Harrison cider apple tree

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• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 3
• Uses: Juice
• Uses: Hard cider

Harrison is quite unusual, an American apple variety that was originally grown primarily for cider (hard or sweet). In England and France most hard-cider is produced using apple varieties grown specifically for that purpose, but the tradition in North America has been to use mainstream apples for cider production.

Harrison is also unusual in being one of the few varieties which happens to have a harmonious balance of the key elements of good cider juice - tannin (bitter), sugar (sweet), and acid (sharp). It can therefore be used to make a single-varietal cider.

Harrison cider apple trees for sale

You can pre-order for spring 2025

• 1Dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
  Dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  
• 2Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  G.890, G.969 rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  

How to grow

Please note - Harrison is initially a very slow-growing variety and trees supplied from the nursery are likely to be smaller than usual.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Harrison has an interesting history. It was well-known in the eastern states in the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from Essex County, New Jersey, but appeared to have become extinct by the start of the 20th century. It was however accurately described in old literature (particularly its distinctive yellow color), and in the late 20th century apple enthusiast Tom Burford was able to track down two old trees, from which scions have since been propagated.

Harrison characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
• Pollination group3
• Pollinating othersAverage
• Picking seasonLate
• UsesJuiceHard cider
• Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
• General resistanceAverage
• ScabSome resistance
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 5 (-29C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1750 - 1799
• Fruit colorRussetYellow

Similar varieties

• Campfield
  Harrison and Campfield are ideal partners for cider blends.