Baldwin was one of the most important American commercial apples in the 19th century, being an excellent keeping apple and with a fairly thick skin which made it able to withstand long-distance transportation.
Baldwin is a genuine dual-purpose apple. The flavor for eating fresh is sweet and unpretentious, but crisp and pleasant. It is equally at home in the kitchen where it retains its shape when cooked, and lends a moderately rich sweet flavor to apple pies.
Baldwin apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Baldwin
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.
Visitor reviews
- 04 Dec 2022Hello, I am so interested to buy the badwin apples. I live in washington state. What Can I do for buying them . Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!! Nadine
- 26 Sep 2017 FL, United StatesWhat does it mean "winter"? We have this antique apple tree on our property in Brewster, MA...GREAT taste, fantastic in pies....neighbors are making applesauce! It actually is almost a shame to use these beauties in applesauce....perfect for the French Tartartine (forgive spelling...I saw it several different ways!)
- 01 Nov 2016 CT.06002, United StatesWhere can I find Baldwin apples in Connecticut?????
- 09 Nov 2013 PENNA /CHESTER CO.(SE PA), United StatesWhy no photos for such a well known apple? Ian Merwins linked pdf, Antique apples for modern orchards, shows a photo completely different color than description in website. Merwins picture and description match the tree I grew up with that my father planted and identified as Baldwin, a flattened, 3 inch, burgundy red with very prominent lenticels; not the colors described above and similarly elsewhere. Could there be two varieties masquerading as Baldwin? What does Downing say in Apples of New York?
- 04 Sep 2013 MA, United StatesBaldwins are terrific for pies--one of the two varieties I use from mid-fall on. When I use Baldwins I use only a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon so the apple flavor can stand out. Excellent keeper, too.
- 28 Oct 2012 MA, United StatesExceedingly crisp and nice eating apple. Browned quickly. Large and flavorful. Skin was indeed thicker than many apples, but entirely pleasant to eat. Purchased at a road side stand near Walden Pond, MA late October.
- 12 Oct 2012 OR...BENTON CO., United StatesWe bought our farm almost 50 years ago. The older lady we bought from said two of the apple trees were Balwins. There were two Gravenstein, also. These are wonderful winter apples. We can keep some in the fridge 3-4 months.
- 07 Oct 2011 MA 02446, United Statesmy all time favorite apple. wonderful firm textured, tart, delicious when eaten fresh, and absolutely splendid in pies, where they hold their shape and are equally delicious.
- 10 Oct 2010 MA, United StatesMy mother's favorite. Getting harder to find in MA each year. Last year ordered some and got a bushel of something else. Looking for a source!
- 03 Oct 2010 OH, United StatesWhen we bought our home here in 1963 I researched apples and decided Baldwin would be good. Didn't realize how big the tree would be; should have pruned it. Squirrels and birds love the top apples. Many fall on the driveway and get half squashed. Even so, more than I can use--pies, canned apple sauce, so sweet no sugar needed. Delicious. Tree still healthy.
- 14 Sep 2010 NY/SENECA, United StatesI have an old (80-90yr) and a new (12-14yr)orchard and have heirloom varieties. The Baldwins are pretty pest resistant as I do not spray at this time. I have a good crop this year and hope I can find a buyer.
- 29 Sep 2009 NISKAYUNA, NY, United StatesWhen I was growing up in the Landing section of Glen Cove, NY we had a pair of these monster apple trees in our double-sized lot. They were 35-40 ft high, and wider than they were tall. The branches were pockmarked with woodpecker holes. In the spring our yard was full of apple blossom petals. They were large apples, firm, and a bit tart, but my mother made great pies out of them. By the mid-1960's they were beginning to decline and were losing branches so we had them removed. They must have been close to 100 years old. A great apple if you can find it.
- 26 Sep 2009 VALDOSTA, GEORGIA 31602, United StatesWhen I ived in R. I., my mother preferred Baldwin apples for pies. I emember them asbeingmildly tart and sure wish I could procure them here iin Georgia. If there is a source. Sure would appreciate knowing it I traveled in my military career quite a bit and have always loked for Baldwin Apples.
- 02 Aug 2009 GALION OHIO, United KingdomBaldwin is a steady producer. When other apple trees have failed to produce due to bad weather Baldwin produces a crop of not excellent but good apple with a pleasant taste.
