King of Tompkins County apple

King of Tompkins County apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

USDA identification images for King of Tompkins County

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

• 18 Feb 2022 

  These are, without exception, THE best apples one can find! We had a tree in Seattle that in 1960 was already mature. It produced exceptional fruit. I'm too old to plant a tree and hope for fruit but maybe I can buy some in the fall.
• 22 Aug 2018  WA, United States

  Was quite sure our apples are Tompkins King. However, they are ready in August. Other descriptors match. What do you think?
• 21 Jan 2018  OREGON, United States

  I grew up with one of these trees, in Issaquah, Wa. Pac.N.W., USA, and concurr with above ratings. I recall that wormy cores was the main issue in regards to the apples storability. I'm eager to see how it produces here in Oregon, where I've grafted a scion onto an indigenous Malus fusca, just 2 years ago. It's grown about 12 feet (4M) in that time.
• 18 Sep 2016  BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada

  I am pretty sure our ancient apple tree is a King of Tompkins. Some of the apples are enormous and it is a great apple for eating, cooking and juicing. We have a very tall tree, which may be as old as our house-built in 1910.
• 01 Nov 2014  WA, United States

  I've been eating apples all my life , raised in upstate N.Y. . My Dad religiously went apple shopping with all of us every fall trying all varieties. In WA , I happened to find a huge apple w/tiny core, SWEET and kept extremely well.. Found at an overstock store in Everett ,WA. Went to Portland the next week to look at land , met a guy whose Grandmother had 3 of these trees. He said they had a special name, small core and huge. Same exact color and size as this pic. Not a better apple have I tried!
• 12 Oct 2014  WA, United States

  I have a large Tompkins King in my yard, age in excess of 35 years, since I have lived here for 30 years. The tree is challenge by our moss, scab, and fungus but remains healthy and productive year to year. The King is a traditional heritage variety well adapted to the Pacific NW. My neighbor across the street has a couple more large Kings, also healthy and productive.
• 20 Oct 2012  BC, Canada

  The Caleb Pike Heritage park has one remaining of the originals planted in 1883. Of the various types, this is an exceptional apple. We have taken cuttings and grafted onto rootstock to preserve for the park.
• 03 Oct 2011  DERBYSHIRE, United Kingdom

  I agree with the comments above. When cooking you don't really need to add sugar. The tree is at my Grandma's house in a place called Ripley, UK. It was brought over 80 years ago and has been a little hit and miss - it was struck by lightning once! However, just before my Grandma died last year it produced the best crop we have ever seen. Amazing tree.
• 13 May 2011  WA, United States

  My grandmother has 2 of these trees on her farm in Skagit County, WA. They are my most favorite of all apples for eating raw as they are soooo sweet. They keep all winter in a cool location. Her apples are enormous--larger than any variety sold in stores.
• 12 Dec 2010  BC, Canada

  I believe my apple tree is a King. It ripens late (mid Oct) - tastes great as a dessert apple and cooks very well.

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• United States32
• United Kingdom1
• Netherlands 1
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• Australia1

Where to buy trees

The following tree nurseries offer King of Tompkins County apple trees for sale:

• Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
  King of Tompkins County apple trees
• Cummins Nursery
  United States  More >>

Where to buy fresh fruit

The following orchards grow King of Tompkins County:

United States

• California

  • Arroyo Community Garden, Petaluma

• Colorado

  • Masonville Orchard, Fort Collins

• Connecticut

  • Seek No Further Orchard, Hebron

• Iowa

  • Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City

• Maine

  • Eden Acres Family Farm, East Waterboro

• New Hampshire

  • Old Ciderpress Farm, Westmoreland

• New York

  • Black Diamond Farm, Trumansburg

• North Carolina

  • Big Horse Creek Farm, Lansing

• Wisconsin

  • Door Creek Orchard, Cottage Grove

Canada

• British Columbia

  • Dragonfly Farm, Salt Spring Island
  • Fruit Forest Certified Organic Farm, Cobble Hill
  • Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island

Australia

• Victoria

  • Heritage Fruits Society, Fairfield

References

• Apples of England (1948)
  Author: Taylor
• Some Antique Apples for Modern Orchards, (2008)
  Author: Merwin I.A.