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Forge

An old traditional dual purpose apple from Sussex

Origin: Sussex UK, 1851

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

British-grown British-grown fruit trees All our bare-root trees are personally hand-grafted by our Nursery Manager and grown on at our nursery in Kent. We have Defra and Plant Healthy certification. Find out more ...

Forge apple trees produced to order

Closing date for custom graft orders: 14 Jul 2025

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 2026. More details of our custom grafting service here.

History and description of Forge

First described in 1851 when it was already well known. Said to have originated at Forge Farm, Sussex or near the old iron forges near East Grinstead, Sussex. Widely grown in North Sussex and Surrey in the 19th century when it was used for cider making. Medium sized, conical to round-conical fruit. Orange-red flush with short broken crimson stripes over a pale green background turning pale yellow. Becomes very greasy in storage. White flesh, crisp and very juicy. Sharp, tannic flavour early in the season but mellows with keeping to become lightly aromatic. A dual purpose apple. Cooks to a soft puree making a good sauce.

Characteristics of Forge apple trees

UseDual Cul & Des
ColourFlushed
FlavourSharp
Fruit sizeMedium
Picking timeLate Sep
Season of useSep-Dec
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habitUpright-spreading
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
CroppingGood
Disease resistanceScab - Very resistant
Suitable forLate Frost
Wet Regions
Special featuresGood for Cider
Pollination date15
Pollination groupD
Self-fertilitySelf-sterile
PollinatorsPollination partners
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