Our Orchard

Akane

Season: Very Early. 

Origin: Japan, 1953

A cross between Jonathan and Worcester Pearmain. 

Fruit is small to medium, flattish with bright red skin. Juicy and crisp, slightly chewy flesh. Flavour is sweet/acid, with a slight strawberry taste. Good for eating, drying, and cooking. 

A reliable cropper. The fruit keeps well on the tree. Disease resistant.

Spur-bearing.

Self-sterile. (Diploid) Suggested pollinators:  Cox's Orange Pippin, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious

Astrachan 

Season: Early

Origin: Russia, near the Caspian Sea, prior to the 1800s.

The fruit is medium size, skin yellow, flushed crimson. It is a highly flavoured sweet apple countered with strong acidity. 

They keep their flavour when dried. A multi-purpose apple - great for ciders, cooking, baking, and eating fresh. (Not good for storing)

Self-fertile. Suggested pollinators:  Jonathan, Golden Delicious.

Black Prince

Season: Early-Mid

Origin: England, 1880's

Fruit is maroon-black and large. The flesh is crisp and juicy. It is sweet and pleasant, but the flavour and texture do not last. Is best used for cider, jelly making, or cooking. As a cider apple, it is considered to be sweet.  

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators:  Golden Delicious, Gala, Braeburn 

Early Strawberry

Season: Very Early.

Origin: New York, 1838

Ripening from late December to mid-January., the fruit is small, with green to yellow skin with red streaks. A very sweet Golden Delicious type flavoured apple.

Spur-bearing

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinators:  Braeburn, Hetlina and Gala. 

Hetlina

Season: Early

Origin: Czechoslovakia

Medium-sized fruit that is attractively coloured with a bright red blush. Crisp and firm and has a sweet flavour, A reliable cropper, this apple contains high levels of riboflavin and antioxidants. 

The tree is healthy making it a good choice for organic gardeners.

May be self-sterile. Suggested pollinators: Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Winter Banana

Lobo

Season: Early-Mid

Origin: Canada, 1930

The fruit is medium to large with maroon skin. It is a McIntosh cross, so has a similar flavour but is crisper.  Ideal for eating, juicing, and baking.

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Akane, Freyberg, Cox's Orange, Granny Smith

Scarlet Pimpernel

Season: Very Early

Origin: USA, 1938

White and pink skin, small-medium fruit. The fruit is crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet. 

Semi vigorous growth, early flowering, and a prolific fruiter. Produces heavy crops. Thin aggressively at the flower stage to get medium size fruit.

Spur-bearing

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Astrachan,  Egremont Russet

Vaile Early 

Season: Very Early.

Origin: Possibly Northland 

This variety was sery common in Auckland 150 years ago. Ripening in early January, it is one of our earliest apples. The fruit size is small, great for school lunch boxes. Red striped, Golden Delicious type fruit that is sweet and juicy. Needs a chill to set. 

May be self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Akane, Early Strawberry

Anna

Season: Mid

Origin: Israel, 1959

The fruit is medium to large and is red, with a sweet, semi-acidic taste. 

Anna is a low chill variety, needing only 100-200 chill hours to fruit. The apples store very well, keeping for 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator.  

Spur-bearing.

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinator. Ein Shemer, Egremont Russet

Cox Orange Pippin

Season: Mid - Ripens after Anna

Origin: England, 1825

A highly regarded for its excellent flavour and attractive appearance. Fruit is medium sized, orange-red in colour, deepening to bright red over a deep yellow background. 

When ripe apples are shaken, the seeds make a rattling sound as they are only loosely held in the apple's flesh.

Cox's Orange Pippin is often blended with other varieties in the production of cider

Spur bearing.

Partly self-fertile (Diploid). Suggested pollinators: Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Hetlina, Red Delicious, Royal Gala,

Ein Shemer

Season: Mid - after Anna

Origin: Israel, 1963

Bred at the same kibbutz (a type of settlement unique to Israel) as Anna, Ein Shemer has pale yellow, medium fruit with a sweet, semi-acid taste. 

The tree is moderately vigorous and bears fruit very young. Heavy crops are born annually. It needs only 350 chill hours making it a good choice in warmer climates.

Spur-bearing

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinator. Anna Egremont Russet

Merton Worcester

Season: Mid

Origin: England, 1914

It is a cross between a Worcester Pearmain and Cox's Orange Pippin.

