Cider Apple Tree 'Kingston Black'

Code: APL203

£34.95 34.9500 In Stock New

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Malus domestica 'Kingston Black'

Discovered in Taunton in the late 18th century this vintage variety was referred to by the Victorian fruit enthusiast Hogg as 'the most valuable cider apple'. The fruits are small, dark maroon in colour and produce a highly aromatic bittersharp juice that can be made into an excellent single variety cider. It is not the easiest variety to grow and is a relatively light cropper but nevertheless is popular amongst cider enthusiasts.

Pollination: Group E.

Picking time: early November.

Available for delivery: late November/December - early May.

Cider apples are not usually edible but are grown for the qualities of their juice and tend to be rich in tannins and sugars. The tannins adds bitterness to the cider and the sugar encourages fermentation, giving rise to strength. Cider apples can be divided into four groups based on the characteristics of the juice they produce.

Sweets are low in both acidity and tannins.
Sharps are high in acidity and low in tannins.
Bittersweets are low in acidity and high in tannins.
Bittersharps are high in both acidity and tannins.

Only a few varieties make a good cider on their own so cider is usually blended from several different varieties to give the best results.

We offer a range of traditional cider apples grafted onto MM106 semi vigorous rootstock. Trees will reach a maximum height and spread of 3-4m (10-13ft). Unless otherwise stated, cider apples are supplied as two year old bare root trees and will be 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) high on despatch (including the roots). If you require one year old maiden trees for training as an espalier or fan, please advise us when ordering. Trees are available from late November to late April.

Pomona Fruits is your trusted source for UK grown cider apple trees. If you’re passionate about crafting your own artisan cider or simply wish to add a touch of British heritage to your orchard, you’ve come to the right place.

Why choose cider apple trees?

Cider apple trees are not your ordinary garden-variety apples. These special cultivars produce fruits that yield the complex flavours essential for crafting exceptional cider. Whether you’re a seasoned cider maker or an enthusiastic beginner, our selection of cider apple trees for sale offers something for every palate and skill level.

Our cider apple tree selection

At Pomona Fruits, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of cider apple trees, each with its unique characteristics. These are our 3 most popular cider apples:

Dabinett: A reliable favourite, producing a full-bodied, bittersweet juice perfect for classic West Country ciders.
Kingston Black: Often referred to as the “king of cider apples,” this variety offers a complex, bittersharp flavour profile.
Harry Masters Jersey: This widely planted vintage cider apple, often called ‘Port Wine’, was raised by Mr Harry Masters in Yarlington, Somerset in the late 19th Century.

The art of cider making

Crafting cider is more than just pressing apples; it’s an art form steeped in tradition. The right cider apple tree can make all the difference in your final product. Our trees are carefully selected to ensure they produce fruits with the ideal balance of tannins, acidity and sweetness required for superior cider.

From orchard to glass: your cider journey

We understand the joys and challenges of cider making. That’s why we're committed to supporting you every step of the way:

Expert advice: Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to guide you in selecting the perfect cider apple trees for your needs.
Quality assurance: All our trees are nurtured with care to ensure healthy growth and bountiful harvests.
Diverse selection: With varieties ranging from bittersweet to bittersharp, we cater to all cider-making preferences.

Why choose Pomona Fruits?

When you purchase a cider apple tree from us, you’re not just buying a tree; you’re investing in a piece of British heritage. Our trees are:

Grown in the UK.
Grown with sustainable practices.
Backed by our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Ready to start your cider-making adventure?

Browse our selection of cider apple trees for sale today and take the first step towards creating your own orchard-to-glass cider experience. Whether you’re looking to plant a single tree or establish a full cider orchard, Pomona Fruits is here to help you cultivate success.

Embrace the rich tradition of British cider-making with Pomona Fruits. Your perfect cider apple tree awaits.

Don't forget to include tree stakes and ties on your order. All young fruit trees require staking and for better establishment we strongly advise using Rootgrow when planting (as recommended in RHS planting guidelines).

Carriage & packing charges

Our standard delivery charge to mainland UK is £9.95. Some items (where stated) are p&p inclusive. If you are only ordering items that are p&p inclusive, the standard delivery charge does not apply.

Some deliveries to the Scottish Islands, parts of Scotland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Scily Isles may incur surcharges. If a surcharge is applicable, you may not be able to complete your order online. Please telephone us on 01255 440410 for a delivery quotation.

We regret that due to Brexit we are no longer able to deliver to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Despatch Dates

We regret we are unable to give precise delivery dates as weather conditions can affect the despatch schedule. The following information (which applies to orders placed online and over the phone) should only be used as a guide and on the understanding that we may not be able to keep to these dates precisely. Please note, delivery usually takes longer when payment is made by cheque.

If you have any specific requests concerning the timing of your delivery (e.g. if you are likely to be going away on holiday) please let us know. It is not usually possible for us to bring forward delivery dates but we can delay the despatch of your order from the normal run.

Fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, ornamental trees & hedging (bare root)

Bare root fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, ornamental trees and hedging are available from late November/December until late April.

Orders placed before the 30th November will usually be despatched by mid/late December.

Orders placed between 1st December and 31st December will usually be despatched late December/January.

Orders placed after the 1st January will usually be delivered within 28 days of the order being placed.

Fruit trees & soft fruit bushes (pot grown)

Pot grown fruit trees, gooseberries and currants are available April to late August and will usually be despatched within 14 days.

Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, elderberries, honeyberries, lingonberries, figs, goji berries and grapes are normally available throughout the year. If ordered April to late September they will normally be despatched within 14 days unless ordered with plants that are due to be despatched at a later date. Under these circumstances, to avoid additional carriage charges, the entire order will be sent together when everything is available. Outside this period, delivery may take up to 28 days or longer if ordered with plants that are due to be despatched at a later date.

Cell Grown Raspberries

Cell grown raspberries are available from mid/late May to late July and will usually be despatched within 14 days.

Strawberry plants (Runners)

Unless otherwise stated in the product description, fresh dug strawberry plants will be despatched from mid October to late November. Coldstored strawberry plants will be despatched from March to late June (closing date for orders is the 26th June). Orders placed during these periods will usually be delivered within 28 days. Some varieties are only available as coldstored plants (see product description for availability).

Vegetable Plants

Vegetable plants are available from mid May to late July. As a very rough guide, plants ordered before the end of April will usually be despatched by late May. Plants ordered after May will usually be despatched by early June.

Asparagus crowns

Asparagus crowns will be despatched from April to late May. Orders placed during this period will be despatched within 28 days.

Hardware

Hardware is usually despatched within 14 days unless ordered with plants that are due to be despatched at a later date.

Biological Controls (Natural Predators) & Bumblebee Hives

Natural Predators and Bumble Bee hives are only despatched at the appropriate time of year (see product description for detailed information). When “in season” they are despatched direct from our supplier in batches on a weekly basis - we send orders to our supplier 12pm Tuesday and they despatch these orders Wednesday the following week. Natural Predators are sent by first class post, bumblebee hives are sent by carrier.

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