History: Freyberg apples are one of several varieties created by J.H. Kidd in New Zealand in his attempt to breed Cox's Orange Pippin with American apple varieties. Freyberg specifically is crossed with Golden Delicious. Kidd sadly passed away in 1945 before seeing this particular variety come to life. It was one of many of his seedlings given to the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research who eventually released the variety in 1959, naming it after Lord Bernard Freyberg who was the country's Governor-General from 1946-1952.
Why We Grow It: Although Freyberg is not as popular as some of Kidd's other creations such as Gala apples, this apple still boasts a honeyed flavour and strong scented with distinct notes of pear. The golden green fruit has crisp flesh and keeps well.
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 5
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: Not very vigorous and very susceptible to 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: Middle
Ripens: Late October
Storage: Keeps until January when stored in cold storage
Recommended Use: Baking, fresh eating
Size including roots:
- 1 year grade 100-200 cm whip
- 2 year grade 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more
- B grade less than 100 cm