$37.95
An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.
A rare heirloom apple which is making a real comeback, it was discovered around 1790 on a farm in Oxford County, Maine. Records exist that indicate the original tree was still producing in 1907! Mid-sized deep purple fruit has a glossy black sheen when fully ripe. A great all purpose variety but truly superb for drying or cider. Long storage enhances this apple's sweetness, with peak flavour for the best eating by late winter. Black Oxford is somewhat slow to start bearing and like many older varieties it has a tendency toward biennial (every other year) bearing. It shows both insect and disease resistance.
NEEDS A POLLENIZER | ZONE 4 | HARVEST: LATE OCT.
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Besides selecting the most disease resistant varieties, there are
a few simple things to do to have better apples.