Traditional Ashmead’s Kernel apple varieties were brought to the UK in the early eighteenth century. With good reason, this old English apple has since gained popularity all over the world. Learn how to grow Ashmead Kernel apples by reading on.
Ashmead’s Essential Data
The appearance of Ashmead’s Kernel apples isn’t very appealing. These strange-looking apples are actually small to medium in size, lopsided, and drab. With red accents, the hue varies from gold to greenish brown.
In contrast, the apple’s unique flavor—which is crisp and juicy with a pleasant aroma and a sweet and tart taste—overshadows its appearance. Ashmead’s Kernel apples are easy to grow and can be found in a number of climates, including the warmer (though not hot) southern U.S. Harvesting for this late-season apple usually takes place in September or October.
Applications for the Kernel Apples of Ashmead
Although there are many uses for Ashmead’s Kernel apples, most people prefer to eat them fresh or turn them into delectable cider. But apples are also perfect for desserts and sauces. When stored in the refrigerator, Ashmead’s Kernel apples will retain their flavor for at least three months.
How to Grow Kernel Apples in Ashmead?
USDA plant hardiness zones 4–9 are ideal for growing Ashmead’s Kernel apples. Here are some pointers to get you going: Plant Ashmead’s Kernel apple trees in soil that drains well and is medium-rich. Choose a different spot if your soil is sandy, clay, or rocky. Digging in a lot of compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted mature plants, or other organic materials can help improve poor soil. Dig down 12 to 18 inches (30.5–45.5 cm) into the ground. Aim for six to eight hours of sunlight per day for the trees. Ashmead’s Kernel apple trees cannot withstand shade, just like most other apples. Young trees need deep watering every seven to ten days during warm, dry weather. Once established, trees typically receive enough moisture from regular rainfall. Give these apple trees’ root zones around half an hour to drip with a garden hose or soaker.
The Ashmead Kernel trees should never be overwatered. It is preferable to have slightly dry soil than extremely wet, flooded conditions. Use a high-quality, all-purpose fertilizer as soon as the apple tree starts to produce fruit, which usually happens two to four years later. Avoid fertilizing when it’s time to plant. Fertilize Ashmead’s Kernel apple trees no later than midsummer; doing so causes a flush of tender, new growth that is susceptible to frost damage. Fruit that is larger and tastes better is ensured by thinning excess apples, which also keeps branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit. Ashmead’s Kernel apple trees should be pruned once a year, ideally right after harvest.