Fruit is small to medium in size, greenish-yellow, with a deep red flush. Sweet, juicy with a strawberry-like flavour.

Spur-bearing.

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jelly King, or Spartan

Initial

Season: Late

Origin: France, 1980's

Initial apple is a cross between a Gala and a Redfree. It matures approximately one week before Gala. 

The fruit has good size and is an excellent eating apple with red skin, a lovely aroma, low acid and high sugar. It is easy to grow and very tolerant to a large range of apple diseases and pests. Heavy fruit sets will require thinning.

Spur-bearing.

Self-Sterile. (Triploid) Suggested pollinators: Golden Delicious, Splendour, Winter Banana

Giant Geniton

Season: Late

Origin: NZ

Giant Geniton is a reliable and heavy cropper that keeps well. It has green skin turning very pale yellow with red streaks when ripe.

A good all-rounder apple. It can be used for cooking in February or eaten as a dessert apple when harvested April onwards. Very similar to a tree ripened Granny Smith but smaller and redder when ripe. Very healthy tree, good for organic gardens.

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Belle de Boskoop, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Egremont Russet, Granny Smith

Golden Hawaii

Season: Mid-Late

Origin: California, 1945 

It is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Gravenstein. The fruit is large and yellow, sometimes with pinkish-orange stripping. Crisp texture and depending on your soil it may develop a hint of pineapple. 

A low chill variety. Fruit can be kept for 3 months or more if refrigerated.

Spur-bearing

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden Hornet (Crabapple), Golden Delicious

Granny Smith 

Season: Mid-Late

Origin: Australia, 1868. 

Discovered by Maria Ann Smith, it is a medium-sized apple. The fruit is a bright green colour. As it ripens it will develop a gold blush. 

The fruit is crisp and acidic and will become sweeter when tree-ripened. A good eating or cooking apple. Stores well, without refrigeration 

It is tip bearing so care is needed when pruning, especially if trying to espalier.

Self-Fertile

Sir Prize

Season: Late

Origin: Illinois, 1961

Skin is greenish-yellow to lemon yellow with an occasional slight red blush; The flesh is fine grained, lemon yellow coloured crisp yet very tender flesh; moderately to spritely acid, and rich in flavour with distinctive aroma; very juicy; very good dessert quality. Large fruit size. Retains quality for 6 months in refrigerated storage. Fruit hangs on the tree very well.

It is tip bearing so care is needed when pruning, especially if trying to espalier. Resistant to black spot, and has low spray requirements

Self-sterile. (Triploid) Suggested pollinators: Belle de Boskoop and Mother, Cox's Orange Pippin,, Granny Smith, Hetlina

Spartan

Season: Late

Origin: Canada, 1920's

A cross between a McIntosh and a Yellow Newtown Pippin. 

It has maroon skin with blue bloom. Small in size. The Crisp, juicy, white flesh is described as having a wine-like quality. The flavour improves when picked late.

Spartan is a good pollinator of other apples, producing large quantities of compatible pollen.

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinators: Akane, Cox's Orange Pippin, Egremont Russet, Gala, Granny Smith, Winter Banana. 

Splendour

Season: Late

Origin: New Zealand, 1946

It is a large red to dark red, A white-fleshed apple with prominent spots (lenticels).Sweet with little acidity. Good for eating, cooking, and dehydrating with skin on. 

Stores crisp without refrigeration until mid or late winter - it is prone to bruising. 

Tip and spur bearing. 

Self-Sterile. Pollinators: Fuji, Tydemans Late Orange, Sturmer Pippin, Worcester Pearmain.

Winter Banana

Season: Late

Origin: Indiana, USA, 1876

Apples are flattish and medium to large. Has yellow fruit with a pink blush. Sweet and fragrant, it is named for having a hint of banana taste. A good juicing apple

A low chill variety, making it a good apple for warmer climates.

Winter Banana has the unusual property of being an inter-stem variety, meaning it can be used as an intermediary to allow you to graft pear scion wood to an apple. 

Self-Fertile. Suggested pollinators: Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Hetlina, Cox's Orange Pippin

Ysolde

Season: Very Late

Origin: Possibly descended from a Sturmer or Granny Smith. 

The large fruit is golden to green. A good cropper. Crisp, tart, but also sweet and juicy. Use for cooking, juice, or cider.

Probably self-sterile. Suggested pollinators: Winter Banana, or other very late fruiting varieties

Anjou

Season: Early-mid

Origin: Believed to have originated in Belgium or France in the 19th century. 

