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Katy apple

Katy

Katy is an attractive medium-sized apple, usually bright red in colour over a light green yellow background.  The flesh is a pale cream colour, and on the softer side of crunchy.  Katy is usually a very juicy, and when fresh from the tree the juice goes everywhere as you bite into it. It has a fairly mild apple flavour, a bit of refreshing acidity, and in a good year a hint of strawberry.  The flavour is perhaps not the greatest, but certainly very pleasant.  If you have a surplus (and with Katy you generally do have a surplus), then Katy is an especially good apple for juicing - the juice is a lovely red/orange colour - similar to pink grapefruit juice in colour.

Katy is an easy-going early-season apple. The pretty appearance and juicy flavour mean it is popular with children, and it becomes available just in time for lunch-boxes for the new school term.  As well as being easy to eat, it is also one of the easiest apple varieties to grow - very productive, and trouble-free.  An extra bonus for gardeners is that Katy produces a lot of blossom over a long-period, so is very useful to aid in pollinating other apple varieties.

Katy originates from Sweden, where it is known as Katya, and as such is well-suited to growing in cool temperate climates. It was developed in 1947 as a cross between James Grieve and Worcester Pearmain and is very much a mixture of these two varieties. Worcester Pearmain is an English early-season variety from the 19th century, which used to be quite widely grown. Its most recognisable trait is a subtle strawberry flavour, and this is also sometimes present in Katy. James Grieve is another early-season variety, and its most notable characteristic is lots and lots of acidic juice.  As an early-season variety, Katy is one of the best apple varieties for northern temperate growing areas with shorter growing areas, since it will ripen even in a poor summer.

For an interesting tasting exercise, see if you can find Elton Beauty or Lord Lambourne - like Katy, these are both crosses between James Grieve and Worcester Pearmain.

Katy is available for a few weeks in late August and early September. Like most early varieties it is very refreshing when straight from the tree, but goes soft after a while - best kept in a refrigerator and nice to eat when cool rather than at room temperature.  Fortunately the apples keep nicely on the tree and can be picked over a period of about 2-3 weeks.

Although usually regarded as a dessert apple, thanks to its inherent acidity Katy is also a useful culinary apple - try it as the basis of apple crumble or tarte tatin.  It breaks down into soft chunks during cooking, with a good sweet/sharp flavour.

In summary, Katy is a really excellent apple for gardeners in temperate climates.  It produces an attractive neat tree, very easy to grow, and highly productive, and the fruit can be eaten fresh or juiced or even used for cooking.

Katy apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Katy
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USDA identification images for Katy

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


    Siblings of this variety (same parentage)


    See also

    • Sunrise - Katy and Sunrise ripen at the same time (late August in the UK) yet have completely different parentage

