Malus domestica 'Egremont Russet'

Description: An old but still the most popular variety of dessert russet apple. Fruit has firm flesh with a richly nutty flavour. Fruit colour is green developing to yellow and golden as it ripens with large patches of the characteristic russetting. Crops well, fruit ready late September and will store until December. Early flowering but blossom tolerant of frost so suited to colder regions.

Climate/Position: sunny open position preferred.

Height/Spread: Moderately vigorous. See rootstock type for height and spread.

Soil Requirements: See rootstock type for preferred soil.

Pruning: This will again depend on rootstock and the trained shape of the plant. However, regular pruning in winter as required will ensure high quality fruit. A managed, open shape avoiding bushy foliage will reduce risk of disease.

Special Requirements: For best results it is advisable to have more than one apple tree to ensure good pollination. As Egremont Russett is an early flowering variety then another early flowering variety such as 'Lord Lambourne' or 'Cox' is recommended.

Very old variety, possibly raised on Lord Egremont's estate in Sussex. Recorded in 1872 but thought to be originally raised much earlier.