It is a very sweet sugar pear with green skin that does not change colour as it ripens. Their dense flesh holds up well in heated applications like baking, poaching, roasting, or grilling. They are also delicious when sliced fresh in salads or eaten as an out-of-hand snack. 

Quince compatible.

A self-fertile variety but does better with another pear for pollination

Belle De Jumet

Season: Very Early

Origin: Belgium 

This extremely juicy and deliciously sweet heritage pear, it is also known as a sugar pear. It is a high-yielding tree. The fruit has green skin, ripening to yellow, with a little red blush. Fruit ripens on the tree so controlling and measuring maturity is important for picking times.

A self-fertile variety but does better with another pear for pollination

Butirra Precose Morettini

Season: Early

Origin: Florence, Italy,  1950’s 

A cross between Coscia and Bartlett. It has medium to large size fruit that is golden, sweet, and juicy. The vigorous tree is a heavy and regular cropper. Considered low chill, requiring less than 500 chill hours. 

Quince compatible.

Self-sterile. Suggested pollinators include Barlett, Conference, Doyenne du Comice, Winter Nelis, and Hosui (Nashi).

Starkrimson

Season: Early

Origin: Missouri, 1950s

Discovered as a branch of red pears growing on a tree of Clapp's Favourite (a green pear).  In 1956, it was patented and propagated by Stark Brothers Nursery - hence the name Starkrimson. It is a beautiful pear with crimson red skin and white flesh. Very juicy, good for canning. A good cropping tree that is hardy and vigorous. 

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators include Conference, Winter Nelis, & Williams Bon Cretien.

Concorde

Season: Late

Origin: England, 1977

The Concorde is cross between the Conference and Comice varieties. Combining the best of both, the Concorde carries the beautiful shape and crisp texture of the Conference, which gives it an elongated neck and firm, dense flesh. Its flavour is vanilla-sweet, reminiscent of the supple sweetness of Comice pears. Its skin is green, sometimes with golden brown russeting.

Developed at the East Malling Research Station in Kent in 1977. It was released commercially in 1994.

Quince compatible.

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinators: Conference, Moonglow, Packham's Triumph, Winter Nelis

Doyenne du Comice

Season: Mid

Origin: France, 1849 

It has large, pale yellow fruit with some green areas and patches of brown russet and melting white flesh. An excellent quality pear that is very sweet and juicy.

The Concorde's fruit has the elongated shape and crisp texture of its Conference parent combined with the sweetness of the Comice. The fruit has a greenish colour initially, becoming more yellowish with ripening, and may exhibit slight russeting.

Quince compatible.

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators: Beurre Bosc, Williams Bon Cretien, Winter Cole, Winter Nelis, Nashi Hosui and Nashi Nijiseiki. 

Glou Morceau

Season: Late

Origin: Belgium 1750's

A small to medium pear, with a delightful light melting flesh, juicy and fine. The skin is light green in colour without russet with a little orange blush on the sunny side. 

Reliable cropper. Also called Beurre d'Hardenpont and earned the name Glou Morceau (translates Dainty Morsel) on it's way to England and America. 

Quince compatible.

Self -sterile. Suggested pollinators: William Bon Chretien, Hosui (Nashi).

Nashi - Dan Bae

Season: Late

Origin: Korea, 1969

Fruit is a deep gold-bronze colour, ripening March-April. It has a firm full flavoured crisp sweet flesh and is medium to very large in size. Can be susceptible to fire blight when young. 

Stores well when refrigerated for up to 5 months.

Self -sterile. Suggested pollinators: William Bon Chretien, Hosui (Nashi).

Red Bartlett

Season: Mid

Origin: Washington State, USA, 1938. 

First discovered as a bud sport on a standard Yellow Bartlett tree near Zillah, Washington in 1938. A "bud sport" is a rare, naturally occurring transformation that develops spontaneously on fruit trees. 

As they ripen, Red Bartletts offer different flavours and textures, starting crunchy and tart when under ripe, and finishing super sweet and juicy when fully ripened. A highly ornamental pear with beautiful wine-purple skin turning brilliant scarlet. Great for bottling or adding to a cheese board or salad.

Self-Sterile. Suggested pollinators include Beurre Bosc, Hosui (Nashi), Packham's Triumph, Winter Nelis, Doyenné du Comice, Conference.

