Brown Russet Apple

Malus domestica ‘Brown Russet’

Grow a piece of history! Originating in England before 1567, this tasty, heavily russetted apple, also known as Royal Russet or Leather Coat, is highly resistant to both scab and mildew and a great choice for the organic grower. A late-ripening dessert apple (end of October here at Raintree), the flavor is sharp, tart and juicy when first picked, making a great addition to cider, applesauce and pies, and will continue to mellow and sweeten off the tree through the winter for fresh eating. The medium-sized round fruit has a green-yellow background mostly covered with brown russeting; they look like golden orbs hanging on the tree as Halloween approaches! Fun fact: the reference to Leathercoat fruit in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV is to heavily russetted apples. Brown Russet, (or Royal Russet as it was known then), was among the most popular at the time. 

The tree is triploid, it flowers with mid-season varieties, and needs a pollinator (although it will not return the favor). A productive, vigorous, upright grower. 

USDA Zone: 4-9

Mature Height:  15′ (Dwarf)

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: October

Pollination: Needs a Pollinizer

Dwarf Rootstock: EMLA 26

Read our Apple Growing Guide