    Visitor reviews

    • 09 Dec 2023  STOCKHOLM, Sweden
      Katja (which is the correct Swedish name) is also good for cooking apple sauce. I still have some in the refrigerator.
    • 21 May 2023 
      A very pretty tree in its own right - symmetrical, flowers heavily, lightly perfumed blossom and dark foliage. I would recommend this variety where appearance is important. Healthy, seems to be quite disease resistant, apples are tasty and very juicy crunchy flesh. A decent advertisement for apples all round.
    • 10 May 2023  COUNTY MAYO, Ireland
      Great producer of crisp fruit,good disease resistance,my only problem is keeping the birds off them.
    • 01 Mar 2022  Warminster, United Kingdom
      Attractive fruit with plenty of juice. Crisp.
    • 08 Nov 2019  LANCASHIRE, United Kingdom
      Usually good cropper. Very attractive - often wins prizes in our village show! Good flavour especially when flesh has gone pink. Sadly does not keep well.
    • 05 Sep 2018  ABERDEENSHIRE, United Kingdom
      North-East Scotland. After the exceptional summer (2018) my 14 yr-old Katya is laden from top to bottom . Made juice on the 5th Sept and it was very good. Sweeter than Discovery. Lovely red juice.
    • 15 Aug 2017  CUMBRIA, United Kingdom
      We bought our Katy tree from Orange Pippin last year (2016) to replace a poorly performing Braeburn. I didn't expect too much in its first full season but the bush-trained tree was laden with blossom, which started at the bottom and finished at the top, giving you fruit that ripens over a period of several weeks. We're about halfway through a crop of about 30 apples, from a relatively small, young tree. You'd have to be very fussy not to enjoy the extremely juicy and fragrant flesh of these apples, which are superbly crisp when newly picked and last for several days in the bowl. The strawberry flavour note is certainly there, adding to the very distinctive character of the deep red apple. The Katy variety was recommended for growing in northern climes and this one certainly seems very happy in our Cumbrian garden, with all the wind and rain that goes with it. Overall, we're delighted with our Katy tree, which was superbly packed and presented by Orange Pippin, who I can't recommend more highly. The Braeburn has now become kindling, where it might finally serve a useful purpose!
    • 25 Aug 2013  United Kingdom
      Easy to grow and pleasant to eat. Just had a crop of around 60 apples from one tree. Not the most memorable taste but far from bland and is nice to eat. Quite juicy with a nice after-taste.
    • 24 Sep 2012  MIDDLESEX, LONDON, United Kingdom
      My Katy tree is located in a very urban environment and an over crowded garden in London (traffic and aircrafts), but thrives and every year, gives us a great crop of apples, some enormous in size! We use both as eating and cooking (although very little water required when cooking, otherwise they go very soft.) The taste is best when first picked and we have just finished our crop which was abundant in this year's (2012's) late summer/autumn after a very 'un-sunny' summer. We are about to prune it for the first time in a very long time - so 'fingers crossed' it will bloom again!
    • 30 Sep 2010  PEMBROKESHIRE, United Kingdom
      I love my Katy tree - it looks fantastic all summer laden with loads of bright red little apples! OK the flavour is not fantastic but no early apples are perfect. Does well here in Pembrokeshire. In Somerset you can gety "Katy" cider made from the juice.
    • 14 Oct 2009  IRELAND, Ireland
      My favorite apples we've ever grown. The red juice is amazing.
    • 09 Oct 2009  WIGTOWN, SW SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
      'Katy' is one of our best trees (in this area of relatively high rainfall). It's reliable and - so far - free of disease. We have tried its parent 'James Grieve' with no success (died of canker) and our 'Worcester Permain' has some scab, but happliy 'Katy' seems a lot more resistant. I agree with the description of its flavour and popularity with children; our very young neighbour went straight to the tree and asked to pick one!
    • 26 Aug 2009  WREXHAM, WALES, United Kingdom
      We have a small tree in our fairly small back garden against a sunny wall. eating the first ones today : ) They have a delicious flavour and texture i think, lovely colour, juicy, with a lovely undertaste and aftertaste that does taste quite strawberry....perhaps in the future when we have more, the juiced ones sound lovely, but they are so lovely raw, we're enjoying them as they are for now!
    • 07 Apr 2009  WORCESTERSHIRE, United Kingdom
      We've recently bought a small Katy apple tree (should eventually grow to c. 1.8m high) and we're currently wondering where in our garden we should plant it. Part of our garden is quite open to the sun in all directions, and part of it is more sheltered. We also have a mature plum and cherry tree in the garden (two different trees, not one producing two different fruits, I hasten to add!), and I'm wondering how far away from the other trees our new tree should be planted so that it isn't competing for nutrients from the soil? Is there a recommended minimum distance? These might sound like stupid questions from a non-gardener, but any thoughts would be most welcome!
    • 15 Sep 2008  BATH, United Kingdom
      I inherited this apple trained as an espalier. Crops well and the description above is spot on, especially the bit about it being good for children and ready in time for their school packed lunches. The flavour lets it down, however. It is pleasant enough, but I've definitely tasted better apple varieties.
    • 14 Sep 2008  WORCS, United Kingdom
      I think this is a brilliant variety. Knocks spots of Discovery for flavour & locally is a good week or so earlier. Good for eating. Juiced is sublime, cooks fine. Sadly it doesn't keep so season is short. Reliably heavy cropper.
    • 11 Oct 2007  Ireland
      Very heavy cropper - apple sawfly reduces the number of apples greatly, but even then I still have to thin! Sweet, very juicy, crisp off the tree - the above description is spot on.

    Tree register

    United Kingdom

    France

    Ireland

    Sweden

    Poland

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2023 season

    • 20th April  2023  - tree owned by James in Westport, Ireland

    2022 season

    • 27th April  2022  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 24th April  2022  - tree owned by Graham in Southampton, United Kingdom
    • 21st April  2022  - tree owned by David in Wetherby, United Kingdom
    • 17th April  2022  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2020 season

    • 18th April  2020  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 18th April  2020  - tree owned by Katy in Nottingham, United Kingdom
    • 10th April  2020  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2019 season

    • 18th April  2019  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom
    • 11th April  2019  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2018 season

    • 5th May  2018  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 30th April  2018  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • April  2018  - tree owned by Tim in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    2017 season

    • 10th May  2017  - tree owned by Bill in Ulverston, United Kingdom
    • 25th April  2017  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 17th April  2017  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 13th April  2017  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom
    • 12th April  2017  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2016 season

    • 25th May  2016  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom
    • 11th May  2016  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2016  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 8th May  2016  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom
    • May  2016  - tree owned by Graham in Southampton, United Kingdom

