THE GRAVENSTEIN APPLE.

Gravenstein. Transactions Lon. Hort. Soc., vol. iv. pl. xxi. Grave Slue, } According to Hort. Soc. Cat., 1842. Sabine of the Flemings, } Grafensteiner, of the Germans.

But few of the great number of foreign varieties of apples, which have been described and figured in European pomological works, appear to possess much merit in comparison with our native kinds. It is true, only a limited number have had a fair trial; but that number has been a selection from the very best, and few of them are sufficiently meritorious to retain a place in our gardens.

Among these few, however, the Gravenstein undoubtedly stands at the head. It is a large as well as a most beautiful fruit, and possesses that crisp yet tender flesh, and that refreshing admixture of sweet and acid which characterize our most esteemed apples. It comes in, too, at a season when we are not overstocked with fine varieties, succeeding the Porter, and supplying the table throughout the month of October.

The origin of the Gravenstein remains in some doubt. It is said to have been originally found in the Duke of Augustinberg's garden at Gravenstein, in Holstein, and that the original tree was growing there in the middle of the last century; another statement is, that it derived its name from being found in the garden of the castle of Grafenstein, in Sleswick; and Diel says, that it was supposed by some to have been introduced from Italy. Be this as it may, it is a common apple throughout Germany and Sweden, and was received from thence into the English collections. It is undoubtedly of similar origin with the Red Astrachan and Duchess of Oldenburg, possessing the peculiar habit of growth, form of foliage, and texture of the fruit, which distinguish the German apples.

At what time it was first introduced into our gardens we are not aware. But as neither Cox or Thatcher describe or name it, we suppose it was some time subsequent to the account given of it in the Transactions of the London Horticultural Society in 1822. It is at the present time considerably cultivated, though not to the extent its merits deserve.

The Gravenstein is a vigorous and healthy growing tree, attaining a good size, and bearing abundant crops.

Tree.—Vigorous, upright, with a somewhat pyramidal habit, but forming a large, round head; annual shoots branching off horizontally, moderately stout, curved upwards at the end.

Wood.—Brown purplish red, sprinkled with a few whitish dots, rather short-jointed, woolly at the ends; old wood, dull brownish red; buds, small, short, and flattened: Flower-buds, medium size.

Leaves.—Large, ovate, somewhat cordate at the base, acuminate, the upper surface deep glossy green, little wavy, and rather sharply serrated; petioles, medium length, about an inch long, rather stout.

Flowers.—Large, pale; petals, roundish, cupped.

Fruit.—Large, about three inches broad, and two and a half deep: Form, roundish, irregular, angular on the sides, broadest at the base and narrowing to the crown, which is large, ribbed, and slightly depressed: Skin, fair, smooth, with a greenish yellow ground, of a waxen hue, distinctly streaked and pencilled with pale red, and lightly splashed with crimson, deepest on the sunny side: Stem, very short, less than half an inch long, moderately stout, and deeply inserted in a medium sized, somewhat uneven cavity: Eye, large, open, and moderately sunk in a large, open and furrowed basin; segments of the calyx large, broad, somewhat reflexed and woolly: Flesh, yellowish white, rather coarse, crisp and very tender: Juice, abundant, rich, subacid, sprightly and high flavored: Core, rather small, closed: Seeds, medium size.

Ripe in September and keeps till December.

— C.M. Hovey, The Fruits of America (1852)

Gravenstein.

King of Pippins, erroneously, | Grave Slije.

Foreign. A variety indispensable to every collection, succeeding finely on all soils, annually productive, fruit always fair, fit for cooking in August, and eating in September and October; shoots, strong, smooth, upright. Tree, large, regular, round head, foliage broad.

Fruit, large; form, roundish flattened, a little irregular, somewhat ribbed, on surface undulating; color, at first pale greenish, yellow ground, becoming rich yellow, beautifully striped, and splashed with bright red; exposed to sun, red prevails, and becomes of a dark hue, beautiful, few faint light green dots; stem, short; cavity, open, deep; calyx, with open half reflexed segments; basin, rather deep, irregular, ribbed; flesh, yellowish, crisp, tender, sub-acid, with a peculiar aromatic taste; core, large, capsules open, hollow; seeds, ovate pyriform, reddish brown.

— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)

Gravenstein.

This fine European apple is said to have originated at Gravenstein, Holstein. It has long been in this country, where it succeeds very well. Tree vigorous, spreading, productive; Shoots vigorous; Leaves long, rolled, showing the white underside.

