Description
Semi-dwarf, deciduous fruit tree
Description: The fruit ripens late in autumn as the skin turns an olive green color. The flesh is greenish-white, juicy, crisp, and with a fine aroma. Stores well
Habit: Grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstock; grows 14-16' high
Culture: Prefers full sun and moderately rich, well-drained loam. Self pollinates.
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
Attributes: Edible fruit, attracts bees.
Jefferson documented
'Albemarle Pippin' was one of Thomas Jefferson's two favorite table apples, the other being 'Esopus Spitzenburg'. He planted as many as 50 'Albemarle Pippin' in the South Orchard at Monticello between 1769 and 1814. The variety originated in Newtown, New York in the 18th century, and is usually known as 'Newtown Pippin' for that reason. Jefferson wrote from Paris in 1786, "They (Europeans) have no apples here to compare with our Newtown Pippin." Benjamin Franklin reputedly introduced the variety into England, as an example of a superior American fruit variety, and in the 19th century, Queen Victoria fancied the fruit so much as to exempt Virginia-grown apples from an import tax. Pippin apples store well through winter in a cool cellar or refrigerator.
This tree will ship bare root. One year grafted M111 is approximately 4-5' tall.
Bare root planting tips:
~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
