Apple Family Tree (Blenheim Orange, Kidd's Orange Red & Queen Cox)

Our family trees are a clever way of growing more fruit in a small place as they have three varieties of apple grafted on one tree!  

We have selected three varieties that will work together in terms of pollination and vigour to achieve a lovely balanced shape and to fill the fruit bowl.

Blenheim Orange

Blenheim Orange is said to be one of the loveliest apples of them all.  It was first discovered in 1740 near Blenheim in Oxfordshire and was known locally as "Kempster's Pippin".  In 1804 the 4th Duke granted permission for it to be renamed "Blenheim Orange".  A dual purpose apple, which keeps its shape when cooked and the flesh will not discolour when cut.  The fruits have a rich, distinctive, sweet flavour with a little nuttiness.  Fabulous with cheese and delicious enjoyed fresh from the tree.  The apples if kept on the tree will become richer in flavour as they mature.  A hardy variety, that is naturally fairly vigorous and a reliable and abundant cropper.  

Kidd's Orange Red

A mid season apple raised in 1924 in New Zealand and introduced into England c1932.  One of the finest flavoured dessert apples. The medium sized fruit are crisp. sweet, aromatic and juicy.  There is also a more highly coloured sport of this variety called "Captain Kidd".

Kidd's Orange Red has good disease resistance and crops well even in the coldest areas. Plant in the sunniest spot available to ensure the best flavour. Highly recommended.

Queen Cox 

A more highly coloured clone of Cox's Orange Pippin. It was discovered at Appleby Fruit Farm, Kingston Bagpuize, Berkshire. Received by the National Fruit Trials in 1953. Fruits have firm, juicy flesh with a rich, aromatic flavour.