A classic English russet apple from the Victorian era, though not as well known as its contemporaries.
Rosemary Russet apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Rosemary Russet
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
- Nonpareil (parent) - https://research.reading.ac.uk/research-blog/heritage-apples-the-parentage-of-coxs-orange-pippin/
Offspring of this variety
Visitor reviews
- 13 Dec 2013 BERKS, United KingdomMy most favourite apple I've ever tasted. The flavour is intensely 'appley, acidic (like a good Granny Smith), the texture firm but juicy - what more can you want in an apple! So pleased that my local orchard at Crosslanes Farm, Mapleduram introduced the variety - taken a few years to establish but so worth waiting for. The one shortcoming is the apples are generally quite large and just a little too much for a serving but there's no harm in sharing! Contrary to the name the apple doesn't have the rough associated 'russet' skin. If you haven't tried this gem of an apple make sure you do - it's a 'wow'!
- 03 Jul 2013 SURREY, United KingdomI bought some of these apples from Unicorn Grocery in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester a couple of years ago. Not sure if it was just that batch or if they are generally that good but they were exceptional. An apple that I would like to see more widely available. I've seen the trees occasionally in orchards belonging to National Trust properties but I think that commercial growers steer away from it because it is not so well known.
Tree register
United States
- Trevor Roth in Erhard, MINNESOTA
United Kingdom
- Andrea Weston in Maldon, ESSEX
- Bridget Evans in Barnsley, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
- Caroline Boreham in York, NORTH YORKSHIRE
- Claire in LANCASTER, LANCASHIRE
- Jean Lippett in Martock, SOMERSET
- Malcolm Whitmore in Loughborough, LEICS
- Rachel in
- Robin Livermore in Carmarthen, CARMARTHENSHIRE, WALES
- Ron Bell in MELROSE, SCOTLAND
- Sam Paechter in Leeds, WEST YORKSHIRE
- Steve Sim in Grange Over Sands, CUMBRIA
- Thomas Bennell in BRISTOL,
Ireland
- Lars Christoffersen in TRIM,
Spring blossom records for this variety
2013 season
- 15th May 2013 - tree owned by Jean in Martock, United Kingdom
2009 season
- May 2009 - tree owned by Andrea in Maldon, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2009 season
- 1st week October 2009 - tree owned by Andrea in Maldon, United Kingdom
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Originates from: United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1830s
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1973-143
Identification
- Awards: RHS AGM (current)
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Russet
- Flower colour: Pink - dark
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Rarely grown
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Cropping: Good
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Juice
- Picking period: early October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Growth habit: Upright
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Organic culture: Suitable
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Mild damp 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: Good
- Canker: Some resistance
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Rosemary Russet apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Rosemary Russet apple trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Rosemary Russet:
United Kingdom
England - midlands
- Walsgrove Farm, Worcester
References
- Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor