Russet Apples! (forum)

Becky2 starts with ...
Hi guys,

Anybody know where I could procure a Russet Apple variety tree in Sydney? Preferably in person as shipping rates are both high and delivery can be untimely.

I grew up in England and have fond memories of eating small and firm brown apples that grew on a tree in my backyard and am hoping to find something similar here down under :)

Many thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!
Becky
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Time: 25th April 2017 10:51am

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brad16 says...
Hi Becky,

Sydney may be a little difficult, but there may be an apple boffin lurking around with knowledge of a few hidden old plantings.
Bilpin, west of Sydney, is famous for apples, but since Australians want everything 'shiney-sparkley' any old plantings may have been removed to maintain financial viability.
Early english settlers brought with them these sorts of things and places like Bathurst/Lithgow/Oberon, Bowral, Picton, Leura/Katoomba are some of the most likely places around Sydney to find old english apple trees. There would have to be someone around with an obscure planting somewhere.
Commercially, the closest place I've found would be www.loriendale.com.au (near Canberra) they have a couple, mostly the Blenheim Orange and its crosses. They do also have Bramley if you're interested.
Otherwise there's Tasmania and Victoria, which you seem to be aware of. www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au has the famous Egremont Russet (and many more), but they're in Tasmania.
Hopefully someone knows someone, who knows someone with some plantings. Good luck.
Oh, BTW ... Millers Point in Sydney may not be the ideal climate for these types of apples. Your winters are mild and these apples would require cold winters to provide the chill they need to fruit. Also, they'd need another tree for pollination, so you'd need a bit of room, unless you have a close neighbour with another suitable tree or multi-grafted etc. But don't let me stomp on your enthusiasm. No effort = no results.

Time: 26th April 2017 9:24am

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Original Post was last edited: 26th April 2017 9:43am
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phil@tyalgum says...
One to look out for is Andre Sauvage, which can be available from specialist apple growers. Impressive looking russet fruit on the tree and suitable for eating fresh as well as holding their shape when cooked.

Time: 26th April 2017 8:00pm

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Becky2 says...
Hi guys, thank you for your answers!

Any type is fine with me - just finding one seems to be the main problem at the moment.
I will try Loriendale and Woodbridge if I can not find one in person first, the Blue Mountain area sounds like a good suggestion. I think you may be right though Brad, Sydney Inner City may be a bit of a strange climate for my apple tree.. but like you said, that won't stop me :P



Time: 27th April 2017 11:24am

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brad16 says...
No worries Becky. Sydney needs a russet apple tree dang it!!

Time: 28th April 2017 1:07pm

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brad16 says...
Phil, if your profile picture is the view from your bathroom window ... then I'm coming up to your place to brush my teeth from now on.

Time: 28th April 2017 1:16pm

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brad16 says...
Hey, this question got me all excited about apples again and I couldn't resist ... had to get myself an Egremont Russet from Woodbridge Fruit Trees. I have a Gravenstein that could with some pollination help anyway ;)
Packed in a Pomme de Neige for good measure ... and some ... (yes, I can't help myself).

Time: 29th April 2017 12:49pm

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Becky2 says...
Oh wow, you took the plunge!! I'm ridiculously excited to hear how your Egremont goes! What's the climate like up in Gotokan?

I'm on the verge of clicking ''order'' from Woodbridge for my own Egremont, and as tempted as I am to have two russets, I think I should have a healthy dose of realism and order a good old Granny Smith instead - something about knowing the original was only discovered a few kms away does add an extra depth to the mental flavour :D

Time: 30th April 2017 3:50pm

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brad16 says...
The climate here is pretty much the same as yours, but the trees are destined to be planted at another property. Where they will be going has colder nights and probably gets around 700 chill hours or so (my very bad estimation). Here, I'm guessing it's probably more like 300 hours (again, a very bad guess).

I like your reasoning with the Granny Smith. Finding two russets to cross-pollinate and fruit in Sydney would probably end up being more frustrating than fun.

I'll post some updates on its progress if you'd like.

Time: 2nd May 2017 3:46am

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Becky2 says...
I would love to have some visual updates - it's always a moment of suspense when you order plants online to see what size and condition they arrive in, and then how well they take over time! :'D


Time: 2nd May 2017 11:03am

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