King of Tompkins County

Good Apple Info Snapshot:

Had high expectations for this variety. While the trees grew well, averaging over four feet and seem fine going into the fall, they were hit hard during the year, looking really beat up and lost many of their leaves prematurely. Unsure if their vigor and age will compensate, or if the variety just struggles in our area.

While known to have some susceptibility to all the major diseases, King of Tompkins is not considered a difficult variety to cultivate.

Good Apple Info Difficulty Rating:

Hard. TRIPLOID ALERT: This variety needs two other varieties with an appropriate bloom time, for full pollenization.

Tree Habit:

Vigorous, open and spreading, and productive. Best planted in a sheltered spot so as to avoid premature windfall of large fruit.

Apple Color:

Red blush over yellow background.

Size:

Very large and roundish in shape.

Flavor:

subacid – rich, aromatic flavor. Flesh is yellowish, coarse, crisp, and juicy

Bloom:

Mid-Season.

Ripe:

October

History:

King of Tompkins apple tree was brought from New Jersey to New York in 1804 by Jacob Wycoff. Grown in Tompkins County, New York, and called the King of apples, for size and flavor. The King of Tompkins was fourth most popular New York apple in early 1900’s.

In Apples of New York, Beach provides the following quote from Mr. Mattison of Jacksonville, NY: “The limbs grow so very horizontal that the tree needs scarcely any pruning and one of its good qualities is, it is a regular bearer every year, and a fine, thrifty grower. . . . The apple is one of those crimson red with yellow ground that attracts the eye, and its color will not disappoint you when you come to eat it. Its very agreeable perfumed flavor is equal to the Swaar.” In 1860, the Congress of Fruit Growers at Rochester, NY added “Tompkins County” to its name so as to distinguish it from other “King” apples.

Storage:

Ok, 2 months.

Uses:

Fresh eating, baking, cider, jelly, and sauce.