Apple ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’

Apple ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’ – Pollination Group 4 – Eating Apple- is an RHS AGM variety that dates back to the 1700’s. This is a particularly versatile heritage variety that can be eaten fresh, cooked, juiced or used for cider. The dull, russet-skinned fruits may be less attractive than modern varieties, often looking lumpy and misshapen – but the pale flesh has a superb pear-drop flavour that makes this variety really stand out in taste tests. Fruits can be harvested in early October and store well until February.

• Apple rootstocks:
• M27 – Extreme dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 1.5m (5′)
• M9/ Pajam 9/ P9 – Dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 2.5m (8′)
• M26 – Dwarf reaching a mature height of 2.5-3m (8-10′)
• M6 – Semi dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 3m (10′)
• MM106 – Semi dwarf reaching a mature height of up to 4m (13′)

This variety is not self-fertile. For the heaviest crops it is best grown with another variety. If you only have room for one tree then make sure that a neighbour has a tree close by that can act as a suitable pollinator.

Estimated time to cropping once planted: 2 years.
Estimated time to best yields: 5 years.

Useful links:

How to grow fruit trees Fruit rootstock guide

Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.