Fig. 132. — GRAVENSTEIN.

Fruit large, globular-oblate, angular; Surface smooth, yellow, partially covered with mixed and splashed scarlet; Dots rare. Basin medium, regular; Eye small, closed. Cavity deep, regular; Stem short. Core regular, globular, or pointed toward the eye, closed, clasping; Seeds small, pointed; Flesh yellow, fine grained, breaking, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, aromatic; Quality best; table and kitchen; Season, August, September.

— John A. Warder, American Pomology: Apples (1867)

Gravenstein. Grave Slije. A superb-looking German Apple, which originated at Gravenstein in Holstein, and is thought one of the finest apples of the North of Europe. It fully sustains its reputation here, and is, unquestionably, a fruit of first-rate quality. Tree very vigorous, spreading, forming a large, broad head. Very productive. An early bearer. Young wood reddish brown. Fruit large, rather flattened, and a little one-sided or angular, broadest at the base. Stalk quite short and strong, deeply set. Calyx large, closed, in a wide, deep, rather irregular basin. Segments long, irregular, recurved. Skin greenish yellow at first, but becoming yellow, and beautifully dashed and pencilled, and marbled with light and deep red and orange. Flesh tender and crisp, with a high-flavored, somewhat aromatic taste. Very good. September and October. A valuable apple for market or cooking, succeeding admirably wherever grown.

— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)

Gravenstein.* Rather large, roundish, slightly oblate, obtusely and obscurely ribbed, surface a little wavy; striped and splashed with bright red on a yellow ground; stalk three-quarters of an inch long; cavity rather deep; calyx large; basin deep, narrow; flesh tender, juicy, very rich, sub-acid or rather acid, high flavored. Mid-autumn. Productive, handsome, and excellent. Fine in all localities. Shoots strong, becoming smooth and shining, ascending. Fig. 391. German.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

GRAVENSTEIN.

REFERENCES. 1. Forsyth, 1824:105. 2. Pom. Mag., 3:No. 98. 1830. col. pl. 3. London Hort. Soc. Cat., 1831:No. 489. 4. Kenrick, 1832:34. 5. Floy-Lindley, 1833:52. 6. Manning, 1838:53. 7. Ib., Mag. Hort., 7:45. 1841. 8. Downing, 1845:85. fig. 9. Horticulturist, 1:196. 1846. 10. Cole, 1849:110. fig. 11. Thomas, 1849:149. fig. 12. Horticulturist, 5:200. 1850. 13. Barry, 1851:284. 14. Emmons, Nat. Hist. N. Y., 3:32, 104. 1851. fig., col. pl. No. 28. 15. Hovey, 2:15. 1851. col. pl. 16. Ant. Pom. Soc. Cat., 1852. 17. Elliott, 1854:83. 18. Gregg, 1857:43. fig. 19. Hooper, 1857:41, 107, 111. 20. De Wolf and Hovey, Mag. Hort., 23:444. 1857. 21. Warder, 1867:487. fig. 22. Fitz, 1872:143, 149, 152. 23. Leroy, 1873:338. fig. 24. Horticulturist, 30:32. 1875. 25. Downing, 1881:11 index, app. 26. Hogg, 1884:96. 27. Wickson, 1889:243. 28. Lyon, Mich. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1890:292. 29. Bailey, An. Hort., 1892:240. 30. Stinson, Ark. Sta. An. Rpt., 6:55. 1893. 31. Gaucher, 1894:No. 10. col. pl. 32. Saunders, Ont. Fr. Gr. Assn. An. Rpt., 27:51. 1895. 33. Amer. Gard., 16:381. 1895. fig. 34. Burrill and McCluer, Ill. Sta. Bul., 45:303. 1896. 35. Bunyard, Jour. Roy. Hort. Soc., 1898:354. 36. Can. Hort., 22:133. 1899. 37. Van Deman, Rural N. Y., 59:20. 1900. 38. Woolverton, Ont. Fr. Stas. An. Rpt., 8:8. 1901. figs. 39. Waugh, Vt. Sta. An. Rpt., 14:295. 1901. 40. Can. Hort., 25:167. 1902. fig. 41. Budd-Hansen, 1903:93. fig. 42. Bruner, N. C. Sta. Bul., 182:20. 1903. 43. Powell and Fulton, U. S. B. P. I. Bul., 48:143. 1903. 44. Beach and Clark, N. Y. Sta. Bul., 248:122. 1904.

