Harrison is a well-regarded hard-cider apple. It was known throughout the eastern states in the early 19th century but subsequently fell into disuse.
In the late 20th century there was much renewed interest in American cider production and apple enthusiast Tom Burford managed to track down a couple of old trees of this variety. Many new trees have since been propagated and it has become a popular variety among hard cider enthusiasts.
USDA identification images for Harrison
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.
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United States
- Aaron Sprague in Woodstock, GA
- Adam Dupps in Lawrenceburg, IN
- Al Yelvington in RUSSELL, PA
- Alistair Reece in GORDONSVILLE, VA
- Ben in Helenwood, TN
- Brendan in EVERETT, WA
- David A Dawson in Solsberry, INDIANA
- David Methven in Rural Ridge, PENNSYLVANIA
- Don Mcivor in Twisp, WA
- Duane Brown in West Jefferson, NC
- Duane Brown in West Jefferson, NC
- g Joseph Jordan in WEST CHESTER, PA
- Gary Powers in Woodside, CA
- Justin in Greenfield, INDIANA
- Justin in Greenfield, INDIANA
- Justinkrivers in Amsterdam, NY
- Larry Landis in CORVALLIS, OREGON
- Mark Bartel in Hagerstown, MARYLAND
- Martin Willard in Stillwater, NJ
- Michael Jindrich in ELIZABETHTOWN, KY
- Mike Haller in SIOUX CITY, IOWA
- Mike Prohaska in Lansing, MICHIGAN
- Nathan Parker in Mount Shasta, CA
- Paul Grochowski in Floyd, VIRGINIA
- Robert Wallace in WESTMINSTER, VT
- Ryan in STERLING, NY
- Steven Sypkens in Turney, MO
- Tom Herlache in GRAND LEDGE, MICHIGAN
Canada
- Dan in Vittoria, ONTARIO
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Unknown
- Originates from: New Jersey, United States
- Introduced: Early 19th century
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1750 - 1799
- Fruit colour: Russet
- Fruit colour: Yellow
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
- Flowering duration: Average (2-3 weeks)
- Fruit size: Large
- Awards: Slow Food - Ark of Taste
- Fruit shape: Conical
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 2-3 weeks
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Juice style: Bittersweet (cider)
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Juice
- Food uses: Hard cider
- Picking month: October
- Picking period: early October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Slightly small
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 5 (-29C)
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Warm climates
- Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Average
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Harrison apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
Harrison apple trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Harrison:
United States
Maine
- Tiny Orchards, Saco