Golden Knob

Golden Knob

Origin/History

The precise history of this variety is not recorded. It has been extensively cultivated in the Kentish orchards, where, according to Mr. Lewis A. Kellick, there are many trees some 100 years old at the time of the Herefordshire Pomona's writing (1885). It is figured by Ronalds, Plate xxxii. Bunyard (1920) gives the origin as probably English, noting it was popular in markets in the early nineteenth century and still grown in Kentish orchards at his time of writing, with a variety "of distinct flavour."

Tree

Vigor and habit: The Herefordshire Pomona describes the tree as very hardy, growing to a very large size, with a drooping umbrageous character, and bearing freely. Downing corroborates, calling the tree vigorous and productive. Bunyard, however, characterizes growth as only moderate, with the tree fertile. This discrepancy in reported vigor may reflect rootstock differences or selection strain.

Form: Bears freely as a standard; well adapted on the paradise stock for dwarf growth as a pyramid or espalier (Herefordshire Pomona).

Leaf: Fairly large, very dark, slightly upfolded, coarsely serrate (Bunyard).

Fruit

Size: Very small (Bunyard), described as below middle-size (Herefordshire Pomona) and small (Downing). Bunyard gives dimensions of 2¼ inches wide by 1¾ inches tall.

Form: Roundish (Herefordshire Pomona); roundish oblate (Downing); round, flattened, and regular (Bunyard).

Stem: Very short (Herefordshire Pomona; Bunyard). Set in a very narrow cavity (Bunyard).

Cavity: Very narrow (Bunyard).

Calyx: Open generally, with long segments (Herefordshire Pomona). Open (Bunyard).

Basin: Small and shallow (Bunyard).

Skin: Pale green at first, becoming yellowish green as it attains maturity, much covered with russet; on the side next the sun it becomes yellow with an orange tinge (Herefordshire Pomona). Downing describes it as golden yellow with some russet and a tinge of red in the sun. Bunyard characterizes the color as orange-brown, covered with russet. The three accounts are consistent with a russet-dominated fruit that progresses from pale green through golden yellow to orange-brown as it ripens, with sun-exposed sides taking on warmer tones.

Flesh and flavor: Firm (Herefordshire Pomona; Bunyard). Color is greenish white (Downing) or greenish yellow (Bunyard). Juicy and crisp (Downing). The Herefordshire Pomona and Downing describe the flavor as brisk and sweet; Bunyard gives it as sub-acid with good flavour. The Herefordshire Pomona adds "pleasant flavour." Bunyard further notes it is "of distinct flavour."

Core/Seeds: Not described in sources.

Season

The Herefordshire Pomona and Downing agree on a season of December to March. Bunyard extends the season to May, listing it as a dessert apple until that month. This late-keeping character was notably commercially valuable.

Uses

A good late-keeping dessert apple (Herefordshire Pomona; Bunyard). The Herefordshire Pomona notes it is one of the most remunerative varieties sent to the London market, and at Christmas would bring as good a price as the Ribston Pippin, the Golden Harvey, and other choice sorts.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Other

The variety is listed under the synonyms "Old Maid" and "Old Lady" in Bunyard, and as "Kentish Golden Knob" in the Herefordshire Pomona.