Laxton's Superb: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 17:41, 7 January 2015
| 'Laxton's Superb' apple | |
|---|---|
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus domestica |
| Hybrid parentage | Thought to be Wyken Pippin × Cox's Orange Pippin |
| Cultivar | Laxton's Superb |
| Origin | Thomas Laxton  England, Bedford, 1897 |
The Laxton's Superb is a variety of apple that was developed in England in 1897. The variety is a cross breed between Wyken Pippin × Cox's Orange Pippin. It is a Classic old Victorian, British apple with a green color and a dull red flush. The fruit are of a firm texture, but are not very good juice producers. This is why the variety is used for eating and not for making cider.
History
Laxton's Superb was first bred in 1897 by Laxton Brothers and introduced in 1922 having received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1921. Laxton Brothers were a famous Victorian plant breeders from Bedford in England. The variety is a cross between the Cox's Orange Pippin and Wyken Pippin apple trees.[1] Laxton Brothers were also well known for breeding numerous fruit varieties (apples and strawberries in particular).[2] Thomas Laxton's company continued to trade after his death in 1893 as "Laxton Brothers" as the company was taken over by his sons and grandsons, until it ceased trading in 1957 when it was taken over by Bunyard Nurseries. Bunyard eventually shut down the company and the orchards were built upon. However, the Laxton variety of apple still lives on as the town of Bedford have planted an orchard of the Laxton apple trees.[3] Winston Churchill was also believed to have ordered fruit trees and plants for his Chartwell estate in Westerham, Kent. There are also surviving Laxton apple trees at Bank Hall in Bretherton, Lancashire.
Growing and Eco Support
The Laxton Superb is a self-fertile species, but may be pollinated by another apple, which will maximise the yield. The species is grown on M26 rootstock, which when un-pruned can reach a height of 8 – 12 feet (2.4 - 3.65 metres) but generally needs to be kept at a height of 6–8 feet (1.8 - 2.4 metres) to produce a good yield. The Laxton Superb generally flowers from April to May annually. The tree will usually provide a heavy crop which is best to be harvested in October.[4] The fruit is well known for its sweet and aromatic taste which is likened to the parent species it is derived from, the Cox's Orange Pippin. The species has been recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Orange Pippin Ltd, (2010) "Laxton's Superb apple - Malus domestica" http://www.orangepippin.com/apples/laxtons-superb
- ^ Garden Action, (2010) "Laxton's Superb Desert Apple", http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2-apple-laxtons-superb.htm
- ^ Practically Edible, (2010) "Thomas Laxton", http://www.practicallyedible.com/edible.nsf/pages/thomaslaxton
- ^ Bunyard, E.A. (1920) "A Handbook of Fruits", P96.
- ^ Shirley, S. (2010) "Victoriana Nursery Gardens - Apple Tree 'Laxton's Superb'". http://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/fruit_and_nut_trees/apple_tree_laxtons_superb/
