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Ashmead's Kernel apple

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Ashmead's Kernel

An old nondescript green russeted apple, originating in the 1700s. The appearance is, let's be honest, not especially attractive. Ashmeads Kernel is lumpy, mis-shapen, and rather small. The underlying bright green skin is entirely covered in russet. Russet can be very appealing- think of the dull golden glow of Egremont Russet for example - but somehow on Ashmead's Kernel it just looks plain dull.

Yet appearances can be deceiving. Ashmeads Kernel has remained popular for well over 2 centuries, and with good reason: it has a distinctive flavour which is quite different from most other varieties. Tasters rarely agree on exactly what the elusive flavour reminds them of, but pear drops is probably close.

It is perhaps no surprise that Asmeads Kernel does not seem to be related to any of the mainstream apple varieties, although one of its probable cousins - Duke of Devonshire - is also quite well known.  The name "kernel" suggests that this variety was discovered as a chance seedling.

Ashmead's Kernel is a versatile apple, not just for eating fresh, it can also be used for salads and cooking, and it is a highly-valued apple for juicing and hard cider.

For gardeners Ashmead's Kernel's quirky character can make it less than straightforward to grow.  Unlike modern apple varieties which tend to be quite precocious, Ashmead's Kernel takes its time (3-4 years) to come into bearing.  Once it does, cropping can be still be light to average because Ashmead's Kernel flowers erratically.  Pollination is also difficult.  Although Ashmead's Kernel is considered a conventional diploid variety (2 sets of chromosomes), its unreliable pollination characteristics have led some researchers to suggest it might be a triploid variety (3 sets of chromosomes).  In any case, Ashmead's Kernel greatly benefits from having other good pollinating varieties nearby - Golden Delicious is a good choice.

Ashmead's Kernel is also one of a very small band of apple varieties from the Old World that succeeded in the New World.  When the first settlers arrived in North America they brought with them tried and tested varieties from Europe, yet few adapted to the very different climates of North America and most of the early successful American apple varieties were chance seedlings which evolved in America.  However Ashmead's Kernel did thrive, and today holds a position of respect on both sides of the Atlantic - it will never be a mainstream variety and placed alongside almost any modern variety, Ashmeads Kernel looks completely outclassed. But in the flavour stakes this old-timer holds its own.

Ashmead's Kernel apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Ashmead's Kernel
  • Ashmead's Kernel

USDA identification images for Ashmead's Kernel

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

    • Nonpareil (parent) - Nonpareil is a probable parent of Ashmeads Kernel

    Close relations of this variety (share 1 parent)

    • Duke of Devonshire - It is likely that Duke of Devonshire descends from Ashmeads Kernel or shares a common ancestor.

