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John Downie

One of the most popular crab apple for jelly making. It produces an orange coloured jelly.

Origin: England UK,

Pollination: John Downie is self-fertile and a pollinator is not necessary for producing a crop.Find pollination partners >

British-grown UK flag All our bare-root trees are personally hand-grafted by our Nursery Manager and grown on at our nursery in Kent. We have Defra and Plant Healthy certification. More ...

We are now closed for the season. Ordering for winter 2026/27 will be enabled from Friday 1st May 2026.

History and description of John Downie

Malus John Downie is the most popular crab apple for jelly making. It produces pretty white blossom in April/May and orange and red crab apples in October.

Characteristics of John Downie apple trees

UseCulinary
ColourOrange
Flavour
Fruit sizeSmall
Picking time
Season of useOct
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habit
Fruit-bearing
Cropping
Suitable forNorthern Britain
Northern Britain
Special featuresAttractive Blossom
Good Pollinator
Pollination date0
Pollination group
Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
PollinatorsPollination partners
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