Golden Knob
Apple
Golden Knob
Origin/History
The precise history of this variety is not recorded. It has been extensively cultivated in the Kentish orchards, where there are many trees some 100 years old (as of 1885). It is figured by Ronalds, Pl. xxxii.
Tree
Very hardy, growing to a very large size, with a drooping, umbrageous character, and bearing freely. It will succeed as a standard, but is well adapted on the paradise stock for dwarf growth as a pyramid or espalier. Downing describes the tree as vigorous and productive.
Fruit
Size and Form: Below middle-size, roundish (Herefordshire Pomona). Downing describes the form as roundish oblate.
Stem: Very short.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx/Eye: Open generally, with long segments.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: The two sources differ in their color descriptions. The Herefordshire Pomona describes the skin as pale green, becoming yellowish green as the fruit attains maturity, much covered with russet, with the side next the sun becoming yellow with an orange tinge. Downing describes it as golden yellow with some russet and a tinge of red in the sun.
Flesh and Flavor: Greenish white (Downing), firm (Herefordshire Pomona) and crisp (Downing), juicy, with a brisk, sweet, and pleasant flavour. Both sources agree on the brisk, juicy, sweet character.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
December to March.
Uses
A good late-keeping dessert apple. It is one of the most remunerative varieties sent to the London market, and at Christmas will bring as good a price as the Ribston Pippin, the Golden Harvey, and other choice sorts.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, The Herefordshire Pomona (1885)
- GOLDEN KNOB. [Syn: Kentish Golden Knob.] The precise history of this variety is not recorded. It has been extensively cultivated in the Kentish orchards, says Mr. Lewis A. Kellick, where there are many trees, some 100 years old. It is figured by Ronalds, Pl. xxxii. Description.—Fruit: below middle-size, roundish. Skin: pale green, becoming yellowish green as it attains maturity, much covered with russet; on the side next the sun it becomes yellow with an orange tinge. Eye: open generally, with long segments. Stalk: very short. Flesh: firm, with a brisk, juicy, sweet and pleasant flavour. A good late keeping dessert apple, in season from December to March. It is one of the most remunerative sent to the London market, and at Christmas will bring as good a price as the Ribston Pippin, the Golden Harvey, and other choice sorts. The tree is very hardy, grows to a very large size, with a drooping umbrageous character, and bears freely. It will succeed as a standard, but is well adapted on the paradise stock for dwarf growth as a pyramid or espalier.
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Golden Knob. Tree vigorous, productive. Fruit small, roundish oblate, golden yellow, some russet and tinge of red in sun. Flesh greenish white, crisp, juicy, brisk, sweet. December to March.