King of the Pippins
A multipurpose eating apple, used for cider in France and Britain and a popular cooker in France.
Golden skin flushed tawny red, firm flesh with sweets sharp tangy flavour. Keeps its shape well when cooked, often used in the preparation of the classic tarte Tartin.
A good cropper, self-fertile, keeps until February.
Possibly derived its name from Reine des Reinettes, originally appearing in the Netherlands (named Kroon Renet), then migrated to France and England around 1770-1790 when it is first mentioned in French literature. In England it was referred to as Golden Winter Permain, until it was recognised as identical to the French Reine des Reinettes, so dubbed King of the Pippins.
To further confuse the situation, another importer brought over the actual Reine des Reinettes apple from France and named it Queen of the Pippins. It's now believed that these names refer to the same apple.
A first choice for cider with its high sugar concentration, but needs blending with low-acidity varieties.
Pollination Group
For further information click here
What will my trees be like when they arrive?
Our trees are supplied as bare root trees in the dormant season (usually December - March).
- 1 year old "maiden" trees will usually arrive as a single, flexible stem (or some varieties will also have some side-shoots). Our 1 year-old trees are at least 90cm tall and can be up to 150cm (3ft - 5ft).
- Our older trees are 2 or 3 years old, usually have some branching and may have some fruit buds. They are between generally 110cm and 150cm (4ft - 5ft).
Trees that have grown over 150cm will be pruned to a bud at the top to fit into the packaging.
Choosing the right size rootstock
M26 – Medium-Small. A great size for gardens, M26 is a semi-swarfing rootstock, with trees growing up to 2.5-3.5 (8-11ft) high. Also good for espaliers and cordons. Space trees 3-4m (9ft-12ft) with 4m (12ft) between the rows. Starts fruiting after 2-3 years.
M116 – Medium. A semi-vigorous rootstock, with trees growing up to 3-4m (10-13ft) high. Very similar in size and abundance to the MM106 below, but better for wetter soils. Good for half standards, espaliers, cordons. Space trees 3.6m (12ft) with 4.5m (15ft) between the rows. Starts fruiting after 3-4 years.
MM106 – Medium. A semi-vigorous rootstock, with trees growing up to 3-4m (10-13ft) high. Space trees 3.6m (12ft) with 4.5m (15ft) between the rows. Good for half standards, espaliers, cordons. Starts fruiting after 3-4 years.
M25 – Large. A very vigorous rootstock, with trees growing to 6m and sometimes more (20ft+). Space trees 5m (15ft) with 6m (20ft) between the rows. Grow as full or half standard. Ideal in poorer soil and exposed sites. Starts fruiting after 5-6 years.
To buy your tree, select the size and year below, and click add to cart
Delivery
Postage is standard across mainland Britain. The cost is calculated in the checkout, based on the number of trees you order, and so the number of parcels required.
Whenever you order your trees, they will be despatched for delivery bare rooted during the winter planting season, which runs from early December to late March.
Trees that have grown over 150cm will be pruned to a bud at the top to fit into the packaging. Read more about planting your bare root trees here.
Collection
If you would like to collect your trees from us, just select this option in the checkout. We will be in touch when the trees are ready for collection, to arrange a time.
If you require any further help or assistance, there's information on rootstocks, pollination and planting out under the advice tab in the main menu, or please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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