'Crimson King'
Species	Malus domestica
Breeder	John Toucher, Chardstock
Origin	England, 19th c.

Crimson King, also known as John Toucher's or the Bewley Down Pippin, is a traditional cider apple cultivar originating in Somerset.

Origin

The cultivar was raised in the late 19th century by John Toucher of Bewley Down, Chardstock. ^[1] It was first widely planted in western Somerset, and subsequently in Devon and other West Country cider producing areas. ^[2]

Characteristics

The fruit is generally medium to large, variable in shape, and red-skinned. ^[2] In the standard classification of cider apples Crimson King is a (medium to full) "sharp", being high in acidity but low in tannin.

Crimson King is triploid and mid to late bearing. It makes a vigorous, spreading tree and was reputed to bear heavy crops without much tendency to biennial cropping, ^[1] although it is fairly prone to apple scab.

References

External links

• "Crimson King", National Fruit Collection, University of Reading and Brogdale Collections, retrieved 18 October 2015