Crimson King (apple)

'Crimson King'
SpeciesMalus domestica
BreederJohn Toucher, Chardstock
Origin England, 19th c.

Crimson King, also known as John Toucher's or the Bewley Down Pippin, is a traditional cider apple cultivar originating in Somerset.

Origin

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The cultivar was raised in the late 19th century by John Toucher of Bewley Down, Chardstock.[1] It was first widely planted in western Somerset, and subsequently in Devon and other West Country cider producing areas.[2]

Characteristics

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The fruit is generally medium to large, variable in shape, and red-skinned.[2] In the standard classification of cider apples Crimson King is a (medium to full) "sharp", being high in acidity but low in tannin.

Crimson King is triploid and mid to late bearing. It makes a vigorous, spreading tree and was reputed to bear heavy crops without much tendency to biennial cropping,[1] although it is fairly prone to apple scab.

References

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  1. ^ a b Copas, L. Somerset Pomona, 2001, p 34
  2. ^ a b Annual Report of the Long Ashton Research Station, 1964, p. 55
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  • "Crimson King", National Fruit Collection, University of Reading and Brogdale Collections, retrieved 18 October 2015