SYNONYMS. Blumen-Calvill (31). Calville de Gravenstein (31). Calville Grafensteiner (23, 31). Diel's Sommerkonig (31). Early Congress (25). Grafen-Apfel (31). Grafensteiner (15, 23, 31). Grave Slige (23). Grave Slije (8, 15, 17, 31). GRAVENSTEIN (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44). Gravenstein (31). GRAVENSTEINER (31). Gravensteiner (23). Gravenstine (31). Ohio Nonpareil (17, 23, 31). Paradies Apfel (31). Pomme Graefenstein (31). Prinsessin-Apfel (31). Sabine (31). Sabine of the Flemings (15, 23). Strohmer (31). Stromling (31). Tom Harryman (31).

Gravenstein is an apple of good size, attractive appearance and excellent quality. For culinary purposes it is perhaps unexcelled by any variety of its season. It often sells at comparatively high prices. In many sections of the state the tree is regarded as not quite hardy, being somewhat subject to sunscald and canker. It comes into bearing moderately early, is quite productive and a pretty reliable cropper. The crop ripens continuously during a period of several weeks and should have two or three pickings. Beginning in the latter half of September it continues in season till early November. When properly handled a considerable portion of the fruit may remain apparently sound much later than this but the color fades and the quality and flavor deteriorate. As compared with other varieties of its class it stands up well in good dry cold storage (44). There is apt to be considerable loss from the dropping of the fruit before it is properly colored and there is also a rather high percentage of low grade or unmarketable fruit. In spite of these serious faults its cultivation in commercial orchards is gradually increasing in some sections of the state, particularly in portions of the Hudson valley where fruit growers find it a desirable apple for both domestic and foreign markets.

Historical. The following excellent account of the history of this variety was given by Hovey in 1851 (15). "The origin of the Gravenstein remains in some doubt. It is said to have been originally found in the Duke of Augustinberg's garden at Gravenstein, in Holstein, and that the original tree was growing there in the middle of the last century; another statement is, that it derived its name from being found in the garden of the castle of Grafenstein, in Sleswick; and Diel says, that it was supposed by some to have been introduced from Italy. Be this as it may, it is a common apple throughout Germany and Sweden, and was received from thence into the English collections. It is undoubtedly of similar origin with the Red Astrachan and Duchess of Oldenburg, possessing the peculiar habit of growth, form of foliage, and texture of the fruit, which distinguish the German apples.

"At what time it was first introduced into our gardens we are not aware. But as neither Coxe or Thacher describe or name it, we suppose it was some time subsequent to the account given of it in the Transactions of the London Horticultural Society in 1822. It is at the present time considerably cultivated, though not to the extent its merits deserve."

In 1857 Captain DeWolfe stated that the Gravenstein was imported by him from Denmark in May, 1826 (20). In a letter dated October 11, 1820, published in the New England Farmer, Judge Buel, of Albany, called attention to the importation of Gravenstein and other German apples, trees of which he had presented to the members of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Hovey states that in view of this it appears that Gravenstein was imported to the vicinity of Albany probably prior to 1826 (20). After these early importations Gravenstein gradually found its way into cultivation in various portions of the country. For many years it has been pretty generally disseminated through New York state, but in most localities it is grown to a limited extent only.

TREE. Tree large, vigorous. Form upright spreading to roundish, open. Twigs medium to long, curved, moderately stout; internodes long. Bark brownish-red, mingled with olive-green, lightly streaked with scarf-skin; pubescent. Lenticels very scattering, medium to small, oblong, not raised. Buds medium in size, plump, acute, free, pubescent.

FRUIT. Fruit large to above medium, fairly uniform in size but not in shape. Form oblate to roundish, somewhat irregular, broad at the base, slightly angular about the basin. Stem short to medium, thick. Cavity rather large, acute to acuminate, moderately deep to deep, rather narrow to broad, irregularly russeted. Calyx large, open or sometimes closed; lobes large, long, very broad, acute. Basin irregular, medium in depth to deep, medium to wide, obtuse to somewhat abrupt, wrinkled. Skin thin, tender, slightly rough, greenish-yellow to orange-yellow overlaid with broken stripes of light and dark red. Dots few, small, light. Prevailing effect yellow striped. Calyx tube large, conical to funnel-shape. Stamens median. Core medium in size, strongly abaxile; cells open; core lines clasping the funnel cylinder. Carpels broadly ovate, emarginate. Seeds medium to large, medium in width, rather long, plump, acute to acuminate, medium brown. Flesh yellowish, firm, moderately fine, crisp, moderately tender, juicy, sprightly subacid, aromatic, very good to best. Season late September till early November.