    See also


    Visitor reviews

    • 27 Oct 2024 
      This apple tastes very nice. The tree we have produce, nice, quite large round apples. I have photos
    • 19 Oct 2024 
      The best apple I've ever had (so far?) Amazing crisp crunch, rather thin, flavorful skin for a russet. The taste is superb - a subtle tart with a bold but mild sweet. I wish I had the right words. Just so good.
    • 31 May 2024 
      My very favorite apple. I think it's blushed russet skin is lovelier than the over shiny modern varieties. I grew one when I lived in England. Also love Cox's Orange Pippen and Ribston Pippen.
    • 15 Dec 2023 
      I believe this is the variety I've got on property. Grate for eating and baking. Made for hard cider with it. Turned out great.
    • 19 Oct 2023 
      I picked some up because I've heard a lot about this variety. They might have been a little underripe. Most of the apples had at least some bitter pit. Sweet and tart and complex, kinda along the lines of a braeburn or Jonathon intensity. They are often called one of the best tasting apples and I'd definetly call them above average but maybe not the best Ive ever had. They are a lot harder and meatier than most modern apples but soften and increase in sweetness after sitting a couple weeks. And again I think mine were a little early.
    • 16 Nov 2022 
      Like a cross between a Russet and a Cox. Good size, hangs well on the tree.
    • 21 Nov 2020  EAST MIDLANDS, United Kingdom
      grown on M25 for 25 years. First 10 years it cropped alternate years. Since then, big crops every year of large apples with no other pollinators close at hand. Superb flavour, store well and if well thinned, good looking. Not sure why so negative as its flavour alone makes it my top apple and the yield and ease of growth is top class.
    • 24 Oct 2020  WA, United States
      I had never heard of this apple. I purchased two at my local farmer's market i the organic section. INCREDIBLE. This is an apple that tastes like apples should. I don't detect any 'pear' flavor, as others have noted. It's tart and crisp. The apple isn't the prettiest, but I don't care a lick about appearance. We all know the pretty apples, like Red Delicious, are tasteless and mealy. I'm an instant fan of Ashmead Kernel.
    • 08 Nov 2019  LANCASHIRE, United Kingdom
      I think the Description is a little unkind re looks, but bang on re the flavour. Planted a tree on my allotment 5 years age, had nothing for first 3 years, a few last year and literally hundreds this year. Picked some in late September when other varieties were ready, but these clearly were not- but I've stored them for cooking. Its now early November and the dozens remaining have turned redder. I've been trying one a week and they just get better, so now we are in to frosts I'm planning to pick the rest and hopefully they will store well into the new year. They are crisp, juicy and do have something aromatic (pear drops isn't quite it) when they are riper. Flavours may develop in storage.
    • 08 Oct 2017  POWYS, United Kingdom
      We must be very lucky, at 300 metres high in Wales, but of seven varieties, all chosen as pre 1900, this was the first cropper after planting and is prolific and reliable!
    • 02 Dec 2015  MASSACHUSETTS, United States
      What an apple. Perhaps the best flavor I've tasted in December. Skin has the dullness of antique brass, with a splash of orange red on the sunny side, like faded red paint on metal. A beauty to see and unforgettable to eat.
    • 31 Oct 2015  PEMBROKESHIRE, United Kingdom
      We have two of these trees, the second planted by mistake as it was incorrectly labelled, both both less than 8 years old. They have cropped well the last 2 years and stored well last winter - we ate the last few in March, a bit wizened but still edible, no spraying involved. We wouldn't describe them as 'lumpy or misshapen' though they are a little dull. The flavour is excellent and they are crisp and juicy.
    • 20 Oct 2015  MASSACHUSETTS, United States
      Bought at Scott Farm in Vermont. An amazing apple. Great texture, juicy, pear flavors.
    • 29 Sep 2015  NY, United States
      Ate this apple from Locust Growers NY yesterday 9/28. Bought at Union Square Greenmarket, NYC. Firm, juicy, delicious flavor. Skin seems thinner than previous fruit, a positive. Super eating apple, will bake with it soon and report.
    • 27 Mar 2015  VERMONT, United States
      This is an amazing apple! It is bursting with a wild array of glorious flavors! It is, next to Wickson, one of the best apples that I have ever tasted. Thankfully, mine should be producing in the next year or so, because only getting them at apple tastings is just not enough!