    2015 season

    • 3rd May  2015  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • May  2015  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom
    • 30th April  2015  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 24th April  2015  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom

    2014 season

    • 16th May  2014  - tree owned by Diane in Inverness, United Kingdom
    • 5th May  2014  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom
    • 2nd May  2014  - tree owned by Danny in Lochore, United Kingdom
    • 2nd May  2014  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom
    • 1st May  2014  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom
    • 28th April  2014  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 27th April  2014  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 15th April  2014  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom

    2013 season

    • 23rd May  2013  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom
    • 19th May  2013  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 10th May  2013  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2013  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 9th May  2013  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 6th May  2013  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom

    2012 season

    • 11th May  2012  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom
    • 3rd May  2012  - tree owned by Peter in Eye, United Kingdom
    • 25th April  2012  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 23rd April  2012  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 22nd April  2012  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 20th April  2012  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom
    • 18th April  2012  - tree owned by Simon in Duleek, Ireland
    • 9th April  2012  - tree owned by David in Broadstone, United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 18th April  2011  - tree owned by James in Melbourne, United Kingdom
    • 16th April  2011  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by Mark in Saddleworth, United Kingdom
    • 12th April  2011  - tree owned by David in Broadstone, United Kingdom
    • 12th April  2011  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 12th April  2011  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 10th April  2011  - tree owned by Simon in Duleek, Ireland
    • 10th April  2011  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • 2nd May  2010  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • May  2009  - tree owned by Anne in Ballycastle, United Kingdom

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


    Harvest records for this variety

    2023 season

    • 2nd week September  2023  - tree owned by James in Westport, Ireland
    • 2nd week August  2023  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom

    2018 season

    • 4th week August  2018  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2018  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2018  - tree owned by Rosa in Dublin, Ireland

    2017 season

    • 3rd week August  2017  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2017  - tree owned by Bill in Ulverston, United Kingdom

    2016 season

    • 4th week September  2016  - tree owned by Peters in Sheffield, United Kingdom
    • 1st week September  2016  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • August  2016  - tree owned by Graham in Southampton, United Kingdom

    2015 season

    • 4th week August  2015  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom

    2014 season

    • September  2014  - tree owned by Helen in Liverpool, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2014  - tree owned by Nickkk in Oldham, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2014  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2014  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom

    2013 season

    • 4th week September  2013  - tree owned by Zoe in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week September  2013  - tree owned by Eric in Bristol, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week September  2013  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 1st week September  2013  - tree owned by Bill in , United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2013  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom

    2012 season

    • 2nd week September  2012  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2012  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2012  - tree owned by Andrew in , United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 1st week September  2011  - tree owned by James in Melbourne, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2011  - tree owned by Bruce in Taunton, United Kingdom
    • 4th week August  2011  - tree owned by Simon in Duleek, Ireland
    • 4th week August  2011  - tree owned by Ute in Kilfenora, Ireland
    • 3rd week August  2011  - tree owned by Alan in Whitstable, United Kingdom
    • 2nd week August  2011  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • 3rd week August  2010  - tree owned by Mike in Abergavenny, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2010  - tree owned by Ian in Bromsgrove, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2010  - tree owned by Jane in Martley, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2010  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
    • August  2010  - tree owned by Ute in Kilfenora, Ireland

    2009 season

    • 2nd week September  2009  - tree owned by Anne in Ballycastle, United Kingdom
    • 3rd week August  2009  - tree owned by Jane in Martley, United Kingdom

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: James Grieve x Worcester Pearmain
    • Originates from: Sweden
    • Introduced: 1947
    • Developed by: SLU, Balsgard, Sweden
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1968-035

    Identification

    • Country of origin: Sweden
    • Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
    • Fruit colour: Red
    • Flower colour: White
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Popularity: Best sellers
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous

    Using

    • Picking season: Early
    • Keeping (of fruit): 1 week
    • Flavour quality: Average
    • Flavour style (apples): Sharper
    • Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
    • Juice style: Sharper
    • Juice style: Sweet (cider)
    • Cropping: Heavy
    • Fruit persistence: Fruit drops when ripe
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Culinary
    • Food uses: Juice
    • Food uses: Hard cider
    • Picking period: early September
    • Specific gravity: 1053
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Flowering group: 3
    • Pollinating others: Good
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Vigour: Vigorous
    • Bearing regularity: Regular
    • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
    • Organic culture: Suitable
    • Attractive features: Attractive flowers
    • Attractive features: Attractive tree / plant
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile

    Climate

    • Frost resistance of blossom: Good resistance
    • 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)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Good

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Katy apple trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Katy:

    United Kingdom




    References

    • Fruit Expert
      Author: Hessayon

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