- 24 Sep 2008 BOSTON, United StatesThis is not a bad apple to munch on; not far from where I am there is a man with this on his property (which in turn was a farm once.) He recently identified what he had with the help of an arborist to see if the apples were good to eat-now he can't keep people away!!Soon, it shall be time to go round there to check it out...I cannot wait...
Tree register
United States
- Aaron Millis in HELENA, MT
- Adam Dupps in Lawrenceburg, IN
- Andrew Plumer in Ashfield, MA
- Andrew Plumer in Ashfield, MA
- Andrew Plumer in Ashfield, MA
- Brian Phillips in Saint Johns, MI
- Craig Sheehan in Winchester, KY
- Dan Spratlen in Camano Island, WASHINGTON
- Dan Suich in Oakland, CA
- Dan Suich in Oakland, CA
- Dan Wombles in New Canton, IL
- Darren Peters in Rock Spring, GEORGIA
- David Baldwin in DUBLIN, CA
- David Shaffer in Harrod, OH
- Earl Tuson in Loudon, NH
- g Joseph Jordan in WEST CHESTER, PA
- Galen in Forest Grove, OR
- George R in Fredericktown, PA
- Gina Colver in EPHRATA, WASHINGTON
- Harry Mccue in Lodi, NY/SENECA
- James Dierberger in Hebron, CT
- James Wargo in SOUTHBURY, CT
- Jane Mcguiness in Pawling, NY
- Jeannie Berg in Scio, OR
- Jeff Griffith in Reading, PA
- Jeff Rodriguez in NEWINGTON, CT
- Jim Wodehouse in LLANO, NEW MEXICO
- John Horrell in Petaluma, CALIFORNIA
- John R Hart in Woodstock, CT
- Jon Shannon in Shaw Island, WA
- Kenneth Remfry in Topeka, KANSAS
- Leonard Burcham in Roanoke, VIRGINIA
- Linda Zielinski in Philomath, OR
- Mark A. Rock in Columbia Station, OHIO
- Mark Anderson in Glastonbury, CONNECTICUT
- Mark Campbell in Centerville, INDIANA
- Mark Tracey in Ortonville, MICHIGAN
- Matt in Emmett, MI
- Michelle Williams in Glenwood, SUSSEX COUNTY,NJ
- Mitch in Granger, IN
- Mona Phillips in Shaker Hts, OH
- Nathan Parker in Mount Shasta, CA
- Pat Conlin in SHELBURNE FALLS, MA
- Paul Gerrish in Newbury, MA
- Peter Fote in Salt Lake City, UT
- Ray Wickline in Middletown, MARYLAND (MD)
- Rick Simoniello in Storrs / Mansfield, CT
- Roger Miller in Madison Heights, VA
- Ron Davis in CHUCKEY, TN
- Ronald Wolfe in Monticello, ILLINOIS
- Sandy Hug in Albany, OR...BENTON CO.
- Stephan Orchard in Westfield, INDIANA
- Steve Bean in Kaysville, UTAH
- Steven Stanley in Johnson City, TN
- Steven Sypkens in Turney, MO
- Thomas Griffith in Cottage Grove, WI
- Tim Cheney in Walpole, ME/LINCOLN
- Trevor Roth in Erhard, MINNESOTA
- Victoria Else in Middletown, NY
- Whitney Peters in Sixes, OREGON
Canada
- Bill O'Keefe in Dobbinton, ONTARIO
- Dan in Vittoria, ONTARIO
- Mat Vaughan in Clear Creek, ONTARIO
- Rylan in Courtice, ONTARIO
Australia
- Hayden in Winslow, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
- Patrick Deasey in Mt Macedon, VIC
Spring blossom records for this variety
2020 season
- 30th April 2020 - tree owned by Steven in Turney, United States
2016 season
- 8th April 2016 - tree owned by Kenneth in Topeka, United States
2015 season
- May 2015 - tree owned by Andrew in Ashfield, United States
- May 2015 - tree owned by Andrew in Ashfield, United States
2014 season
- 6th May 2014 - tree owned by Jeff in Reading, United States
2012 season
- 10th May 2012 - tree owned by Sandy in Albany, United States
- 10th May 2012 - tree owned by Sandy in Albany, United States
- 10th April 2012 - tree owned by Ray in Middletown, United States
- 20th March 2012 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
2011 season
- 5th April 2011 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
2010 season
- May 2010 - tree owned by Harry in Lodi, United States
- April 2010 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
2009 season
- May 2009 - tree owned by Harry in Lodi, United States
- April 2009 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2015 season
- 3rd week October 2015 - tree owned by Andrew in Ashfield, United States
- 3rd week October 2015 - tree owned by Andrew in Ashfield, United States
- 3rd week October 2015 - tree owned by Andrew in Ashfield, United States
- 4th week September 2015 - tree owned by Mark in Glastonbury, United States
- September 2015 - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States
2014 season
