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 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 ...

John Downie apple trees for sale

1-year maiden trees

These are the most versatile choice for home orchards, community fruit tree projects, and for training on in any form you require.

Form	Rootstock	Price	Quantity
Maiden	M9Dwarfing	£25.00
Maiden	M26Semi-dwarfing	£25.00	< 5 in stock
Maiden	MM106Semi-vigorous	£25.00	< 5 in stock

If you do not see the rootstock you require it is likely we can graft a tree especially for you - click here for more details of our custom-grafting service.

Pre-trained trees

These trees have already had some formative training in the nursery.

Form	Rootstock	Price	Quantity
Espalier (1 tier)	MM106Semi-vigorous	£39.50	< 5 in stock

Orders placed now will be delivered in the winter 2025/26 planting season.

Try these similar varieties

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

Use	Culinary
Colour	Orange
Flavour
Fruit size	Small
Picking time
Season of use	Oct
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit
Fruit-bearing
Cropping
Suitable for	Northern Britain Northern Britain
Special features	Attractive Blossom Good Pollinator
Pollination date	0
Pollination group
Self-fertility	Self-fertile
Pollinators	Pollination partners