Harrison cider apple tree
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
- Pollination group: 3
- Uses: Juice
- Uses: Hard cider
- Awards: Slow Food - Ark of Taste
Harrison is a traditional American cider apple, noted for its excellent juice quality.
Harrison cider apple trees for sale
1Small 1-year bare-root tree
$37.95
Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
Dwarf rootstock
2Medium 1-year bare-root tree
$37.95
Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
Semi-dwarf rootstock
Next deliveries
We are now accepting pre-orders for the spring 2024 planting season.
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.
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
- PloidyDiploid
- Bearing regularityRegular
- Fruit bearingSpur-bearer
- WildlifeRHS Plants for Pollinators
- Picking seasonLate
- UsesJuiceHard cider
- CroppingGood
- Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
- Juice styleBittersweet (cider)
- General resistanceAverage
- ScabSome resistance
- Cold hardiness (USDA)(5) -20F / -29C
- Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
- Country of originUnited States
- Period of origin1750 - 1799
- Fruit colorRussetYellow
- Fruit sizeLarge
- AwardsSlow Food - Ark of Taste
Similar varieties
CampfieldHarrison and Campfield are ideal partners for cider blends.
