Foxwhelp Cider Apple

Malus domestica ‘Foxwhelp’

This apple was introduced to the United States from England as Foxwhelp, but more recently has been DNA tested and shown to be misidentified. Its true name has not been determined, and is now known as Sonoma or Geneva Foxwhelp, or sometimes Fauxwhelp. But still, this apple, known by any other name, is a good cider apple. Tested and described at the Mount Vernon Research station as a “bittersharp”, best used in blends to add some body, lots of acidity, and earthy tones. The fruit size is a bit larger than typical cider apples tend to be, about 3.5-4” wide and 2.5-3” tall. 1 Pound of fruit yielded about 1 cup of amber colored juice that is low in tannins, high in acidity, and fairly sweet at Mt Vernon. One of our staff also recommends it as an addition to applesauce blends, if you enjoy a complex flavored tart applesauce.

Bloom time is Group 3 mid-season, ripens with our early-mid October group.

Hardy to USDA Zone: 5

Chill Hours Needed: Unverified; most apples require 800 – 1000

Mature Height: 15′-18′ 

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: Fall

Pollination: Bloom group 3 Midseason; needs a pollinizer from Group 2, 3, or 4

Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: MM106

Read our Apple Growing Guide