A good disease resistant cooking apple suitable for northern Britain.
Origin: Cheshire UK,
1862
Pollination: Lord Derby is partially self-fertile and would produce some crop without a pollinator but would benefit considerably from a pollinator.
Pollination partners
We are now closed for the season. Ordering for winter 2024/25 will be enabled from Wednesday 1st May 2024.
History and description of Lord Derby
Raised by by B W Witham, a nurseryman from Stockport, Cheshire, UK. First recorded 1862. It is believed by some to be a Catshead seedling. It was grown commercially in Egnland in the late 19th Century. It still remains a popular garden variety particularly in northern England and Scotland.
Large, round-conical fruit with pronounced ribs. Bright green skin turning yellow. Occasional slight pinkish brown blush. Soft, rather dry, white flesh. Good for pies as it keeps some of its shape when cooked. Strong sharp flavour requiring some sugar when cooked. Loses acidity and flavour in storage and is best used before it turns yellow.
Vigorous, hardy tree. Good cropper. May require thinning when the crop is heavy. Partially self-fertile. Good disease resistance. Hardy and suitable for growing in northern Britain. Attractive apple pink blossom