Cox Orange Pippin Apple Tree

Cox Orange Pippin Apple Tree Overview

The Cox Orange apple tree is well known not only for being one of the best heirloom apple varieties (especially famous in Europe!) but also for setting a standard for apple flavor. In fact, it is a beloved apple variety for fresh eating because of its sweet and aromatic deep flavor. Moreover, it has versatile uses such as making cider, juice or cooking. Cox Orange is medium in size and has orange color with white flesh. Cox Orange is an heirloom variety grown by Richard Cox in Buckinghamshire, England around the 19th century.

Just like any other apple tree, the Cox Orange apple tree grows best when it’s planted in full sun in well-drained soil. Moreover, it can grow well in hardiness zones 5 to 7. The tree is moderately vigorous upright spreading. Not only does it produce good crop but after picking it can also keep well in cold storage for one to 3 months. However it is best when you eat it fresh off the tree. Cox Orange apple trees are susceptible to fireblight, mildew, scab, cedar apple rust and canker. Overall it has poor disease resistance. Lastly, it’s self-sterile and needs a good pollinator.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: eating fresh, cooking, juice, cider
• Taste: sweet, aromatic
• Size: Medium
• Color: Orange in skin color with white flesh.
• Hardiness Zones: 5 – 7
• Disease resistance
  • Scab – very susceptible
  • Cedar apple rust – somewhat susceptible
  • Mildew – somewhat susceptible
  • Fireblight – somewhat susceptible
  • Canker – very susceptible
• Harvest period: 4
• Flowering Group: 3
• Chill Hours: 800
• Cross Pollinates with: Honeycrisp, Harrison, Newtown Pippin, Sundance, and WineCrisp™ to name a few!
• Cultivation: This apple tree grows well in different environments and growing conditions. It is a moderately vigorous upright spreading tree. Precocious. Produces good cropping. Fruit can hang quite well on the tree even when mature.
• Storage: Keeps well in cold storage for 1-3 months.