    • 03 Jan 2015  CHERRYLEATHER@GOOGLEMAIL.COM, United Kingdom
      Ashmead's went into store early at the beginning October.We still have some left, no trace of bitter pit having sprayed with Calcium Nitrate until three weeks before harvest.The flavour of this variety remains unsurpassed.
    • 03 Dec 2013  GLASGOW, United Kingdom
      Two years ago I planted 20 apple trees beside where we're going to build a house in Northern Ireland. I've been taking the blossom off to encourage them to establish. When I was back in early November there was a single apple on one of the trees. It was delicious. Sweet and sharp and crisp. I had to look up my planting map to see what variety it was - Ashmead's Kernel. Delighted with it. Hope it is well established and fruiting well by the time we move back. Quite different from any other apple I've had. Very pleased I planted this variety.
    • 21 Nov 2013  NY, United States
      Just bought the last four Ashmead's of the season today from Samascott Orchards at the NYC Greenmarket. This apple is by far my favorite. Tart, juicy, slightly sweet, crisp, complex with earthy undertones. Have not cooked with it yet, maybe next year. Please, Empire State growers, plant some Ashmead's Kernel.
    • 15 Nov 2013  SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
      Just scrumped a load of these from the university garden. Very heavy crop, windfallen in mid-November and absolutely delicious! I just hope we can eat them quickly enough.
    • 27 Nov 2011  WILTSHIRE, United States
      I grow one tree as a cordon along with a few other varieties. The flavour can be just amazing but some years it is very ordinary. I bears a small crop-fine for my own needs but rarely do we get any to store for long as they get eaten! Bitter pit can affect most of the crop but this year (2011) was not a problem. If you can get one, do so!
    • 20 Nov 2011  DEVON, United Kingdom
      I've just eaten Ashmead's Kernel and Orlean's Reinette from Wells market and the former is delicious, russety texture and splendid flavour. They are large and red too unlike previous ones I've tried. I'm keen to buy a tree now. Orleans Reinette are very similar looking but nowhere near as much flavour. It's been a very dry summer here, which mast have had an impact of some kind.
    • 31 Aug 2011  NW VA, United States
      Yes, I grow Ashmead's in VA (one tree from Vintage Virginia apples). Kind of a gangly tree (hard to spray, so I often skip it), fairly bug and disease resistant, produces a moderate amount of small apples that are tart but then improve after storage. Doubt I'll ever have more than one tree.
    • 07 Aug 2011  IL, United States
      Ann, check out http://www.vintagevirginiaapples.com/ They propagate Ashmeads
    • 05 Aug 2011  VA, United States
      Has anyone grown Ashmeades in Virginia? We used to get pick-your-own from a place that has long since plowed the trees under in favor of wine grapes. We planted two trees of our own but neglected them and now want to try to revive them--but blights and bugs are so bad here that we may not have anything to taste once they are ripe.
    • 11 Nov 2010  WASHINGTON, United States
      Picked a tiny crop 9 October; Brix 15. Ate another today: fantastic, complex flavor and a rugged tree! I expect to graft a number of apples around the yard, but this tree will remain a single variety. Just can't get too many of these.
    • 10 Oct 2010  WA, United States
      I have five Ashmead's Kernel semi-dwarfs in my small orchard in the Northwest corner of Washington State. They appear to be more disease-free than many of other varieties I have planted. The taste is wonderful when picked ripe off the tree (the flavor is hard to describe... very sweet and somewhat nutty), This russet-like apple also makes a great tasting cider, either sweet or hard.
    • 30 Sep 2010  PEMBROKESHIRE, United Kingdom
      I struggle a bit with my Ashmead's Kernel - I think I have yet to experience the rumoured flavour! Shy bearing and bitter pit don't help and I am not sure when to pick it - so far the ones I have kept look in pretty good condiiton but don't tastle of much. Big healthy crop this year though so cross your fingers for me!
    • 09 Sep 2010  CAMBRIDGESHIRE, United Kingdom
