Lord Derby

History and description of Lord Derby

Raised by by B W Witham, a nurseryman from Stockport, Cheshire, UK. First recorded 1862. It is believed by some to be a Catshead seedling. It was grown commercially in Egnland in the late 19th Century. It still remains a popular garden variety particularly in northern England and Scotland.

Large, round-conical fruit with pronounced ribs. Bright green skin turning yellow. Occasional slight pinkish brown blush. Soft, rather dry, white flesh. Good for pies as it keeps some of its shape when cooked. Strong sharp flavour requiring some sugar when cooked. Loses acidity and flavour in storage and is best used before it turns yellow.

Vigorous, hardy tree. Good cropper. May require thinning when the crop is heavy. Partially self-fertile. Good disease resistance. Hardy and suitable for growing in northern Britain. Attractive apple pink blossom

Characteristics of Lord Derby apple trees

Use	Culinary
Colour	Green
Flavour	Acid
Fruit size	Large
Picking time	Late Sep
Season of use	Oct-Dec
Tree vigour	Vigorous
Tree habit	Upright-spreading
Fruit-bearing	Spur-bearer
Cropping	Good
Disease resistance	Scab - Resistant Mildew - Resistant Canker - Resistant
Suitable for	Late Frost Northern Britain Wet Regions
Special features	Attractive Blossom
Pollination date	14
Pollination group	D
Self-fertility	Partially self-fertile
Pollinators	Pollination partners
Parentage	Catshead