Harrison cider apple trees
- Best seller
- Gardening skill: Average
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
- Pollination group: 3
- Uses: Juice
- Uses: Hard cider
Harrison is quite unusual, an American apple variety that was 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
1-year Harrison cider apple trees bare-root
B.9, G.11, G.41
rootstock
Small (6ft-9ft) mature height
$29.00
1-year Harrison cider apple trees bare-root
G.202
rootstock
Medium (8ft-12ft) mature height
$29.00
1-year Harrison cider apple trees bare-root
MM.111
rootstock
Large (10ft-16ft) mature height
$29.00
*Find out more about the apple rootstocks we use to control the mature height.
Historical details
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
Using
- Picking season:
Late
- Uses:
Juice Hard cider
- Cropping:
Good
- Keeping (of fruit):
2-3 weeks
- Juice style:
Bittersweet (cider)
- Fruit persistence:
Normal ripening
Growing
- Gardening skill:
Average
- Self-fertility:
Not self-fertile
- Pollination group:
3
- Pollinating others:
Average
- Ploidy:
Diploid
- Vigour:
Average vigour
- Bearing regularity:
Regular
- Fruit bearing:
Spur-bearer
Disease resistance
- General resistance:
Average
- Scab:
Some resistance
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA):
(5) -20F / -29C
- Summer average maximum temperatures:
Cool ( 20C - 24C / 68F - 75F) Warm (25C - 30C / 76F - 85F)
Identification
- Country of origin:
United States
- Period of origin:
1750 - 1799
- Fruit color:
Russet Yellow
- Fruit size:
Large
- Awards:
Slow Food - Ark of Taste
Similar varieties
Malus domesticaCampfieldHarrison and Campfield are ideal partners for cider blends.
