Cider Apple Kingston Black

One of the few apples that can be used for a single-varietal cider, Malus domestica Kingston Black was bred in Kingston, Somerset in the 19th century. The fruit is comparatively small, almost completely flushed a very deep maroon-red; it produces an aromatic, well-balanced, bitter-sharp juice with a lovely, distinctive flavour. The tree is a light, not always reliable, cropper, slow to come into bearing, and can be susceptible to scab and canker, but is nevertheless popular with cider-makers for its exceptionally high-quality juice. A spur-bearer, cider apple Kingston Black is good for pollinators.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any well drained soil, preferably deep and fertile
Position: Full sun
Pick: Early November
Keep: Usually pressed when picked
Hardiness: Very hardy
Pollination: Self-sterile; Pollination Group 3-4
Uses: Cider

Learn more about fruit tree rootstocks

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