Worden Seckel

Season: Mid

Origin: USA, 1881

A popular heirloom pear. Fruit is small to medium-sized, so it is recommended that you thin the fruit to encourage larger fruits. It has creamy, white flesh that is sweet and juicy. A good dessert fruit. 

Shows resistance to fireblight.

Partially self-fertile. Suggested pollinators: Conference, Packham’s Triumph, Winter Nelis.

Elephant Heart

Season: Mid-Late summer

Type: Japanese

Originating in Sonoma County, California, Elephant Heart plums were created by Luther Burbank from a Japanese plum cultivar and were introduced to the market through Stark Brothers in 1929.

It produces large fruit yields and is known for it sweet, delicious flavour and striking interior colour. Elephant heart plums are so named because of the oblong-shaped fruit with a rounded top that is reminiscent of a heart.

Free-stone

Self-fertile, but yields will increase with another plum, such as Santa Rosa, nearby, A good pollinator for other plums

Hawera

Season: Fruit ripens from late January to mid-February

Type: Japanese

Originates from a seedling found in Hawera. The fruit has very dark red skin and flesh. Often considered to be one of the best red-fleshed plums.  A high quality eating and bottling plum.

Free-stone

Self-fertile, but yields will increase with another plum, such as Santa Rosa, nearby,

Omega

Season: Fruit ripens from late February to March

Type: Japanese

Also known as the George Wilson plum. The fruit is medium-sized, with red speckled skin and red juicy flesh. This is a good all-rounder plum. The fruit is very juicy and sweet. A reliable and heavy cropper. 

Free-stone

Partially self-fertile although best to pollinate with Billington, Burbank, Duff’s Early Jewel, Heart or Santa Rosa.

Purple King

Season: A mid-late season variety usually ready to harvest in February

Type: Japanese

This very vigorous tree is a good choice if you live in a warmer, more humid area, as it shows good resistance to bacterial diseases.

It produces good crops. The fruit is large and has purplish red skin covered with a heavy bloom, with yellow flesh, tinged red near the stone. It is sweet and juicy making it ideal for eating fresh or in preserves.

Possibly self-sterile. Suggested pollinators: Sultan, Santa Rosa, Black Doris, Duff’s Early Jewel, Elephant Heart, or Omega

Damson

Season: Fruit ripens mid-February

Type: Usually grouped with European plums, however it is actually a separate species Prunus institia

Small round blue-black plum with amber green flesh. Fruit is more acidic than European plum.s. Prolific bearer even in warmer areas. 

Adored for jams, jelly and gin. 

Self-fertile. 

April White

Season: Late

A beautiful white fleshed peach, skin has a pink blush. Fruit can stay on the tree until late March to April. The tree crops in abundance late in the season. It has a high resistance to leaf curl so would suit organic gardens.

Self-fertile

Hiawatha

Season: mid-late season from late February into March

The tree has stunning deep purple leaves with pink blossom. It is a reliable cropper. The fruit is dark purple skinned with orange flesh, semi-clingstone to free stone. Superb eating quality, 

From our experience this tree shows remarkable resistance to leaf curl. Recommend for warmer, humid areas and organic gardens.

Semi-clingstone 

Self-fertile

Red Haven

Season: Early, ripening January

A large peach with lovely yellow skin over a crimson red blush. The flesh is firm and yellow. Good for dessert and bottling. A proven and reliable cropper with some resistance to leaf curl.

This variety is recommended for warmer areas of the country.

Free-stone

Self-fertile

 Pêche de Vigne

Season: mid-late season from late February

A French heirloom variety known in New Zealand as Black Boy or Sanguine. 

The fruit is juicy with a strong flavour. The flesh is dark wine-coloured. Great for eating fresh or bottling for later. Shows good resistance to leaf curl.

Free-stone

Self-fertile

Black Pearl

Season: Mid-late season

From the Koanga collection. This nectarine has dark red skin and flesh with an exceptionally sweet good flavour. 

Freestone.

Self-fertile

Redgold

Season: Mid-late January

A heavy cropping yellow fleshed nectarine. The texture is melting, but very firm. Flavour is acidic, sweet, and aromatic

Freestone

Snow Queen

Season: Early, ripening X-mas to New Year's

The medium sized fruit is rounded to slightly oblong, with an  attractive blush over a yellow/green background. The flesh is white with a very good flavour, aromatic and slightly acidic.

Cropping can be light and erratic in North Island.

