Duck's Bill

Possibly an ancient variety with an unusual name derived from its unusual shape.

Origin: Sussex UK,

Pollination: Duck's Bill is self-sterile and would require a pollinator to produce a crop. Pollination partners

Duck's Bill apple trees produced to order

Closing date for custom graft orders: 14 Jul 2024

We do not stock this variety, but we can produce custom-graft trees for you. Trees can be grafted on any of the following rootstocks:

Form	Rootstock	Price
Maiden	M9Dwarfing	£39.00
Maiden	M26Semi-dwarfing	£39.00
Maiden	MM106Semi-vigorous	£39.00
Maiden	MM111Vigorous	£39.00
Maiden	M25Very vigorous	£39.00

Custom graft trees would be supplied in December 2025. More details of our custom grafting service here.

History and description of Duck's Bill

This variety was sent to the National Fruit Collection, UK in 1937 by Fred Streeter, Head Gardener ot Petworth House, Sussex. It may possibly be the ancient Sussex Duck's Bill apple. The name arose because it resembles a duck’s bill, being ribbed and rather flat-sided. Rich, sweet flavour but rather chewy flesh.

Characteristics of Duck's Bill apple trees

Use	Dessert
Colour	Flushed
Flavour	Rich
Fruit size	Medium
Picking time	Early Oct
Season of use	Nov-Dec
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit	Upright-spreading
Fruit-bearing	Spur-bearer
Cropping
Pollination date	16
Pollination group	E
Self-fertility	Self-sterile
Pollinators	Pollination partners