      Mike I also grow Ashmead's Kernel (MM106 - bush). It suffers severely from bitter pit, which ruins a lot of the fruit. Light crops always make bitter pit worse - and Ashmead's Kernel certainly suffers from light crops to exacerbate the problem. Mine is very erratic cropping and crops are never spectacular. Blossom is attractive though. Mine gets a trace of canker from time to time, but no problems with mildew and although leaves get some scab in wet years, the fruits are usually fine. It is not especially troubled with pests. A nursery that is fairly local to me uses M9 rootstock for their Ashmead's Kernel, to try to reduce the bitter pit. I think that Ashmead's Kernel is best left to grow and crop as it pleases, with as little pruning as possible (which results in a rather large tree). Until the tree is up to full size, I would consider any decent fruits as a lucky bonus.
    • 08 Sep 2010  NORFOLK, United Kingdom
      Great apple but mine is so far a shy bearer and fruit is poor quality - all a bit scabby plus bitter pip. Other varieties in my orchard are excellent this year. However, I grafted this tree onto a healthy half standard Bramley Seedling (had too many !) about 4 years ago. Lots of healthy leaf growth and not much fruit. I did the same with Egremont russet and this has done fantastically well. Any ideas to sort shy bearing ?
    • 04 Aug 2010  SOMERSET, United Kingdom
      This year's batch of Ashmead Kernel are awful, mis-shapen and split and disease ridden - normally they are so reliable so I'm not sure what's happened to cause this. On the other hand, Laxton's Superb here which is usually a delicious juicer but scabby mess is pristine for the first time in ages. Weather related in both cases, I'm sure
    • 19 Sep 2009  United Kingdom
      Being an Ashmead myself, I have a certain bias toward this apple. There are rumours that the Dr Ashmead of Gloucester who reportedly cultivated this apple is an ancestor of ours. This year our tree has a glut of fruit and we'll probably end up with a lot of chutney.
    • 17 Sep 2009  SALISBURY, WILTS, United Kingdom
      I inherited a well established tree when we bought this house. It bears prolifically, with some large and some small fruit. I have found the tips for picking times very helpful, but should I pick them before the first frosts, or will they still keep even if there have been frosts before they are picked?
    • 15 Sep 2009  MERSEYSIDE, United Kingdom
      This is quite an apple. Great flavour and sophisticated aroma. I would say one of the best. I would ot pick until early October- even later if it is still dull coloured. The apple does ripen to a warm hued pink and the flavour sweetens. Stores until March. I think it is a shy producer- but our tree is only 6 years old and will yield 20-30 respectable fruits. I would strongly recommend it.
    • 01 Sep 2009  SAN FRANCISCO, CA, United States
      I just ate my very first -- delicious! It's rather early to pick them, I thinlk, as it was quite tart (which is what I prefer). The ones I bought were grown in northern California. How does the flavor develop as they remain on the tree -- do they get considerably sweeter?
    • 22 Aug 2009  WINCHESTER HANTS ENG, United Kingdom
      all I would like to know is when to pick the apples?!
    • 04 Jul 2009  WASHINGTON, United States
      I planted one of these just two years ago. It's growing nicely and I hope to get a crop next year. I purchased mine from Raintree Nursery in western Washington state. It came very hardy and bloomed immediately upon planting; naturally I stripped the blooms. Raintree has a wonderful website, their prices may be a bit higher than other outfits, but the rootstocks they use keep most of their trees to a height of 8 to 14 feet, depending upon variety and roostock chosen. Mine will top out at 12 feet. Just right.
    • 21 Jun 2009  WARBOROUGH, OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
      I planted two Ashmead Kernel and two Orange Pippins (maidens) about four years ago, and this is the first year either of them have produced fruit! Very exciting, but the Ashmeads are much more resilient than the rust/blight ridden Pippins - is that usual?
    • 19 Jun 2009  CAMBRIDGE, MA, United States
      ii've heard much praise for ashmead's kernel but have never found one. any recommendations for grocers in cambridge and surrounding towns (bike-accessible) carrying these during apple season?
    • 04 Jun 2009  PDX, OR/USA, United States
      Try paper bags, plastic ziploc bags with bottoms cut out or footies for codling moth.
    • 14 Dec 2008  PONTEVEDRA, Spain
      In my last comment about Ashmead I said the fruit got apple maggots--actually, their codling moths, but the result is the same. The Cox I have are also impossible to raise simply because of the moth larvae--which I can control, I suppose, but the other varieties I like Melrose, Red Delicious, and other hardly are affected.
