Cox's Orange Pippin

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This is the classic English apple, often regarded as the finest of all dessert apples.  If you are used to the one-dimensional flavour of apples like Golden Delicious, the aromatic complexity and depth of flavours in a good Cox's Orange Pippin will be a revelation.  In our personal experience pear, melon, freshly-squeezed Florida orange juice, and mango are all readily evident in a good example.

Cox's Orange Pippin is really a mid/late season variety and is probably at its best if picked when fully ripe, or picked slightly under-ripe and left in storage for a month or so - it is not a long-keeper though.

There are a number of different sports and selections of the original Cox's Orange Pippin.  We generally supply the self-fertile versions, which are more versatile for garden use.  We also offer Queen Cox, a variation discovered in the 1950s which is also self-fertile, and we think has a marginally better flavour.

You might also be interested in our collection of apple varieties which are good alternatives or subsitutes for Cox's Orange Pippin.

Horticultural characteristics of Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees

Cox's Orange Pippin is not as easy to grow as some varieties, but don't let this put you off.  The main problem is the poor disease resistance, which is best addressed by a spraying regime (organic or conventional).  It can be grown without any treatments but cropping may then be lighter.

Although forever associated with England, it can be grown in warm climates, and indeed seems to do better in warmer and drier conditions than are generally found in England.  However enthusiasts believe (with some justification) that the unique flavour can only be fully developed in the marginal climate of a typical English summer.  We have also had many enquiries asking if Cox's Orange Pippin can only be grown in Kent - this is not true, it can be grown successfully throughout much of the UK, although it does prefer the drier climate of the east and south-east.

The bottom line is that if you are serious about apples then you absolutely must try growing Cox's Orange Pippin - but perhaps as a second or third tree in a collection rather than your only apple tree.

Historical details

Found as a seedling in the early 19th century, the parentage is unknown but it is possibly related to Ribston Pippin.

More information

Cox's Orange Pippin (self fertile) - Fruit

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