Roxbury Russet apple trees

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• Picking season: Late
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 4

Roxbury Russet is probably the oldest apple variety originating from North America.

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Roxbury Russet apple trees for sale

Pre-order for delivery in spring 2027

• 1Dwarf, 1-year bare-root tree $39.95 Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
  Dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  
• 2Semi-dwarf, 1-year bare-root tree $39.95 Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  Semi-dwarf rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  

All about Roxbury Russet apple trees

Roxbury Russet is an apple variety that traces its history right back to the colonial era, and it is thought to be the oldest apple variety originating in North America - almost certainly a seedling of a European variety brought over by the early colonists. It remains popular as a variety for gardens and small orchards, not just for its history but because it is also a good all-round apple.

Roxbury Russet is a typical russet apple, with a sweet flavor. However it is larger than most russet apples. The extent of russeting can vary from considerable to minimal, and like many russets it can develop an attractive sun-kissed flush as well.

It has many uses from eating fresh to sweet and savoury salads, juicing and cider. It keeps well in cold storage and can be used throughout the winter months.

How to grow

Like many antique apples, Roxbury Russet has some natural resistance to some of the diseases prevalent in the areas it originated, notably cedar apple rust, fireblight and scab.

Part of the reason for its success is that Roxbury Russet is both a very reliable and a very good keeper - qualities which are as useful today as when it was first discovered.

Although usually associated with the eastern apple-growing areas, Roxbury Russet has a good climate range - including coastal southern California.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

In use in Massachusetts in the early 17th century.

Roxbury Russet characteristics

• What level of gardening skill is needed to grow Roxbury Russet?Average
• Is Roxbury Russet self-fertile?Not self-fertile
• What flowering group is Roxbury Russet?4
• Is Roxbury Russet good for pollinating others?Poor
• What season do you pick Roxbury Russet?Late
• UsesEating freshCulinaryJuiceHard cider
• How long can you keep Roxbury Russet in a fridge?3 months or more
• What is the overall disease resistance of Roxbury Russet?Average
• How resistant is Roxbury Russet to fire blight?Very resistant
• Is Roxbury Russet resistant to scab?Very resistant
• Is Roxbury Russet resistant to cedar apple rust?Very resistant
• What is the USDA hardiness zone for Roxbury Russet?Zone 4 (-34C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Where does Roxbury Russet originate from?United States
• When was Roxbury Russet first introduced?1600 - 1649
• Fruit colorRusset