Freestone

Springred

Season: Early, ripening January

The fruit is medium to large, with cherry red thick skin. The flesh is yellow with a high sugar and medium acidity. Springred has resistance to brown rot and is extremely reliable in its cropping even in low chill areas.

Semi-clingstone

Quince 

Origin: Middle East

I am uncertain of the variety but most likely a Smyrna. This has grown from a cutting that I received from my Grandmother. Can be grafted with pear trees to save space. 

Self-fertile.

Crabapple - Jack Humm

Origin: New Zealand

Small deciduous tree with a beautiful display of bright crimson red fruit, It is flushed with yellow-orange & gives a magnificent display into the winter. New Zealand bred crab apple cultivar. The plum-sized fruit are produced in clusters and are ideal for preserves, jellies, cider and vinegar.  

Self-fertile. Often used as a pollinator

Crabapple - Golden Hornet

Origin: New Zealand

White spring blossoms and clusters of small (2cm), shiny, golden ornamental fruit in great profusion, that hang on the tree well into winter. Resistant to scab, mildew and fire blight. Highly ornamental. Upright pyramidal habit. Easy to grow in a well-drained sunny spot. 

Self-fertile. Often used as a pollinator for mid- and late-season blooming  apple varieties. 

Miyagawa Wase

Harvest: May - June

Citrus unshiu 'Miyagawa Wase'

The Miyagawa Wase Mandarin is highly esteemed for its ability to bear fruit at a young age, often producing a bountiful crop as early as the second or third year of growth. The medium-sized, round to slightly flattened fruits are characterised by a bright orange rind that peels easily to reveal tender, seedless, and exceptionally sweet segments. With its early maturation, delectable taste, and beautiful appearance, the Miyagawa Wase is a popular choice for home gardeners.

Okitsu Wase

Harvest: June - August

Citrus unshiu 'Okitsu Wase'

Sought after for its exquisite taste, early ripening, and ornamental appeal. This compact to medium-sized tree typically ripens around May to June. The fruit is small to medium-sized with a smooth, thin, and easily peelable orange rind. Inside, the juicy segments are seedless, tender, and exhibit a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that is sure to please.

Miho

Harvest: June - July

Citrus unshiu 'Miho'

'Miho,' is a delightful citrus variety cherished for its compact size, aromatic fragrance, and delectable fruit. This small to medium-sized tree has abundant clusters of bright orange fruit. Known for its early maturation and typically ripens around June or July, making it a perfect addition to the winter citrus harvest. The fruit itself is small to medium-sized, with a smooth, thin rind that peels effortlessly to reveal tender, seedless segments bursting with sweet and tangy flavours. 

Afourer

Harvest: July - August

Citrus reticulata 'Afourer'

A citrus variety known for its exceptional flavour and easy-to-peel fruit. This medium-sized tree has green foliage and produces abundant crops of bright orange fruits. In New Zealand, the Mandarin Afourer typically bears fruit from July to August, providing a delightful harvest during mid to late winter. The medium-sized fruit has a thin, smooth, and easily removable rind, revealing tender, juicy segments. Th

Burgess Scarlett

Harvest: Sept - Oct

Citrus reticulata 'Burgess Scarlett'

Known for its vibrant fruit and delightful flavour. This medium-sized tree features green foliage and produces abundant crops of deep orange mandarins. The fruit of the Burgess Scarlett is highly sought after for its sweet and tangy taste. The medium-sized mandarins have a thin and easy-to-peel rind, revealing juicy segments that are bursting with citrusy goodness. 

Encore

Harvest: November - February

Citrus reticulata 'Encore' 

Encore is a vigorous citrus tree that bears fruit from November to February. The fruit is medium to large in size, with a thin skin that is easy to peel. The juicy segments are mostly seedless, and they offer a delightful sweetness. The Mandarin Encore is highly prized for its excellent flavour, making it a popular choice for eating fresh. With its strong growth and extended fruiting period during the winter months, the Mandarin Encore is a valuable addition to orchards and gardens.

Navelina

Harvest: August - October

Citrus sinensis 'Navelina'

This is a popular and widely cultivated orange variety. It is renowned for its bright orange colour, smooth and slightly pebbled skin, and its sweet, juicy flavour. The fruit is medium to large in size, with a distinctive "navel" at the blossom end, which gives it its name. Highly regarded for its seedless nature, making it a convenient choice for snacking and culinary uses, including eating fresh and juicing. It is a vigorous and productive citrus variety.

