Autumn 2025 / Winter 2026 seasonWe still have plenty of trees left for the winter planting season, but it is best to order ASAP.
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Bloody Ploughman

A legendary dark red dessert apple from Scotland with some red flesh.

Origin: Scotland UK, 1883

Pollination: Bloody Ploughman is self-sterile and would require a pollinator to produce a crop.Find pollination partners >

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Bloody Ploughman apple trees for sale

Sorry we have sold out of this variety for this season.

History and description of Bloody Ploughman

Arose in Carse of Gowrie, Scotland. First recorded in 1883. There is a colourful story behind the rather strange name. A ploughman was caught stealing apples from the Megginch estate and shot by a gamekeeper. His wife threw the stolen apples on a rubbish heap. One of the seedlings which arose was resued and gave rise to the variety which was named after the unfortunate ploughman.

Medium to large, flat-round, ribbed fruit. Blood red skin. Crisp, juicy flesh becomes stained pink when very ripe. Sweet with a light flavour. Vigorous tree.

Characteristics of Bloody Ploughman apple trees

UseDessert
ColourRed
FlavourSweet
Fruit sizeMedium
Picking timeMid Sep
Season of useSep-Nov
Tree vigourVigorous
Tree habitUpright-spreading
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
Cropping
Suitable forNorthern Britain
Pollination date12
Pollination groupD
Self-fertilitySelf-sterile
PollinatorsPollination partners
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