    • 14 Dec 2008  PONTEVEDRA, Spain
      The flavor is very good but since apples are very sensitive to cultural conditions I have to say that this one is a real pain to grow in this part of northern Spain simply because it attracts all the apple maggots in the area. Interestingly the bearing problem is not apparant here, it bears fine and the size is even larger than the normal size I´ve read about. Any suggestions for the apple maggots? The Melrose trees I have are almost pest-free.
    • 14 Dec 2008  IDAHO, United States
      Ashmeads appears to sometimes be a shy bearer. I suggest getting a full soil test. I feed mine heavliy, seems to help. Have you had any scab on it? What are your other top disease resistant vasrieties? Thanks
    • 07 Oct 2008  LUTON, BEDFORSHIRE, United Kingdom
      I have planted a 5ft tree in my garden this spring, on its own, one branch grew blossom, then over the summer the leaves have got some sort of brown blight on them. Will this tree be ok? Its growing in chalky soil, and I have never grown or owned an apple tree before help...!
    • 01 Oct 2008  WAKEFIELD, United Kingdom
      I think Steve Harris picked his Ashmead Kernel Apples far too early. I pick them at the end of October at the earliest. Often leaving many on the tree until end of November - if the weather permits. They take a long time to ripen fully.
    • 27 Sep 2008  SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
      I have lived with this apple variety in my garden for nearly twenty five years without knowing it until I took one along to an apple day in Kellie Castle, Fife for identification by the experts today. Mine seems to have bigger fruit than many of this variety. Yes, the flavour is lovely and it improves for eating later in the year. The tree was well established when we bought the house and I wonder how old it is. Our house is 250 years old but I don't suppose the tree is that old!
    • 14 Sep 2008  WISCONSIN, United States
      Would like to hear from others growing this apple. I have two trees, both over 12 years old and both extremely shy at bearing.Just can't get them to put out much of a crop. A shame as it is such a terrific apple. Often has bitter pit, a consequence of too little (or too much) calcium. I grow 54 varieties, and consider this one one of my top three or four for flavor.
    • 08 Apr 2008  ASHBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE, United Kingdom
      By far my favourite apple - but not until December. Not only do I like them, but nothing else seems to. Birds hardly peck them and the few damaged apples rarely go mouldy. I'm just eating the last of my stored crop (stored in a plastic bin in the shed) now, in April (I have to admit, they're a bit past their best but they were perfect up to about 2 weeks ago). Plus, the tree seems tolerant of canker; a big problem on a wet North facing slope at 600ft in Derbyshire. A great apple.
    • 06 Nov 2007  KENT, United Kingdom
      Our local farm shop had some for sale for a couple of weeks and I think it's the best apple I've tasted. I,m very fond of Coxs straight off the tree but I think these beat even them. They stay crisp and have just the right combination of tart and sweetness for me. Hence the reason I'm on this sight finding out more about them.
    • 05 Nov 2007  BRIMFIELD, United States
      I have one of these trees that came with the house and it is wonderful.A very heavy producer and just delicious. I leave them on the tree until a golden color and they are ready. I picked 6 bushels from my 25 year old tree this year. willing to share! thanks Rich.
    • 11 Oct 2007  NORTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
      We visited the apple festival at Erddig last weekend (National Trust house and gardens near Wrexham). They were selling this variety, grown on site, and doing a very good trade. First time I've had them - just my sort of apple. But rest of my family aren't keen !
    • 23 Sep 2007  GLOUCESTERSHIRE, United Kingdom
      They are sometimes available from farmer's markets around here. I have a tree in my garden and harvested about 40 this afternoon. You are supposed to store for 1 month before they are at their prime. Currently they are rather hard and acid.
    • 19 Sep 2007  MARYLAND, United States
      Agreed. The best apple I have ever tasted. I first tried them in 1996 from a friends orchard. That property has been sold and I have been looking for a source ever since. THE BEST APPLE.

