Exeter Cross

An early dessert apple with a sharp refreshing flavour.

Origin: Bristol UK, 1924

Pollination: Exeter Cross is self-sterile and would require a pollinator to produce a crop. Pollination partners

Exeter Cross apple trees produced to special order

We do not stock this variety, but we might be able to produce trees for you through our custom grafting service, depending on the availability of suitable grafting material. Trees can be grafted on any of the following rootstocks:

CG-1Exeter Cross tree custom-grafted on M9 rootstock (Dwarfing)£39.00 each
CG-2Exeter Cross tree custom-grafted on M26 rootstock (Semi-dwarfing)£39.00 each
CG-3Exeter Cross tree custom-grafted on MM106 rootstock (Semi-vigorous)£39.00 each
CG-4Exeter Cross tree custom-grafted on MM111 rootstock (Vigorous)£39.00 each
CG-5Exeter Cross tree custom-grafted on M25 rootstock (Very vigorous)£39.00 each

If you wish to go order please fill in our contact form in the first instance, stating your name, full address, and the rootstock(s) you wish the tree(s) to be grafted on. You will need to contact us before June.

Propagation is carried out in late July / early August, and the grafted trees would be available for supply in December the following year (approximately 14 months later).

History and description of Exeter Cross

Raised in 1924 by G T Spinks at Long Ashton Research Station, Bristol from a Worcester Pearmain X Beauty of Bath. Named in 1954. Early dessert apple that ripens over a very long period.

Small/medium-sized fruit. Flat-round shape, fairly regular. Greenish yellow background skin colour with a scarlet flush. Distinct broad broken stripes over one-half to three-quarters of fruit. Smooth, rather greasy skin. Creamy white flesh, firm, crisp and juicy with a refreshing flavour. Quite astringent when eaten early but becoming crisp, juicy and sweet.

A tree of moderate vigour. Good cropper.

Characteristics of Exeter Cross apple trees

Use	Dessert
Colour	Flushed
Flavour	Sharp
Fruit size	Medium
Picking time	Aug
Season of use	Aug
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit	Upright-spreading
Fruit-bearing	Spur-bearer
Cropping	Good
Disease resistance	Scab - Resistant
Pollination date	11
Pollination group	C
Self-fertility	Self-sterile
Pollinators	Pollination partners
Parentage	Beauty of Bath Worcester Pearmain
Progeny	Redsleeves