Cornish Gilliflower is probably the best and most widely-grown of the apple varieties originating from Cornwall. It has all the attributes of the classic Victorian English apple - notably a sweet aromatic flavour with perfumed overtones and an attractive flushed appearance. It is acknowledged as one of the best-flavoured English apples.
It is also a relatively good keeper, and can be eaten well into the new year.
The Victorian author Hogg explained the origin of the word "gilliflower" or "gillyflower" as being a corruption of the French word "girofle" signifying clove - and the blossom of this variety has a clove-like scent.
Hogg also recommends growing this variety as an espalier on dwarf rootstock - although modern authorities would not recommend this style because Cornish Gilliflower bears apples on the tips of its branches, making it unsuitable for training in this way.
Cornish Gilliflower apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Cornish Gilliflower
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.
Visitor reviews
- 11 Oct 2023We were once told that the old apple tree in our garden is Cornish Gilliflower. We harvest it towards the end of September to retain some apples from the birds (which like to nibble several different apples rather than finish one). They finish ripening quickly and are absolutely delicious. Also excellent for apple sauce and in puddings without the need for any sugar added. They keep well into the new year and are, I'm told, possibly partial tip bearing.
- 13 Oct 2016 IrelandJust tasted my first apple off my Cornish Gilliflower. Wow! I've marked it down to cut lots of scion wood this winter with the aim of top-working a couple of trees over to this variety. A great apple - only downside is - at least in my case - it was a long time (seven years) coming into bearing. Worth the wait though - the flavour is outstanding.
- 15 Nov 2013 SOUTHAMPTON, United KingdomWe have a Cornish Gillyflower although it looks more russety than in the picture - not a hint of red. Very erratic and biennial bearer, though very delicious apples. They may be keepers but are gorgeous straight off the tree, so we'll probably never know.
Tree register
United States
- Eric Powell in MD
- Gina Colver in EPHRATA, WASHINGTON
- Gina Colver in EPHRATA, WASHINGTON
- Jim Nelson in Mequon, WI
- Jo Elsmore in BLOORS,
- Kenneth Remfry in Topeka, KANSAS
- Michael Bell in Morgantown, KY
- Noah McVay in Spring Green, WISCONSIN
- veggiesintc@gmail.com in Empire, MICHIGAN
United Kingdom
- Bobthomlinson in Whaley Bridge, DERBYSHIRE
- Clifford Cain in Doncaster, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
- David Muddiman in Penzance, CORNWALL
- Dr Dennis Bancroft in Near Rugby, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
- Jean Lippett in Martock, SOMERSET
- Kay in Leeds, W YORKS
- Kevinincornwall in Liskeard, UNITED KINGDOM
- Mark in Chippenham, WILTS
- Mike Petty in Luxulyan, CORNWALL
- Richard Jones in Liskeard, CORNWALL
- Robert Waterhouse in Crediton, DEVON
- Rupert in Holnest, DORSET
- Rupert in Holnest, DORSET
- stanwatt2008@hotmail.co.uk in Gardenstown, ABERDEENSHIRE
- Steve Sim in Grange Over Sands, CUMBRIA
Ireland
- Dan Kissane in Killarney, CO KERRY
- Lars Christoffersen in TRIM,
Italy
- Jan Huston in Castel D'Aiano, BOLOGNA
Netherlands
- Cheuk A Lam in Amsterdam, NOORD-HOLLAND
Australia
- Hayden in Winslow, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Switzerland
- Helmut Mueller in Neukirch, THURGAU
Spring blossom records for this variety
2023 season
- 16th May 2023 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
- 16th May 2023 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2021 season
- 15th May 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
- 15th May 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2020 season
- 24th May 2020 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2019 season
- 28th May 2019 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2018 season
- 30th May 2018 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2017 season
- May 2017 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2016 season
- 14th April 2016 - tree owned by Kenneth in Topeka, United States
2012 season
- 30th April 2012 - tree owned by veggiesintc@gmail.com in Empire, United States
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2023 season
- 2nd week October 2023 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2022 season
- 1st week October 2022 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
- 1st week October 2022 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2021 season
- 1st week October 2021 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2020 season
- 4th week September 2020 - tree owned by Jim in Mequon, United States
2011 season
- 4th week August 2011 - tree owned by Jan in Castel D'Aiano, Italy
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Originates from: Truro, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1813
- Developed by: Discovered by Sir Christopher Hawkins
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1947-116
Identification
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Green
- Flower colour: Pink - light
- Leaf colour: Green
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Very late
- Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
- Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Picking period: mid-October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Partial tip-bearer
- Attractive features: Attractive flowers
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 5 (-29C)
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Cornish Gilliflower apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Cornish Gilliflower apple trees - Cummins Nursery
United States More >> - Keepers Nursery
United Kingdom More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Cornish Gilliflower:
United States
Minnesota
- Two Fruit's Fruits, Hinckley
New Hampshire
- Alyson's Apple Orchard, Walpole
New Mexico
- Von Bock Farm, Abiquiu
United Kingdom
England - midlands
- Walsgrove Farm, Worcester
Canada
British Columbia
- Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island
References
- Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor