Spring 2024
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James Grieve

A good heavy cropping early season dual purpose apple from Scotland.

Origin: Scotland UK, 1893

Pollination: James Grieve 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 James Grieve

Raised by James Grieve in Edinburgh, Scotland either from a Pott's Seedling or Cox's Orange Pippin seedling. Introduced by Dickson's Nursery. First recorded 1893. Received RHS Award of Merit 1897 and a First Class Certificate 1906. Formerly grown commercially in the UK and Northern Europe.

Medium to large, round-conical fruit. Bright red flush over green skin ripening to yellow. Attractive looking. Creamy white, soft, juicy flesh. Quite sharp early in the season when it makes a good stewing apple. Acidity mellows in September and October but it still remains a fairly sharp tasting dessert apple. Bruises very easily. Limited storage life going soft quite quickly. Excellent variety for juice making.

Moderately vigorous, spreading tree. Heavy cropper. Good pollinator. Susceptible to canker and therefore not suitable for growing in humid locations. Otherwise a good garden variety.

Characteristics of James Grieve apple trees

UseDual Cul & Des
ColourFlushed
FlavourSubacid
Fruit sizeMedium
Picking timeEarly/Mid Sep
Season of useSep-Oct
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habitSpreading
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
CroppingHeavy
Disease resistanceScab - Susceptible
Canker - Susceptible
Mildew - Resistant
Suitable forLate Frost
Northern Britain
Special featuresGood Pollinator
Good for Juice
Pollination date10
Pollination groupC
Self-fertilityPartially self-fertile
PollinatorsPollination partners
ParentageCox's Orange Pippin
Potts' Seedling
ProgenyElton Beauty
Red Falstaff
Falstaff
Greensleeves
Katy
Lord Lambourne
St Ailred
SportsPoelmans Rode James Grieve
Red James Grieve
Redcoat Grieve