Spring 2024
Keepers NurseryThe UK's largest range of Fruit Trees
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Downton Pippin

An old apple variety with a strong cidery flavour popular in Victorian England.

Origin: Shropshire UK, 1806

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

Downton Pippin 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:

FormRootstockPriceQuantity
MaidenM9Dwarfing £39.00
MaidenM26Semi-dwarfing £39.00
MaidenMM106Semi-vigorous £39.00
MaidenMM111Vigorous £39.00
MaidenM25Very vigorous £39.00

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

History and description of Downton Pippin

Downton Pippin was raised from Orange Pippin X Golden Pippin by T A Knight at Elton Manor, Ludlow, Shropshire and named after Downton Castle in Shropshire. First exhibited in 1806. A popular apple in Victorian times still found in some old orchards in the Teme Valley.

Small sized, round or round-conical fruit. Smooth skin, greenish yellow becoming gold. Deep cream flesh. Crisp and juicy with an intense, almost cidery flavour. Although grown as a dessert apple it cooks well, keeping its shape and strong flavour.

A tree of moderate vigour. Good cropper.

Characteristics of Downton Pippin apple trees

UseDessert
ColourYellow
FlavourCidery
Fruit sizeSmall
Picking timeMid Sep
Season of useSep-Oct
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habitUpright-spreading
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
CroppingGood
Pollination date12
Pollination groupD
Self-fertilitySelf-sterile
PollinatorsPollination partners
ParentageCox's Orange Pippin
Golden Pippin