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Key's Red

Apple

Key's Red

Origin and History

Key's Red originated with the late Martin Key of Clay Brook, Tennessee. It is described as an acquisition for the locality of its origin.

Tree

The tree is hardy, a strong and vigorous grower with a spreading habit. It bears good crops annually.

Fruit

Size and Form Medium; roundish oblate, slightly conical, sometimes a little oblique.

Stem Short and small.

Cavity Medium depth, rather deep, russeted.

Calyx Open.

Basin Rather large, deep, slightly plaited.

Skin Pale greenish yellow, nearly covered with dark red. Many rather large yellowish areola dots present.

Flesh and Flavor Whitish, a little coarse, juicy, subacid, slightly aromatic.

Core and Seeds Core small. Seeds not described in source.

Season

Ripens from October to February.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes and Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

Nursery Catalog Sources

Found in 2 catalogs (1901–1913) from Illinois

View original book sources (1)

Key's Red.

A new variety which originated with the late Martin Key, of Clay Brook, Tenn., and is said to be an acquisition for the locality of its origin. Tree hardy, a strong, vigorous grower, spreading, and bears good crops annually.

Fruit medium, roundish oblate, slightly conical, sometimes a little oblique; skin pale greenish yellow, nearly covered with dark red, and many rather large yellowish areola dots; stalk short, small; cavity medium, rather deep, russeted; calyx open; basin rather large, deep, slightly plaited; flesh whitish, a little coarse, juicy, subacid, slightly aromatic; core small. Ripens from October to February.

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