Navel 

Harvest: August - October

Citrus sinensis 'Navel'

This is a popular citrus variety celebrated for its sweet and juicy fruit. It produces abundant crops of large, seedless oranges. The Navel orange is prized for its easy peeling and distinctive "navel" formation at the blossom end of the fruit. The fruit of the Navel orange ripens in August and can remain on the tree for several months until Harwood Late is ready. This extended hanging period allows for a prolonged harvest season

Seville 

Harvest: July - September

Citrus × aurantium 'Seville,' 

A medium-sized tree known for its tart and bitter tasting fruit. Ripens from late winter to early spring. The fruit is medium to large in size with a rough, thick, and dimpled orange rind. While not typically consumed fresh due to its intense bitterness, the Seville orange is highly valued for its use in marmalades, sauces, and other culinary creations, adding a distinct tangy flavour. 

Seminole (Tangelo)

Harvest: August - October

Citrus reticulata × paradisi 'Seminole'

Resulting from a cross between a 'Bowen' grapefruit and a 'Dancy' tangerine. This deep red-orange fruit is oblate in shape, with a thin and firm peel that is not necked. The abundant fruit has between 11-13 juicy segments with a a distinctive flavour - sharp, rich, and juicy. Harvest times span from late August to October. Seminole is highly productive and exhibits excellent resistance to scab. 

Tinura (Tangelo)

Harvest: August - October

Citrus reticulata × paradisi 'Tinura'

A more vigorous tree than the Seminole, the fruit is medium-sized, with a smooth skin and a noticeable neck. Inside, the flesh is deep orange and contains a good amount of juice. The flavour tends more towards the tangy side, reminiscent of grapefruit. 

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Food Science show that Tangelos contains trace amounts of furanocoumarins at a level loo low to be associated with the blocking of the CYP3A4 enzymes that can make Grapefruit unsafe when taking certain medications

Ugli (Tangelo/Tangor)

Harvest: September - October

Citrus maxima 'Ugli'

Originally Uglis were thought to be chance hybrids of mandarin and grapefruit. Closer examination of the monoembryonic seeds, indicates that a pomelo is the parent in question rather than grapefruit. The fruit gets its name from its rough, wrinkled, and uneven outer skin, which is usually yellow or green. Despite its unattractive appearance, the Ugli fruit has juicy segments that are bursting with flavour. The flavour profile is a combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter notes. The Ugli fruit is also seedless, making it even more convenient to enjoy. 

Murcott (Tangor)

Harvest: June - August

Citrus reticulata × sinensis 'Murcott'

While usually marketed as a mandarin, the actual origin of the Murcott is unknown but is most likely a tangor which is a cross between a tangerine and a sweet orange. (Tangor being a portmanteau of TANGerine and ORange). This medium-sized tree produces abundant crops similar to the Encore mandarin, but with an earlier ripening time. The fruit is typically medium in size, with a thin and smooth rind that peels effortlessly. The juicy segments are packed with flavour and often seedless, offering a delightful eating experience. 

Lisbon (Lemon) 

Harvest: July - September

Citrus limon 'Lisbon'

A popular and widely cultivated lemon variety. Known for its vibrant yellow colour, glossy skin, and distinctively tart flavour. The fruit is medium to large in size, with a smooth and thick peel that releases a fragrant citrus aroma when gently squeezed. The juicy and acidic flesh is ideal for both culinary and non-culinary uses. Its tangy and refreshing taste makes it a popular choice for adding zing to dishes, beverages, and desserts. The Lisbon Lemon tree is a vigorous and productive citrus variety, bearing fruit abundantly throughout the year, with a peak season during the winter months

Eureka (Lemon) 

Harvest: July - September

Citrus limon 'Eureka'

A classic and widely recognized lemon variety. It is renowned for its bright yellow colour, smooth and shiny skin, and its tangy, acidic flavour. The Eureka Lemon is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of culinary applications. The Eureka Lemon tree is a prolific producer, yielding fruit year-round with a peak season during the cooler months. It is less cold-tolerant than other lemon cultivars, so it is best suited for warmer and/or coastal areas where frost damage is less likely to occur. 

Lemonade (Lemon) 

Harvest: December - March

Citrus limon x reticulata

Believed to be a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a lemon. It was first discovered in New Zealand in the 1980’s as a chance seedling, and is grown principally in the warmer parts of the country. The fruit resembles that of a lemon, but more round. The smooth rind is yellow when ripe and can be peeled by hand. The flesh resembles the lemon in taste, but sweeter with some acidity, containing 9 to 11 segments with few to no seeds.

