Kingston Black
Cider apple
Malus domestica Borkh.
Believed to be a Somerset apple and possibly raised at Kingston, near Taunton. This variety was introduced into Herefordshire c.1820 by Mr Palmer of Bollitree Estate, Weston-under-Penyard near Ross-on-Wye. Trees are of medium size and have a spreading habit. Susceptible to scab. Fruits are medium to small in size and produce a full bodied, excellent quality cider with a distinctive flavour.
Availability
Material available from the National Fruit Collection.
Material held in Tidnor Wood National Collection® of Malus (Cider making)
Accession name
Kingston Black
Flowering time
8th May 10% flowering
14th May Full (80%) flowering
22nd May 90% petal fall
Picking time
late september 1
Accession name
Kingston Black
Size
small 1
Type
Cider 1
Shape
Globose 1
Height
45.75 mm 1
Width
52.85 mm 1
Ribbing
medium 1
Crown
very weak 1
Ground Colour
Green yellow 1
Over Colour
Red 1
Over Colour (Pattern)
striped/solid flush 1
Russet
low 1
References:
1. NFC fruit (undated) Unpublished characterisation by staff at NFC, Brogdale.
2. Smith, M. (1971) National Apple Register