Fauxwhelp Apple

History: As the story goes, about 60 years ago two English bittersharp cider apples were imported to America. One was the well-known Kingston Black. The other was supposed to be Foxwhelp, but something went amiss with the scionwood and to this day the only thing we know for sure is: Fauxwhelp is not Foxwhelp. It continues to be grown in North America where it remains a topic of interest amongst fruit growers. Unfortunately due to its strange history, there is still much to learn about this variety.

Why We Grow It: Fauxwhelp yields big, juicy, pleasantly tart apples that are good for fresh eating and decent for cooking. There is some debate about its use in ciders. Some claim it has merit when added to cider blends while others believe it is not suitable for making cider. 

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: Moderate vigor in our orchard, but generally unknown at this time.

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: Likely middle

Ripens: Late September

Storage: Keeps until December

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking, cider

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