but by the time it is ready to pick this has usually disappeared. The shape is slightly flattened and can be somewhat lumpy.

The visual appeal is matched by the taste. The skin is thin and the flesh is a light yellow-cream colour, and quite dense. It bites cleanly, but is firm rather than crunchy. The flavour is sweet and honeyed, noticeably sweeter than Cox's Orange Pippin. The aromatic complexity of its parent is still there, but rich sweetness is the predominant impression. Like many "English" style apples it is also pleasantly chewy, and each bite seems to release yet more juice and flavour. It's in some ways reminiscent of a good French dessert wine - sweet, but with a good kick to it.

Kidd's Orange Red's other parent is Delicious a seedling variety found in the USA in the 1870s (not to be confused with Golden Delicious) and by Kidd's time already a major commercial apple variety, and therefore a natural choice for experimentation. This is where Kidd's Orange Red gets its sweetness from.

Kidd's Orange Red is a late season variety, ripening around mid-October in the northern hemisphere. It is best eaten before the New Year.

Kidd's Orange Red is often available from farmers' markets but has never really achieved commercial success because it does not crop especially heavily.  However it is a good choice for the gardener because it is easier to grow than Cox's Orange Pippin, and unlike Delicious can also be grown in more temperate climates.  Once the tree comes into bearing it tends to be a fairly reliable if unspectacular cropper.  Cropping can be improved by gently bending branches towards the horizontal and then tying them into position when they are still young and pliable - left un-trained Kidd's Orange Red trees tend to put out long vertical branches which are less fruitful.

Kidd developed several other apples, the most famous being Gala.  More details on the life of James Hutton Kidd.

If you are looking for a top quality apple tree for the garden, Kidd's Orange Red deserves serious consideration.

Kidd's Orange Red apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Kidd's Orange Red
  • Kidd's Orange Red