    Tree register

    United States

    United Kingdom

    Denmark

    • Pablo in Haderslev, NORTH SCHLESWIG

    France

    Ireland

    Netherlands

    Portugal

    Sweden

    Canada

    Switzerland

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2023 season

    • 14th May  2023  - tree owned by Stuart in Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom

    2022 season

    • 11th May  2022  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
    • 3rd May  2022  - tree owned by Stuart in Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom
    • 3rd May  2022  - tree owned by Hugh in Kingsbridge, United Kingdom
    • 29th April  2022  - tree owned by Wade in Omaha, United States

    2021 season

    • 6th May  2021  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States

    2020 season

    • 20th May  2020  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
    • 27th April  2020  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2019 season

    • 11th May  2019  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
    • 30th April  2019  - tree owned by Ryan in Vineyard, United States
    • 23rd April  2019  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2018 season

    • 18th May  2018  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
    • 23rd April  2018  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2017 season

    • 8th May  2017  - tree owned by Hugh in Kingsbridge, United Kingdom
    • 2nd May  2017  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States
    • 29th April  2017  - tree owned by Eric in , United Kingdom
    • 5th April  2017  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
    • March  2017  - tree owned by Phil in Laguna Niguel, United States

    2016 season

    • 25th May  2016  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 20th May  2016  - tree owned by Eric in , United Kingdom
    • 17th May  2016  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
    • 12th May  2016  - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States

    2015 season

    • 14th May  2015  - tree owned by Jeffrey in Saginaw, United States
    • 11th May  2015  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 10th May  2015  - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
    • May  2015  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
    • 29th April  2015  - tree owned by Michael in Glen Rock, United States
    • 23rd April  2015  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States

    2014 season

    • 12th May  2014  - tree owned by Eric in , United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2014  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
    • 8th May  2014  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 30th April  2014  - tree owned by Matt in Reynoldsburg, United States
    • 23rd April  2014  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States
    • April  2014  - tree owned by Amanda in Cahors, France

    2013 season

    • 28th May  2013  - tree owned by Eric in , United Kingdom
    • 27th May  2013  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 24th May  2013  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
    • 24th May  2013  - tree owned by Jeff in Leicester, United Kingdom
    • 18th May  2013  - tree owned by Jean in Martock, United Kingdom
    • 14th May  2013  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 11th May  2013  - tree owned by Steve in Steeple Claydon, United Kingdom
    • 11th May  2013  - tree owned by Steve in Steeple Claydon, United Kingdom
    • May  2013  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
    • May  2013  - tree owned by Matt in Reynoldsburg, United States
    • 26th April  2013  - tree owned by Mike in Glen Rock, United States
    • April  2013  - tree owned by Dave in Santa Barbara, United States

    2012 season

    • 20th May  2012  - tree owned by Jeff in Leicester, United Kingdom
    • 18th May  2012  - tree owned by David in Petersfield, United Kingdom
    • 15th May  2012  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2012  - tree owned by James in Estacada, United States
    • 5th May  2012  - tree owned by Florian in Brush Prairie, United States
    • May  2012  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
    • 3rd April  2012  - tree owned by Maryann in Elmhurst, United States

    2011 season

    • 20th September  2011  - tree owned by Gina in Macclesfield, United Kingdom
    • May  2011  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
    • 25th April  2011  - tree owned by Malcolm in Loughborough, United Kingdom
    • 23rd April  2011  - tree owned by Jeff in Leicester, United Kingdom
    • 22nd April  2011  - tree owned by John in Malvern, United Kingdom
    • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 10th April  2011  - tree owned by Peter in Croom, United States
    • 4th April  2011  - tree owned by Steve in Orange Vale, United States

    2010 season

    • 1st May  2010  - tree owned by N. in Cambridge, United Kingdom
    • May  2010  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • May  2009  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
    • May  2009  - tree owned by Malcolm in Loughborough, United Kingdom
    • 29th April  2009  - tree owned by N. in Cambridge, United Kingdom

