Dumelow's Seedling was raised by Richard Dumeller of Shakerstone, Leicestershire, England - probably in the late 18th century. It also known as Dumelow's Crab, Normanton Wonder, and Wellington - and more correctly as Dumeller's Seedling. It soon became one of the most widely grown culinary apples of Victorian England, esteemed for its fine flavour and good keeping qualities.
Dumelow's Seedling has the key attribute of an English cooker - lots of acidity. It cooks to a stiff pale puree, with a good strong apple flavour, and plenty of acidic richness. An interesting twist is to use it in combination with a sweeter cooker which keeps its shape such as Wolf River - the acidic Dumelow's Seedling puree will melt around it, giving a contrast of textures and sweet and sharp flavours.
USDA identification images for Dumelow's Seedling
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
- Northern Greening (parent)
Offspring of this variety
- Cottenham Seedling
- Lane's Prince Albert - Dumelow's Seedling is the probable parent of Lane's Prince Albert.
- Monarch
- Newton Wonder
Visitor reviews
- 12 Nov 2009 HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, United KingdomI had one of these in the garden of my last house. Very nice cookers and a big crop. I hope to grow one myself from cuttings or seed.
- 09 Nov 2008 LEICESTERSHIRE, United KingdomI have a very ancient tree in my garden VERY good fruiting lots of apple !
- 11 May 2008 LEICESTER UK, United KingdomRegarding the Dumelow's Seedling, I adopted a tree of the variety three years ago. The allotment society I am a member of has a heritage orchard consisting of Leicestershire varieties: apples and plums. Dumelow's Seedling cooks to a firm pulp and fruit has a long shelf life. I like it.
Tree register
United States
- Jady Morelli in Allendale, MI
United Kingdom
- Andy Dumelow in Burton On Trent, STAFFORDSHIRE
- Billy Auger in Hopton Wafers, SHROPSHIRE
- Bobthomlinson in Whaley Bridge, DERBYSHIRE
- Christine Bradley in LEICESTER, LEICESTERSHIRE
- Clifford Darby in Griffydam, LEICS
- David Fernie in CUMBRIA
- Graham Charles Schofield in Newmarket, SUFFLOK
- Hans Butler in Loughborough, LEIESTERSHIRE
- Konni in Luton, BEDS
- Melanie in Nr Leicester, LEICESTERSHIRE
- Nick Burrows in Helmsley, NORTH YORKSHIRE
- Richard Borrie in York, YORKSHIRE
- Terry Wells in Carmarthen, CARMS
Spring blossom records for this variety
2013 season
- 23rd May 2013 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Northern Greening ?
- Originates from: Shakerstone, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1800s - early
- Developed by: Mr Dumeller
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 2000-033
Identification
- Awards: RHS AGM (current)
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- 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): Sharper
- Cooking result: Puree
- Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
- Vitamin C content: Medium
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Culinary
- Food uses: Juice
- Food uses: Traditional cooker
- Picking period: early October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Frost resistance of blossom: Good resistance
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Cold hardiness (RHS): H6 (to -20C)
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Dumelow's Seedling apple trees for sale:
- Keepers Nursery
United Kingdom More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Dumelow's Seedling:
United Kingdom
England - north
- Coulton Mill, York
Australia
Victoria
- Heritage Fruits Society, Fairfield
References
- Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor