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 a
Accession name
Kingston Black
Size
small a
Type
Cider a
Shape
Globose a
Height
45.75 mm a
Width
52.85 mm a
Ribbing
medium a
Crown
very weak a
Ground Colour
Green yellow a
Over Colour
Red a
Over Colour (Pattern)
striped/solid flush a
Russet
low a
References:
a. NFC fruit (undated) Unpublished characterisation by staff at NFC, Brogdale.