RED TYPES OF THE GRAVENSTEIN. Several instances are known where bud sports of the Gravenstein have originated which bear highly colored red fruit, but in other respects are quite like the typical Gravenstein. Some of these sports have neither been described nor propagated but others of them have been introduced into cultivation under distinct names. Gaucher and Leroy each describe a Red Gravenstein. A Red Gravenstein which originated in Nova Scotia is now cultivated under the name Banks. For an account of this variety the reader is referred to Banks, page 14.

— S.A. Beach, The Apples of New York, Vol. 2 (1905)

Gravenstein.— This is considered one of the finest apples of northern Europe, both in appearance and quality. Origin, Gravenstein, in Holstein, Germany.

The original tree is said to have been in existence about the middle of the eighteenth century. Tree very vigorous, spreading, productive bears early.

Fruit large, varying from roundish oblong to slightly oblate, angular on the sides, the ribs extending from base to calyx, broadest at the base; surface bright yellow, beautifully striped, splashed, marbled, and dotted with light and deep bright red and orange on sunny side, polished, becoming unctuous at maturity; dots very obscure, few, gray, minute; cavity acute, deep, angular, with trace of stellate russet; stem medium; basin angular, rather irregular, ribbed; calyx closed; segments long, leafy, large, irregular, slightly reflexed. Core open, large; cells roomy, elliptical or round, abaxile; tube conical or funnel-shaped; stamens basal; flesh yellow, with yellow veinings, tender, juicy, crisp, sprightly subacid, high-flavored, aromatic, excellent. September, October.

— J.L. Budd & N.E. Hansen, American Horticultural Manual, Part II: Systematic Pomology (1914)

Gravenstein

The Gravenstein is one of the best apples in its season. It is good for dessert and has no superior for culinary purposes. The crop ripens continuously during a period of several weeks, and for that reason should have two, three, or perhaps four pickings. It is ready for use from the last of August to the first of November, depending on the latitude and altitude in which it is grown. Being regarded the best apple in its season, the fruit often sells for high prices in the markets. The tree is not especially hardy; but comes into bearing early and is quite productive.

Historical. In Hovey's account published in 1851, it is said, "The origin of the Gravenstein remains in some doubt." It is said to have been originally found in the Duke of Augustinberg's garden at Gravenstein in Holstein, and that the original tree was growing there in the middle of the last century (1750). Another statement is that it derived its name from being found in the garden of the castle of Grafenstein in Selswick; and Deil says

[Quince Apple. Apple of Commerce. Maxted Photo.]

that it was supposed by some to have been introduced from Italy. Be this as it may, it is a common apple throughout Germany and Sweden, and was received from thence into the English colonies.

Fruit large to above medium, fairly uniform in size but not in shape. Form oblate to roundish, somewhat irregular, broad at the base, slightly angular about the basin. Skin thin, tender, slightly rough, greenish yellow to orange yellow, overlaid with broken stripes of light and dark red. Dots few, small, light. Prevailing effect yellow striped.

There are several instances where bud sports have originated highly colored red fruit like the Gaucher, Leroy, Red Gravenstein and Banks.

— Granville Lowther (ed.), Encyclopedia of Practical Horticulture (1914)

GRAVENSTEIN. Her. Pom., 39. (Blumen Calvill, Diel's Sommer König, Grafenapfel, Ohio Nonpareil, Paradies.) Dessert or culinary, October to December, medium, 3 by 2¼, rounded square, irregular. Flesh, crisp, yellowish-white, extremely juicy, of most distinct flavour. Eye, closed in a deep ribbed basin. Stem, short, thick in a large deep cavity. Growth, moderate; fertile. Leaf, medium, rather dark, upfolded, finely serrate. Origin, said to have been found at the Castle of Grafenstein, in Schleswig-Holstein. Introduced about 1760. A good dessert apple. Its fragrant aroma and digestible flesh make it deserving of wider cultivation. A form also exists which is much redder than the above and which arose as a bud sport. It has the unusual quality of ripening on the tree and yet keeping for several months. It very rarely sets any seed.

