Apple Blenheim Orange

A very old, popular, dual-purpose apple, Malus domestica Blenheim Orange produces medium to large, yellowish-green fruit with an orange-red flush and russet streaks, and a delicious, nutty flavour and crumbly texture. Sharp at first, the apples sweeten in store for eating, and are very good eaten with cheese. The fruit will cook to a purée, but keeps its shape to some extent. The tree is attractive, very large and vigorous; the pale pink flowers attract pollinators, including moths (which attract bats). Apple Blenheim Orange is well adapted to cooler, rainier climates, being very resistant to scab, and has some resistance to mildew. A partial tip-bearer, it tends to biennial bearing; thin heavy crops to prevent this. It’s a triploid, so must be grown with two other varieties, to pollinate it and each other. Apple Blenheim Orange holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Reasonably fertile, well-drained, preferably neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Pick: Late September, into October
Keep: Until January
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Pollination: Pollination Group 3; triploid
Uses: Eating, cooking

During the bareroot season, our apples are pre pruned before being dispatched by mail order.