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All about apples, pears, plums, and cherries - and orchards where they are grown

Oriole apple

Malus domestica

Oriole is one of a number of apple varieties developed by the University of Minnesota in the first half of the 20th century.  A common characteristic of all these varieties is their ability to withstand the very cold conditions of a Minnesota winter.  Oriole is hardy down to zone 3, provided it is grown on a suitable rootstock (MM111 or M7 are popular).

Like all early-season apples Oriole does not keep, although it remains edible for a week after picking - but best kept in a refrigerator.  The flavour is lightly acidic, fairly bland but pleasantly juicy, and fairly crisp for an early apple.  It is generally regarded as a dual-purpose eating/cooking apple.

USDA identification images for Oriole

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


    Visitor reviews


    Tree register

    United States

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2012 season

    • 20th April  2012  - tree owned by Chuck in Worthington, United States

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


    Harvest records for this variety

    2015 season

    • July  2015  - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Originates from: Minnesota, United States
    • Introduced: 1949
    • Developed by: University of Minnesota
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1951-067

    Identification

    • Country of origin: United States
    • Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
    • Fruit colour: Green
    • Developer: University of Minnesota

    Using

    • Picking season: Early
    • Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
    • Flavour quality: Average
    • Flavour style (apples): Sharper
    • Cropping: Good
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Culinary

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Flowering group: 3
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Vigour: Slightly large
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile

    Climate

    • Climate suitability: Temperate climates
    • Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Poor

    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Oriole:

    United States




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