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


    Harvest records for this variety

    2021 season

    • 1st week October  2021  - tree owned by Jim in Hallstead, United States

    2020 season

    • 2nd week October  2020  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2019 season

    • 2nd week November  2019  - tree owned by Bill in Chorley, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week October  2019  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2018 season

    • 3rd week October  2018  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States

    2017 season

    • 2nd week October  2017  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 4th week September  2017  - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
    • September  2017  - tree owned by Phil in Laguna Niguel, United States

    2016 season

    • 2nd week November  2016  - tree owned by Hugh in Kingsbridge, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2016  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2016  - tree owned by Linda in Clinton, United States
    • October  2016  - tree owned by Jeffrey in Saginaw, United States
    • 4th week September  2016  - tree owned by Brian in Green Bay, United States
    • 2nd week September  2016  - tree owned by Eric in , United States

    2015 season

    • 4th week October  2015  - tree owned by Carol in Lincoln, United Kingdom
    • 4th week October  2015  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2015  - tree owned by Peter in Hexham, United Kingdom
    • October  2015  - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States

    2014 season

    • 1st week November  2014  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week October  2014  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 4th week September  2014  - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States
    • 1st week September  2014  - tree owned by Matt in Reynoldsburg, United States
    • September  2014  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom

    2013 season

    • November  2013  - tree owned by David in Litton, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week October  2013  - tree owned by Bill in Smeeton Westerby, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week September  2013  - tree owned by Dave in Santa Barbara, United States
    • September  2013  - tree owned by Matt in Reynoldsburg, United States
    • September  2013  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom

    2012 season

    • 2nd week November  2012  - tree owned by James in Estacada, United States
    • October  2012  - tree owned by Julia in Durham, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week September  2012  - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 4th week October  2011  - tree owned by Derek in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 1st week October  2011  - tree owned by s in Frome, United Kingdom
    • 4th week September  2011  - tree owned by Gina in Macclesfield, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week September  2011  - tree owned by Mark in Palo Alto, United States
    • September  2011  - tree owned by Steve in Cheltenham, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • October  2010  - tree owned by s in Frome, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • October  2009  - tree owned by N. in Cambridge, United Kingdom
    • October  2009  - tree owned by s in Frome, United Kingdom
    • October  2009  - tree owned by Malcolm in Loughborough, United Kingdom

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: Unknown
    • Originates from: England, United Kingdom
    • Introduced: 1700s - early
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1970-106

    Identification

    • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
    • Country of origin: United Kingdom
    • Period of origin: 1700 - 1749
    • Fruit colour: Russet
    • Flower colour: White
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Popularity: Best sellers
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous

    Using

    • Picking season: Late
    • Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
    • Flavour quality: Very good
    • Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
    • Discoloration of fruit: Very oxidising (browns quickly)
    • Juice style: Sweeter
    • Juice style: Sweet (cider)
    • Vitamin C content: Low
    • Cropping: Light
    • Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Juice
    • Picking period: mid-October
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Average
    • Flowering group: 4
    • Pollinating others: Poor
    • Ploidy: Triploid
    • Vigour: Average vigour
    • Bearing regularity: Regular
    • Growth habit: Upright
    • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
    • Organic culture: Suitable
    • Attractive features: Attractive flowers
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile

    Climate

    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 4 (-34C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 5 (-29C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 6 (-23C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 7 (-18C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 8 (-12C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 9 (-7C)
    • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 10 (-1C)
    • Climate suitability: Temperate climates
    • Climate suitability: Mild damp climates
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
    • Cold hardiness (RHS): H6 (to -20C)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Good
    • Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
    • Powdery mildew: Some resistance
    • Cedar apple rust: Some resistance
    • Bitter pit: Some susceptibility

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Ashmead's Kernel apple trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Ashmead's Kernel:

    United States


    United Kingdom


    Canada




    References


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