History: The New Brunswick apple is the first variety released by pioneer horticulturalist Francis Peabody Sharp. He introduced it in 1853 and basically launched the fruit growing industry in New Brunswick. This apple is believed to be a seedling of a Duchess apple, hence one of its alternate names 'New Brunswick Duchess.'
Why We Grow It: This apple is aromatic with some tartness. Although not the best fresh-eating apple variety, this is a nice variety for people interested in heritage breeds and taking a bite out of a piece of Canadian history.
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: Scab resistant
Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
Pollination: Triploid, requires two pollinators of different non-triploid apple varieties that bloom around the same time
Flowering Time: Early?
Ripens: Late August
Storage: Does not store especially well
Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking
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