Newton Wonder

Origin / History

Raised by a Mr. Taylor, of King's Newton, in Melbourne, Derby (E.A. Bunyard, 1920). The George Bunyard & Co. catalog of 1914 says instead that it was raised in Notts. Introduced by Messrs. Pearson & Co. about 1887. E.A. Bunyard cites Gard. Chron., 1900, 45.

The 1901 George Bunyard & Co. catalog marks it "F.C., R.H.S." Veitch's entry (1911) carries "F.C.C." and Rivers's (1914) "P.C."

From its introduction it was ranked among the best new apples. The 1901 Bunyard catalog called it "a valuable new kind, between Wellington and Blenheim," "one of the best among recent sorts," and "a sterling kind for Orchard or Garden," adding that the fruit the firm had grown and exhibited "has attracted great attention." Veitch (1911) called it "the best of recent introductions." As a cooking apple, the 1914 Bunyard catalog "highly recommended" it "as one of the very best cooking varieties for Orchards or Gardens," and E.A. Bunyard (1920) counted it "one of the best half-dozen cooking apples."

Tree

Vigorous, a free grower, and hardy. The 1901 Bunyard catalog says "in growth and sturdiness this surpasses all others," and the 1914 catalog calls it "most vigorous and hardy." Makes a fine spreading standard (E.A. Bunyard) and forms a good pyramid or standard (Veitch).

Leaf round, held stiffly out, undulating, very thick, deeply and doubly curved serrate (E.A. Bunyard).

A free and fertile bearer. Veitch calls it very prolific, and Rivers an abundant cropper.

Fruit

Size: Large, 3½ by 2½ (E.A. Bunyard). The 1914 Bunyard catalog alone calls it medium.

Form: Round flattened, regular, even.

Stem: Very short and stout (E.A. Bunyard).

Cavity: Shallow, almost level (E.A. Bunyard).

Calyx: Eye open (E.A. Bunyard).

Basin: Wide, rather ribbed (E.A. Bunyard).

Skin: Bright yellow with a slight scarlet flush and broad, broken stripes (E.A. Bunyard). A handsome fruit, "beautifully striped and flushed" (Bunyard catalog, 1914).

Dots: Not described in source.

Flesh and flavor: Flesh yellow, crisp, juicy, acid. Fruit solid (Veitch). Rivers calls it "very good."

Core and seeds: Not described in source.

Season

The recorded season runs from October into May. Two authors carry it to May, beginning in November or December. E.A. Bunyard gives till March, and Rivers alone starts it in October and closes it in February. Keeps soundly and late.

Uses

Culinary. E.A. Bunyard says it "cooks excellently," and the 1914 Bunyard catalog says it "cooks like Wellington." Also serves late in the season for dessert: the 1914 catalog calls it "quite good for dessert in February," and E.A. Bunyard "quite a welcome dessert fruit in March."

Subtypes / Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.