— E.A. Bunyard, A Handbook of Hardy Fruits (1920)

GRAVENSTEIN. Fig. 22. In America, all lovers of fruits value Gravenstein for its crisp, tender, sprightly, juicy, richly-flavored, aromatic apples. It is a valuable commercial fruit, where it succeeds, by reason of early bearing, productiveness, and good shipping qualities. The trees are vigorous but quite subject to sun-scald and apple-canker, and do not hold their load well. Unfortunately, it is fastidious as to both soil and climate, and is grown in highest perfection in but few localities. Nova Scotia, where it becomes a winter apple, seems best suited to its needs. Gravenstein is an old German apple which has been in America probably a hundred years or more; it was described as early as 1824.

Tree large, vigorous, upright-spreading, open. Fruit large, uniform in size but not in shape, oblate or round, somewhat irregular, broad at the base, angular; stem short, stout; cavity acute, deep, narrow to broad, irregularly russeted; calyx large, open or closed; lobes large, long, very broad, acute; basin irregular, wide, obtuse to abrupt, wrinkled; skin thin, tender, rough, greenish-yellow or orange-yellow overlaid with broken stripes of light and dark red; dots few, small, light; prevailing effect yellow striped; calyx-tube large, conical; stamens median; core medium in size, strongly abaxile; cells open; core-lines clasping the funnel cylinder; carpels broad-ovate, emarginate; seeds large, long, plump, acute, brown; flesh yellow, firm, fine, crisp, tender, juicy, sprightly subacid, aromatic; very good to best; late September till early November.

— U.P. Hedrick, Cyclopedia of Hardy Fruits (1922)

Gravenstein*

Gravenstein is an old variety originating in Europe—probably in Germany—around the beginning of the nineteenth century. It has long been one of the best varieties for home and local market use, and in some areas it is also a popular shipping variety. For cooking purposes it is unexcelled by any variety of its season.

Characteristics

Trees are large, healthy, vigorous, upright spreading, and become open when mature. Fruit is large, fairly uniform in size, and sometimes irregular in shape. Skin is thin, fairly tender, greenish-yellow to orange-yellow, overlaid with broken stripes of light and dark red. Flesh is yellowish, firm, moderately fine, crisp, moderately tender, juicy, sprightly subacid, and aromatic. Fruit quality is rated as very good to best. This variety has long been popular with Oregon growers. Fruit is in good demand and it sells at satisfactory prices.

Limitations

Among the limitations of this variety are its susceptibility to winter injury in colder areas, uneven ripening, and alternate bearing tendency. Fruit ripens continuously during a period of several weeks and several pickings usually are necessary. It is an excellent variety for the home orchard. In western Oregon, Gravenstein is the most popular summer variety grown.

Red sports

During the history of this apple in America, frequent instances are recorded of red strains originating out of the regular variety. Some of the red Gravenstein types tend to have a mottled red color that is not particularly attractive. Others have a very attractive red color but are lacking in size.

Although most of these sports appear to be merely color changes, there are many instances of subsequent changes in fruit size, flavor, and shape. Because of the possibility that other characters have varied along with the color, every bud sport of separate origin must be regarded as a new variety that should be tested in the orchard before it can be recommended as an improvement over the standard variety. To date, many red sports of Gravenstein have been tested or observed, but none appears equal to the standard Gravenstein in all its qualities. In present variety trials, seven recent red-colored sports are being tested.

— Quentin B. Zielinski, Apple Varieties for Oregon (1964)

Planted Spring 1890. Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit above medium size, a little flattened. Skin clear yellow, streaked and splashed with orange and red. Flesh tender, crisp, juicy and of high flavour, quality very good, very subject to black spot. Season September and October.

— Central Experimental Farm, Central Experimental Farm, Agassiz BC — Catalogue of Fruit Trees under Test (Bulletin No. 3, 1900) (1900)

Large, handsome, streaked and splashed with deep red over strong yellow. Fruit tender, crisp, with a pleasant acidity—aromatic. A strong growing tree, regular bearer; excellent quality. One of the best of its season. NCS

— Stark Bros. Nurseries & Orchards Co., Stark Bros. Year Book (1910) (1910)

large, tender and spicy, suitable for dessert or kitchen use, skin pale yellow streaked with crimson, a favourite variety grown extensively in some parts of Germany, it forms a handsome large pyramid and is a good orchard tree ... Oct. to Dec.

— James Veitch & Sons, Veitch's Fruit Trees (1911) (1911)

Culinary or dessert; Oct.-Nov. Medium, angular, rather flat, pale yellow prettily striped; flesh crisp, juicy, very fragrant; the favourite Apple of Germany. Probably from Schleswig, and known in 1760.

— George Bunyard & Co., George Bunyard Catalog of Fruit Trees (1914) (1914)