William’s Pride Apple Tree

William’s Pride Apple Tree Overview

If you would like to take a bite out of a crispy dark red apple in the summertime, then William’s Pride apple tree is for you! It matures in July-August, earlier than most apple trees, and has a spicy and very crisp taste. Moreover, William’s Pride apple tree is resistant to scab, cedar apple rust, and fireblight which will make your life much easier. In fact, the cooperative breeding program between Purdue, Rutgers and Illinois State Universities jointly developed about 50 apples resistant to scab of which Williams’ Pride was the 8th. Some of its parents include Red Rome Beauty, Jonathan, Melba, and Starr.

Although they developed it in the 1970s, they didn’t introduce it until 1988. At first, they called it Co-op 32 but then named it after the prominent apple breeder, Edwin B. Williams, at the PRI breeding program. Because PRI developed it in the Midwest, it will also grow perfectly there. In order to ensure vibrant growth though, be sure to also water in the first year deeply every 7-10 days in warm dry weather.

Tree Characteristics

• Uses: Although wonderful for eating fresh, it is also great for ciders and pies.
• Taste: Firm, very crisp, juicy, slightly spicy and mildly acidic.
• Size: Medium-large sized
• Color: Purplish red to dark red with a cream colored flesh
• Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Disease resistance:
  
  • Mildew – Resistant
  • Bitter pit – Some resistance
  • Fireblight – Some resistance
  • Cedar apple rust – Very resistant
  • Scab – Very resistant
• Harvest period: Early (late July to early August)
• Flowering Group: 2
• Cross pollinates with: Nova Spy, Northern Spy, Wolf River, to name a few!
• Cultivation: This apple tree is vigorous and you will need to thin it in order not to become biennial. Additionally it bears fruit on short spurs.
• Storage: Can keep for up to one month and a half in cold storage.