Bearss (Lime)

Harvest: August - March

Citrus × latifolia 'Bearss'

A variety of the commonly known, Tahitian Lime. It is highly regarded for its tangy and acidic fruit. This medium-sized tree produces abundant crops of small to medium-sized limes. The Bearss lime is known for its versatility in various culinary applications, from adding flavour to dishes and beverages to being a popular choice for making refreshing limeade and cocktails. The fruit has a smooth, thin, and green rind that encloses juicy, acidic pulp. The tree is resilient and adaptable to different climates.

Kusaie (Rangpur)

Harvest: May - July

Citrus × jambhiri  Lush. 'Kusaie'  

This is is usually marketed in NZ as lime, but it is actually a yellow version of the Indian Rangpur. Its origins are rather murky, but it is believed to have originated in India. It was introduced to Hawaii from Kusaie Island, in Micronesia in 1885, later making its way to the United States in 1914. It produces small to medium-sized fruit, characterised by a yellow rind and flesh, and a notable acidic tang. The medium-sized tree has a spreading and drooping growth habit, exhibiting resilience to cold conditions. The trees are very prolific fruiters. The fruit is exceptionally juicy, which helps make up for the tree's thorniness.

Limequat (Kumquat)

Harvest: December - March

Citrus × floridana

A unique and flavourful citrus hybrid that combines the qualities of Key limes and kumquats. This small, round fruit features a thin, smooth, and glossy skin that ranges in colour from yellow to lime green. The Limequat's pulp is tart, juicy, and highly aromatic, reminiscent of both limes and kumquats. Its flavour is a delightful blend of tangy and slightly sweet notes, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. The Limequat is often used to enhance beverages, including cocktails, or as a zesty addition to salads, marinades, and jams. The Limequat tree is a compact and prolific producer, making it a popular choice for container gardening or smaller spaces.

Mandarinquat (Kumquat)

Harvest: December - March

Citrus × japonica

This is an intriguing citrus hybrid that combines the flavours of mandarin and kumquats. This small, round fruit features a thin and smooth skin, typically in shades of vibrant orange. The Mandarinquat's pulp is juicy and tart, with a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. Its flavour profile captures the essence of both mandarins and kumquats, offering a unique citrus experience. The Mandarinquat is often enjoyed whole, as the entire fruit can be consumed, including the peel. Its small size makes it a convenient and refreshing snack. The Mandarinquat tree is a compact and productive citrus variety, making it suitable for both garden cultivation and container gardening.

Finger Lime

Harvest: December - March

Citrus australasica

A unique and fascinating citrus fruit native to Australia. It is commonly referred to as "caviar lime" due to its distinctive appearance. The Finger Lime is a small elongated fruit that almost resembles a finger. When it is gently squeezed, it releases tiny bead-like juice vesicles, reminiscent of caviar, that burst with tangy and zesty flavour. The Finger Lime comes in a range of colours, including green, pink, and red varieties, each offering its own unique flavour profile. Finger Limes ripen on the tree and can take up to ten months to ripen.  When ripe, they feel full and firm to touch, and should come away with little resistance. The tree itself is an evergreen shrub with slender branches, glossy leaves, and thorns.

Apple - Beauty of Bath

Season: Early/second early.

Origin: Bailbrook near Bath, UK, 1864

Red stripes and attractive spots, flat. Somewhat tart when picked early, but sweet and flavourful when allowed to ripen fully. It needs to be eaten within a few days of being picked since it does not store well. Excellent cooker. 

A vigorous, spreading tree, but not cold hardy. Takes a long time to start producing, but tends to produce moderate crops annually. 

Spur bearing

Self-fertile (Diploid)

Apple - Belle de Boskoop

Season: Mid-season.

Origina: Boskoop, Netherlands, 1856

Fruit tends to be lumpy. Colour can vary. Dull yellow or green skin, often with no additonal colouration, but just as often it is highly coloured with bright orange-red flushes where exposed to sun. Characteristically, it has large russet patches.

A favoured cooking apple, holding its shape and texture when cooked Crisp, crunchy, juicy and sweet-sharp right off the tree. When left to mature in cold storage, it becomes intensely sweet, but loses its crispness.

Ofter used in cider making.

Spur bearing

Self-sterile (Triploid). Suggested pollinators: Beauty of Bath, Cox’s Orange Pippin

Apple - Blenheim Orange

Season: Mid-season. 

