
Botanical Name | Malus 'Kingston Black' |
Mature Height | 12 Feet |
Mature Width | 5 Feet |
Light Requirement | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 |
Tolerance | N/A |
Attracts | N/A |
ℹ Kingston Black is one of the proven English hard cider apple varieties and produces a very high quality bittersharp juice. It’s extraordinary and highly aromatic juice has an excellent balance of tannins, acidity, and sugar. It is one of the few English varieties that can be used without blending, to make top quality single-varietal cider! Kingston Black is speculated to have originated in Somersetshire, England, about 1820. It is thought to be named after the village of Kingston St. Mary. The fruits are a dark mahogany over an orange background, and the juice is a tawny red. It is moderately sweet, with a strong astringent aftertaste. Note that Kingston Black cannot be eaten fresh – it is grown solely for hard cider production. Some will say Kingston Black is the best apple there is for cider, due to its near-perfect balance of sugar, acid and tannins. Pollinate with Dabinett or Medaille D'or Apple.