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Alkmene apple

Alkmene

Alkmene was raised in Germany in the 1930s. It is sometimes also known as Early Windsor.

The flavour is quite strong and has the Cox tanginess, but is noticeably juicier. Some tasters have compared the flavour to a Granny Smith. The flesh is cream-coloured and quite dense; biting into one of these gives teeth and gums a good work-out !

It ripens a bit earlier than Cox - around early September. It has much more strength and body than most early varieties.

If you like a strong, tart apple, early in the season, then give this a try.

Alkmene apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Alkmene
  • Alkmene

USDA identification images for Alkmene

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


    Sports of this variety

    Sports are natural genetic mutations of the original variety.


    Visitor reviews

    • 09 Oct 2012  KENT, United Kingdom
      Sainsbury is stocking Kentish early Windsors. Well done sainsburys ! Lovely taste good size medium to large, crisp dense, sweet to tart and some red to russeted examples some more tart. Makes a change after a summer of endless imported jazz examples generally experienced !
    • 30 Nov 2011  Switzerland
      Hi, Most of the apple varieties listed here are impossible to find for me. Would one be so nice to send me one Alkmene, if I provide my address? It would be a dream for me if I could taste some of the apple listed on this site. thanks indeed
    • 13 Oct 2010  HELSINGBORG, Sweden
      Alkmene is one of the best apples I know of when I lived in Germany this was the firtst class apple because of it´s rich flavor.
    • 21 Sep 2010  LONDON, United Kingdom
      Bags of 6 on special purchase for £1 in the Tesco Metro on Cheapside in The City (London). Grown in Kent, really tasty - one of the best apples I've ever had.
    • 13 May 2009  BROADSTONE.DORSET, United Kingdom
      An excellent dessert apple which crops regularly and well on my cordon plant(M26}. The qualities of Cox without the problems. Highly recommended.
    • 30 Oct 2008  OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
      A PURCHASED THIS APPLE FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEPTEMBER FROM WAITROSE AND IS AS GOOD AS A COXES ORANGE PIPPIN
    • 30 Aug 2008  PATRINGTON, EAST YORKSHIRE, United Kingdom
      We inherited a lovely apple tree when w bought our house, though we have never identified the variety. After a bumper crop this year many people are asking us anout it. Having looked through various sites I have a feeling it could be Alkemene. However, our is eating now (too early?) It has lovely crisp flesh with pink flashes. Can anyone help please?
    • 19 Feb 2008  GALLEYWOOD ESSEX, United Kingdom
      Have enjoyed this apple for many years excellent sharp refreshing flavour the only drawback being that it does not store well. Grown locally at Lathcoats Farm.

    Tree register

    United States

    United Kingdom

    Belgium

    France

    Ireland

    Netherlands

    Switzerland

    Poland

    Norway

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2022 season

    • 18th April  2022  - tree owned by Cheuk in Amsterdam, Netherlands

    2018 season

    • 25th April  2018  - tree owned by Cheuk in Amsterdam, Netherlands

    2017 season

    • 5th May  2017  - tree owned by Cheuk in Amsterdam, Netherlands

    2014 season

    • 22nd April  2014  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States

    2013 season

    • 24th April  2013  - tree owned by Florian in Brush Prairie, United States
    • 15th April  2013  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States

    2012 season

    • 6th May  2012  - tree owned by Florian in Brush Prairie, United States

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


    Harvest records for this variety

    2014 season

    • 4th week August  2014  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States

    2013 season

    • October  2013  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: Cox's Orange Pippin x Oldenburg
    • Originates from: Germany
    • Introduced: 1930
    • Developed by: Kaiser Wilhelm Institute
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1972-026

    Identification

    • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
    • Country of origin: Germany
    • Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
    • Fruit colour: Orange / Red
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous
    • Alleles: 5
    • Alleles: 22

    Using

    • Picking season: Mid
    • Keeping (of fruit): 2-3 weeks
    • Flavour quality: Good
    • Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
    • Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
    • Cropping: Heavy
    • Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Picking period: mid-September
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Flowering group: 2
    • Vigour: Average vigour
    • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
    • Organic culture: Suitable
    • Self-fertility: Self-fertile

    Climate

    • Frost resistance of blossom: Susceptible
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 5 (-29C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 6 (-23C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 7 (-18C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 8 (-12C)
    • 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)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Good
    • Scab (Apple and Pear): Very resistant

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Alkmene apple trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Alkmene:

    United States


    United Kingdom


    Canada




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