Origin: UK, 1740. 

Large to very large, round and flattened apple. The skin is dull with a green base maturing to yellow and covered with orange-red stripes. Russet spots and patches are frequent.

A dessert apple but frequently used for cooking. Cooks to stiff puree. 

Tends to fruit biennially.

Spur and tip bearing

Self-sterile (Triploid). Suggested pollinators: Peasgood’s Nonsuch, Spartan

Apple - London Pippin

Season: Mid-season.

Origin: UK, 1580's

Also know as Five Crown, the skin is yellowish green in colour, tending to an orange blush on the sunny side. The characteristic five ribs at the bottom of the fruit give it it's name. Medium sized fruit. Tart with sweetness, cooks in slices. Stores well. 

Spur bearing

Self-sterile. Suggested pollinators: Braeburn, Kingston Black, Northern Spy

Apple - Glockenapfel

Season: Mid to late.

Heritage apple from Germany or Switzerland, 1800s or earlier. Golden, bell-shaped fruit. Aromatic, low acidity, sweet, fruity. It is primarily a cooking apple, and is the traditional variety used for Apple Strudel. Excellent keeper if picked early. May keep 6 to 8 months without refrigeration. 

Partly self-fertile (Diploid). Suggested pollinators: Beauty of Bath, Cox’s Orange Pippin

Apple - Gretna Green

Season: Second early.

Origin: presumably Scotland

Large green cooking apple. Cooks to a tasty puree. Rescued from one known tree in the Motueka Valley by Richards Orchard

Pollination requirements are unknown. Suggest other early apple varieties.

Apple - Irish Peach

Season: Early.

Origin: Likely Ireland, 1812

Heritage apple from Ireland, pre-1819. White and pink skin, small-medium fruit. Crisp and sweet/tart picked on the right day, softer when over-ripe. Best eaten fresh as it does not keep well. It does make excellent apple juice.

Tip bearing.

Self-sterile (Diploid). Suggested pollinators: Beauty of Bath, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Glockenapfel

Apple - Maruia

Season: Late to very late (June).

Origin: Maruia, NZ

Attractive red stripes, medium sized fruit, good cropper. Sweet/tart, juicy, firm/crisp. Eat, cook. Hangs on the tree. Found near Maruia Junction. Sourced from Richards Orchard

Pollination requirements are unknown. Suggest other late apple varieties.

Apple - Orin

Season: Mid-season.

Origin: Japan, 1948

Medium to large fruit, pale green with a gold blush. Lenticels are abundant, medium large, russeted and protruding, giving the surface a rough feel. Sweet, mild, low acidity, juicy. Flesh resists browning when exposed to air. In poor growing conditions, the apple can be watery with only mild sweetness and almost no flavour.

Highly susceptible to brown rot.

Self-sterile (Diploid). Suggested pollinators: Idared

Apple - Sturmer Pippin

Season: Late mid- to late.

Origin: UK, 1800's

Medium sized fruit. skin is green with a dull copper blush on the sun-exposed face. Some russetting,  Juicy, somewhat tart and highly aromatic with a rich, sugary flavour and hints of gooseberry. Eat, cook, cider. Long keeper; will store well until Spring. 

Spur bearing

Partly self-fertile (Diploid). Benefits from others pollinators such as Beauty of Bath, Cox’s Orange Pippin

Pear - Mary Louise

Season: Mid-Late

Origin: Belgium, 1809.

Named after Marie Louise, the second consort of Napoleon the First by the Abbe Duquesne, Mons, Belgium.

Medium sized, long oval fruit. Smooth greenish yellow skin with some patches of brown russet. White, very juicy, slightly granular flesh. Moderate flavour. 

(not quince rootstock compatible).

Spur bearing

Partly self-fertile. Suggested pollinators: Concorde, Conference, Moonglow, Packham's Triumph, Winter Nelis

Quince - Provence

Season: Late

Origin: France

Also known as BA 29-C. A French quince commonly used for rootstock for pears. Large to very large fruit, greenish gold to gold, smooth, good flavour. Well worth growing as a fruit. 

Suckers can be harvested for rootstock. Some incompatabilities, notably Bartlett (WBC), Beurre Bosc, Clapp's Favourite and delayed in compatability with Packham's Triumph.

Generally trees are interstemmed with Doyenne Du Comice or Beurre Hardy.

Self-fertile