Apple (Malus) Egremont Russet M26

The definitive English russet apple, first recorded in 1872 and thought to have been raised on the Petworth estate of the Earl (or Lord) of Egremont in Sussex. Holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and the most popular, widely-grown russet variety in the UK.

Fruit is medium-sized, flat-round, with a golden-yellow skin almost entirely covered in rough, brownish-orange russeting, sometimes with a light red flush. The flesh is pale cream, dense and fine-textured, with the classic dry, nutty russet flavour balanced by good sweetness — delicious eaten fresh, and a lovely match for cheese.

A small, bushy, spur-bearing tree, easy to grow and a good, regular cropper. Flowers in mid-season (pollination group 2) and is partially self-fertile, though it will crop better with a nearby pollinating partner. Excellent resistance to scab, making it a great choice for wetter parts of the UK, though it can be prone to bitter pit. Picked from late September/early October and best enjoyed within a couple of months, as flavour can decline with long cold storage.

Grown on semi-dwarfing M26 rootstock, reaching approximately 3–4m in height and spread at maturity — a good choice for smaller gardens as a bush tree.

Supplied as a healthy, well-rooted tree, ready to establish in its new home. A true classic — nutty, distinctive, and a real favourite with those who love something different from the usual eating apple.