Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Malus domestica ‘Golden Russet’

‘Fruit below the middle size, pretty regular in its outline, without angles, generally about two inches deep, and two inches and a quarter in diameter. Eye rather small, close, moderately depressed, surrounded by irregular plaits, part of which are more prominent than the rest. Stalk very short, deeply inserted in an uneven narrow cavity, not protruding so far as the base. Skin thick, of a pale copper-coloured yellowish russet, very thick and rough on the shaded side, with a few patches, occasionally, of bright red on the sunny side, and verrucose at the base. Flesh pale yellow, very firm and crisp. Juice not plentiful, but saccharine, of an aromatic and slightly musky flavour. A dessert apple from December till April.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.89/1831].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘The tree is healthy and an excellent bearer, but requires a warm situation to bring the fruit to perfection. This is another of our old English apples. Worlidge calls it the Aromatick, or Golden Russeting, “it hath no compear, it being of a gold-color coat, under a russet hair, with some warts on it. It lives over the winter, and is, without dispute, the most pleasant apple that grows; having a most delicate aromatick hautgust, and melting in the mouth.” [Hogg p.99/1851].

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed as ‘Golden Russet, apple no.60’ in a hand written list of apples in an 1850 catalogue held at Camden Park [CPA]. Most of the plants hand-written in this catalogue subsequently appeared in the 1857 catalogue. That the apples did not is probably an oversight.

 

 

Notes

Published Apr 17, 2010 - 03:46 PM | Last updated Jul 24, 2011 - 03:52 PM

7 varieties of apple are figured, all medium sized with yellow skin sometimes mottled red. Herefordshire Pomona pl.49, 1878.

Apple ‘Golden Russet’  | HP pl.49/1878 - Golden Russet is the apple at centre right | RBGS

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, England

Synonyms
  • Aromatick
  • Golden Russeting

 

Common Name

Apple, Dessert apple, Keeping apple

Name in the Camden Park Record

Golden Russet  

 

 

Confidence level high