USDA identification images for Kidd's Orange Red

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

    Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

    Parents and other ancestors of this variety


    Offspring of this variety


    See also

    • Freyberg - Developed by same breeder - J.H. Kidd of New Zealand

    Visitor reviews

    • 05 Sep 2018  VA, United States
      Excellent grower here in VA. Did well this year of exceptional rain and heat, ripe around Sept 1. Delicious balance of sweet and tart, chewy like a russet and not too red as to attract the crows.
    • 14 Oct 2017  NOTTS, United Kingdom
      After much research I planted one of these trees as an espalier in a sunny corner of my garden three years ago. Just had my first crop, not heavy, just a dozen apples but the fruit were larger than expected from the description I'd read, those dozen weighing in at a tad under 7lb. The apples are delicious. When eaten straight after picking they are crisp but after a couple of days change to being as described. The flavour is exceptional, possibly more sweet than a Cox but I would say the difference is imperceptible, all in I'm very pleased with my choice and am hoping for more crop next year.
    • 08 Oct 2017  DEVON, United Kingdom
      Tasted at RHS Rosemoor's Apple Weekend, it had a good texture and was delicious. Looking forward to planting one among others.
    • 13 Mar 2015  WASHINGTON, United States
      Kidds, I've about 15 trees on bud-9 in med clayloam (all my soil is this rich-no water, no fertilizer) 65 deg. mean avg temp. Perfect, simple, regular bearing. I like keepers and this isn't unless picked early. Cox Orange is better to be sure-it's the shape and texture that wins it over. Kidd's reminds me of gala-shape texture, certainly better flavor, Fiesta and Alkmene are better.
    • 15 Oct 2013  HEREFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
      We moved into our present home in the early 80's. There was an apple tree in the garden which we were unable to identify until recently. The Marcher Apple Society told us it was a Kidd's Orange Red. I have to say that it is undoubtedly one of the best apples I have ever tasted, the flavour is so intense and more than sweet almost like a good dessert wine. So pleased that we finally know what variety it is.
    • 03 Jul 2013  DEVON, United Kingdom
      Tasted 1 at our local food festival some years ago & was hooked.Bought 2 trees immediately.Pest&disease resistance is great,though not a heavy cropper(only thing preventing it from grown commercially.Thoroughly recommend but not as a single tree as self-sterile
    • 09 Sep 2012  NY, United States
      I've had a few of these Kidd's Orange Red this year from a farm stand and I really cant tell the difference between these and a prime Cox's Orange Pippin. Its been said these are sweeter, but I cant taste it. Its a superb apple to eat. Its texture is melting as described in texts and is very easy to eat. It may be overwhelming to those not accustomed to eating strong flavored apples,t keeps your taste buds busy with a kaleidescope of flavors. I dont taste any Delicious flavors at all, it just has the Delicious shape. Its a crime these arent sold in place of Gala, because they put them to shame in appearance and taste.
    • 14 Mar 2011  SUFFOLK, United Kingdom
      My Grandfather F.E.Williamson imported the first Kidds Orange Red tree from New Zealand in 1932. That tree helped our family grow Williamson Fruit Farms Ltd to being the largest grower of Kidds in UK in 1980's. Today my father still keeps a few trees on our farm in Suffolk. We make a small volume of Kidds Apple Juice. www.applejuice.uk.com
    • 09 Apr 2010  norfolk county, Canada
      does anyone know where i can find these trees in canada?
    • 01 Dec 2009  NORFOLK, United Kingdom
      We are planting a Heritage Orchard at the moment and would like to include 2 Kidds Orange Red Apple trees, after tasting these delicous apples at North creake apple fair, We are finding it difficult tracing these trees and would appreciate details of a supplier of these trees in the Norfolk area.
    • 31 Aug 2009  NEWARK, CA, United States
      I have Kidds grafted to a Cox Orange Pippin. Scion wood given by a friend years ago. The apple is fabulous. Great for eating or cooking. I make applesauce using no sugar or spices; just Kidds and a bit of apple juice. The flavor is outstanding.
    • 12 Apr 2009  BROOKLYN, NY, United States
      I found your site when I was doing research on the Gala, a favorite of mine, and I just wanted to say I love your enthusiastic prose style, especially in this piece.
    • 07 Apr 2009  VIC, Australia
      Kidd's Orange Red has just one our 2009 apple of the year at the Petty's Heritage apple festival, this has been held by the Heritage Fruits Society Inc for 11years, which runs a tasting tent with about 100 variities for the public to taste and vote on. more info www.petethepermie.com
    • 29 Oct 2008  KENT, United Kingdom
      I was at Brogdale (National Apple Collection) today and bought a Kidd's Orange Red tree, having read these recommendations. They had some of the apples for sale and I have to say they really are wonderful. They reminded me more of pear drops than parma violets and have the most wonderful sweetness - this in a year with not a huge amount of sunshine. I have a small old orchard with a lot of cookers in (Bramley and Howgate) so I am looking forward to next year's crop immensely! Just have to weed out some self-sown sycamore to make room.
    • 23 Oct 2008  California, United States
      On the West Coast, at least, I've not found this not to resemble in any great way the wonderfullness of Cox Orange. For me it has some of the cloying qualities of Red Delicious. Now Belle de Boskoop, that's another story...
    • 02 Sep 2008  SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
      I used to get these every year from my local greengrocer who clearly knew what he was up to. The first time I ate one I had a 'Proustian' moment - you know: that sensation you get when you taste something you have not tasted for years and which transports you to some wonderful childhood memory! Kidds are like apples used to be: truly the best!
    • 11 Oct 2007  Ireland
      I agree. This apple is unbeatable. Aside from its superb eating qualities, I find it completely pest and disease resistant, no need to thin and keeps well till the new year. I always recommend this variety to people who want to plant an apple tree.
    • 19 Sep 2007  SOMERSET, United Kingdom
      This is probably my favourite of the 30 different varieties I've planted over the past 18 years. It's a beautifully shaped, healthy tree (standard), would be fine if it was never pruned, has had a good crop every year and the flavour is evolving but delicious over about twelve weeks. It's my favourite juicing apple and will happily wait till I get round to the task in November, unlike the earlier varieties in the orchard.

