Duchess Apple

History: Duchess of Oldenburg, or Duchess as we like to call it, originated in the 1700s in Russia. It spread to other countries where it became popular, especially in Victorian England. Its popularity was so great that at one point it was used as a reference cultivar when evaluating other varieties of apples. It is also likely the parent of several other varieties such as Northern Spy.

Why We Grow It: Duchess boasts an attractive fruit that is striped and mottled red over light green. Although these apples don't store well, the flesh is soft and is excellent for pies and applesauce. The trees themselves are quite hardy and disease resistant.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions. 

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Moderately vigorous and very hardy but precocious, spreading growth pattern, crops well, suited for potting. Resistant to scab, mildew, fireblight, and cedar rust.

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time

Flowering Time: Early

Ripens: Late August

Storage: Keeps about a month when stored in cool, humid conditions

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking

Size including roots:

• 100-200 cm whip, 1 year grade
• 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more, 2 year grade
• 50-80 cm, B-grade