- 2nd week September 2014 - tree owned by Jeff in Reading, United States
2012 season
- 3rd week November 2012 - tree owned by Sandy in Albany, United States
- 3rd week November 2012 - tree owned by Sandy in Albany, United States
2011 season
- October 2011 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
2010 season
- 1st week October 2010 - tree owned by Harry in Lodi, United States
- October 2010 - tree owned by Michelle in Glenwood, United States
2009 season
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Unknown
- Originates from: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Introduced: 1750s
- Developed by: Mrs Butters
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1921-086
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1750 - 1799
- Fruit colour: Orange flush
- Flower colour: Pink - light
- 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): Sweeter
- Cooking result: Keeps shape
- Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Food uses: Juice
- Picking period: mid-October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Experienced
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Poor
- Ploidy: Triploid
- Vigour: Vigorous
- Precocity: Slow to start bearing
- Bearing regularity: Biennial tendency
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- 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
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Hot (>30C / 86F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Average
- Cedar apple rust: Very resistant
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Some susceptibility
- Powdery mildew: Some susceptibility
- Bitter pit: Some susceptibility
- Fire blight: Some susceptibility
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Baldwin apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
Baldwin apple trees - Cummins Nursery
United States More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Baldwin:
United States
California
- Arroyo Community Garden, Petaluma
Colorado
- Gott Bro's Orchard & Produce, L.L.C., Ignacio
- Masonville Orchard, Fort Collins
Connecticut
- Averill Farm, Washington Depot
- Bishop's Orchard, Guilford
- Bordeaux Farm, Somers
- Country Corners Farm, Griswold
- Scott's Yankee Farmer, East Lyme
- Seek No Further Orchard, Hebron
- Staehly Farms, East Haddam
Iowa
- Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City
Kentucky
- Eckert | Boyd Orchard, Versailles
Maine
- Eden Acres Family Farm, East Waterboro
- Hope Orchards, Hope
- McDougal Orchards, Springvale
- Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards, Cumberland Center
Massachusetts
- Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton
- Brook Farm Orchard, Ashfield
- Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
- Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Deerfield
- Red Apple Farm, Phillipston
- Russell Orchards, Ipswich
- Sholan Farms, Leominster
Michigan
- Alber's Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester
- Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill, Saint Johns
New Hampshire
- Alyson's Apple Orchard, Walpole
- Applecrest Farm Orchards, Hampton Falls
- Demeritt Hill Farm, Lee
- Lull Farm, Hollis
- Old Ciderpress Farm, Westmoreland
- Richardson's Farm, Boscawen
- Stone Brook Hill Farm, Gilford
- Stonybrook Farm, Gilford
New Jersey
- Riamede Farm, Chester
New York
- Black Diamond Farm, Trumansburg
Oregon
- B&P Hitz Fruit Farm, Woodburn
Pennsylvania
- Gray Wolf Plantation, New Oxford
- Klim Orchard, Lake Ariel
- Pappy's Orchard, Coopersburg
Rhode Island
- Appleland Orchard, LLC, Greenville
- Steere Orchard, Greenville
Wisconsin
- Door Creek Orchard, Cottage Grove
Canada
British Columbia
- Apple Luscious Organic Orchards, Salt Spring Island
- Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island
Australia
Victoria
- Heritage Fruits Society, Fairfield
References
- Cedar-Apple Rust
Author: Stephen Vann, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture (FSA7538)
Rated as very resistant - no control needed against CAR. - Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor - Some Antique Apples for Modern Orchards, (2008)
Author: Merwin I.A.