    Tree register

    United States

    United Kingdom

    France

    Germany

    Netherlands

    Portugal

    Spain

    Australia

    New Zealand

    Switzerland

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2022 season

    • 15th April  2022  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2021 season

    • 3rd May  2021  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 3rd May  2021  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 30th April  2021  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2020 season

    • 6th May  2020  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 22nd April  2020  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • 22nd April  2020  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2019 season

    • 27th April  2019  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • 26th April  2019  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 20th April  2019  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom

    2018 season

    • 7th May  2018  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 6th May  2018  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • 5th May  2018  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 4th May  2018  - tree owned by Cheuk in Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • May  2018  - tree owned by KC in Littleton, United States

    2017 season

    • 5th May  2017  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 1st May  2017  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 28th April  2017  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 17th April  2017  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2016 season

    • 16th May  2016  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 12th May  2016  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 11th May  2016  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2015 season

    • 11th May  2015  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 5th May  2015  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 28th April  2015  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2014 season

    • 24th April  2014  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • March  2014  - tree owned by Simon in Sant Miquel De Fluvià, Spain

    2013 season

    • 21st May  2013  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 16th May  2013  - tree owned by Jean in Martock, United Kingdom
    • 14th May  2013  - tree owned by Roger in Burton Latimer, United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2013  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • 7th May  2013  - tree owned by Reb in Gloucester, United Kingdom
    • 12th April  2013  - tree owned by Simon in Sant Miquel De Fluvià, Spain

    2012 season

    • 21st May  2012  - tree owned by Nickkk in Oldham, United Kingdom
    • 25th April  2012  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 19th April  2012  - tree owned by Reb in Gloucester, United Kingdom
    • 2nd April  2012  - tree owned by Bob in Nottingham, United Kingdom
    • 30th March  2012  - tree owned by Angie in Jalon, Spain

    2011 season

    • 19th April  2011  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 16th April  2011  - tree owned by Roger in Burton Latimer, United Kingdom
    • 16th April  2011  - tree owned by Reb in Gloucester, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • 15th October  2010  - tree owned by Mark in Rangiora, New Zealand
    • 10th May  2010  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 3rd May  2010  - tree owned by Stuart in Newbury, United Kingdom
    • 1st May  2010  - tree owned by Roger in Burton Latimer, United Kingdom
    • 29th April  2010  - tree owned by Marian in Street, United Kingdom

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


    Harvest records for this variety

    2021 season

    • 2nd week October  2021  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2021  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2021  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2020 season

    • 1st week October  2020  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2020  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2019 season

    • 2nd week October  2019  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week September  2019  - tree owned by Jon in Shaw Island, United States

    2018 season

    • 3rd week October  2018  - tree owned by Dave in NORDLAND, United States
    • 1st week October  2018  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • October  2018  - tree owned by KC in Littleton, United States
    • 2nd week September  2018  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom

    2017 season

    • 1st week October  2017  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2017  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 4th week September  2017  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2016 season

    • 2nd week October  2016  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2016  - tree owned by Michael in Bingham, United Kingdom

    2015 season

    • 3rd week October  2015  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2015  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • September  2015  - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States

    2013 season

    • 3rd week October  2013  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2012 season

    • 4th week October  2012  - tree owned by Jean in Martock, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week October  2012  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2012  - tree owned by Mike in Godalming, United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 1st week October  2011  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week September  2011  - tree owned by Reb in Gloucester, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • 1st week October  2009  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: Delicious x Cox's Orange Pippin
    • Originates from: Greytown, New Zealand
    • Introduced: 1924
    • Developed by: James Hutton Kidd
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1973-158

    Identification

    • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
    • Country of origin: New Zealand
    • Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
    • Fruit colour: Orange / Red
    • Flower colour: Pink - dark
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Popularity: Best sellers
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous

    Using

    • Picking season: Late
    • Keeping (of fruit): 1-2 months
    • Flavour quality: Very good
    • Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
    • Discoloration of fruit: No discoloration (Good for drying)
    • Cropping: Light
    • Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Juice
    • Picking period: mid-October
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Flowering group: 3
    • Pollinating others: Average
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Vigour: Average vigour
    • Bearing regularity: Regular
    • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
    • Organic culture: Suitable
    • Attractive features: Attractive flowers
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
    • Attractive features: Scented flowers

    Climate

    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 4 (-34C)
    • Climate suitability: Temperate climates
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
    • Cold hardiness (RHS): H6 (to -20C)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Average
    • Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
    • Fire blight: Some resistance
    • Cedar apple rust: Some resistance

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Kidd's Orange Red apple trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Kidd's Orange Red:

    United States


    United Kingdom


    Canada


    Australia




    References


    Varieties you viewed