Apple (Malus) Ashmead's Kernel M26

A historic English dessert apple dating from the early 1700s, Gloucestershire in origin, and considered by many to be one of the finest-flavoured apples ever raised. The flesh is firm, dense and intensely aromatic, with a distinctive sharp, pear-drop sweetness balanced by good acidity.

Fruit is small to medium in size, with rough, heavily russeted skin over a greenish-gold background. A connoisseur's apple rather than a showy one — valued for taste over appearance.

Flowers in mid-season (pollination group 3) and is a reliable but moderate cropper. Apples are picked in October and benefit from storing for several weeks, developing their full complex flavour by November onwards, keeping well into the New Year.

Grown on semi-vigorous M26 rootstock, reaching approximately 2.5–3m in height and spread at maturity — a good choice for smaller gardens as a bush or espalier tree, tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Trees typically begin cropping within 3–4 years of planting.

Supplied as a healthy, well-rooted tree, ready to establish in its new home. A must for anyone serious about growing classic English dessert apples.dire