Kingston Black Apple Malus domestica 'Kingston Black' (Cider/c)
ABOUT
The Kingston Black apple, specifically cultivated for making cider, is a variety with a striking aesthetic. This plant typically bears medium-sized fruit that is especially noteworthy for its attractive coloration, featuring a blend of red and orange hues with streaks of yellow, often presenting a deep, almost crimson shade over a greenish-yellow background. The skin of the apples has a somewhat waxy finish and can develop a natural bloom, giving the fruit a slightly matte look. The leaves of the Kingston Black apple tree are a rich green color and exhibit the classic apple leaf shape: oval, with a slightly serrated edge and a pointed tip. They grow alternatively on the branches, forming a dense canopy which provides a lush appearance. During the blooming period, the flowers that adorn the tree are white with a hint of pink. These blossoms emerge in clusters and add to the ornamental value of the plant during the spring season. As an apple tree grown for cider production, it is the fruit of the Kingston Black that is the main focus. The apples are known for their balanced flavor profile, offering a mix of sweetness, acidity, and tannins, making them ideal for crafting traditional cider. Once ripe, their aromatic quality complements their visual appeal, making the Kingston Black a cherished variety among apple connoisseurs and cider makers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Kingston Black Apple, Black Taunton.
Common names
Malus domestica 'Kingston Black'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as apple, specifically the 'Kingston Black' variety which is used in cider making, is not considered toxic to humans when the fruit is ingested in its typical form. However, the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Consuming an extremely large quantity of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, can lead to coma or death. The risk of poisoning from eating apple seeds is generally low, as a substantial amount would need to be chewed and ingested to cause significant harm.
To pets
For pets, the common apple, including the 'Kingston Black' variety, poses a similar risk as it does to humans. The fruit's flesh is generally safe for pets to eat in moderation. However, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities as it can release cyanide during digestion. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is important to keep apple seeds away from pets and only offer them the flesh of the fruit in moderate amounts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-14 feet (3.0-4.3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Economic Value: Apple cider production, particularly favored for its rich flavor in hard cider making.
- Culinary Uses: Consumed fresh, used in cooking, baking, and for juicing.
- Landscape Beauty: Aesthetic value from its attractive blossoms in spring and fruit in autumn.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, important for ecosystem health.
- Habitat Provision: Provides shelter and food for various bird species and small mammals.
- Educational Interest: Perfect for use in educational settings to teach about fruit tree cultivation and propagation.
- Cultural Significance: The apple tree has deep cultural and historical significance in many cultures, often associated with knowledge, immortality, and temptation.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a range of seasonal interest from spring flowers to fall fruit and sometimes colorful foliage.
- Varietal Diversity: 'Kingston Black' is part of the rich diversity of apple varieties, contributing to genetic variety and resilience in horticulture.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cooking: Besides ciders, Kingston Black apples can be used in cooking to provide a unique, tart flavor to dishes like pies, crumbles, and sauces.
- Vinegar Production: The juice from Kingston Black apples can be fermented into apple cider vinegar, which is useful for cooking, cleaning, and as a natural preservative.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can provide shelter and food for various birds and bees, promoting biodiversity in the area where it's grown.
- Natural Dyes: The tannins present in the apple skins can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Woodwork: The wood from Kingston Black apple trees can be used in woodworking for crafting small items such as handles and craft objects.
- Composting: Fallen apples and leaves from the tree can be composted, enriching garden soil with nutrients.
- Liquid Feed: Fermented apple scraps can be used to make a liquid feed for plants, providing them with essential nutrients.
- Decorative Arrangements: Dried branches with attached apples can be used in decorative arrangements or as part of rustic home décor themes.
- Floral Displays: Apple blossoms from Kingston Black trees can be used in floral displays and provide a gentle fragrance for events and homes.
- Educational Tool: Kingston Black apple trees can be used as a teaching tool to educate people about heirloom apple varieties and the importance of preserving them.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The apple is traditionally associated with abundance and wealth, as it has been a staple fruit in many cultures and is often abundant in harvest.
- Knowledge: In various mythologies, such as the story of Adam and Eve, the apple represents knowledge and enlightenment, sometimes with a dual symbol of temptation.
- Fertility: Apples are a symbol of fertility due to their many seeds and the fruit's connection to the goddesses of fertility in some pagan traditions.
- Love and Desire: The apple has been linked to love and sensuality, partly due to its sweet taste and its mythology, such as the apple of Discord in Greek mythology.
- Youth and Beauty: The apple's fresh and crisp image has been related to youthfulness and aesthetic appeal, reflected in various cultural stories and fairy tales.
WaterThe apple tree should be watered deeply rather than frequently, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly moistened. Young trees particularly require regular watering, so during the growing season, they may need around 5 gallons per week, depending on weather conditions. In periods of drought or extreme heat, water requirements can increase, and it's vital to avoid water stress. Reduce watering in the fall to help the tree harden off for winter. Mature trees typically require less frequent watering but ensure the soil is moist at a depth of 6 to 12 inches.
LightApple trees, including the 'Kingston Black' variety, thrive in full sunlight, meaning they require at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sun per day. The ideal spot for planting them is in an open area away from taller structures or trees that could cast shade. Good sun exposure is critical for the health and productivity of the tree, encouraging strong growth and fruit development.
TemperatureThe 'Kingston Black' apple tree can tolerate a range of temperatures but performs best in a climate with cold winters and warm summers. They can survive temperatures as low as -30°F and up to around 90°F but the ideal growing temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. Appropriate winter chilling is necessary for the tree to break dormancy and produce a good crop.
PruningPruning 'Kingston Black' apple trees is essential for removing dead or diseased wood, shaping the tree, and encouraging healthy growth and fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Thinning the canopy allows sunlight and air circulation, promoting a better crop. Aim to prune annually, removing crossing branches and those that grow downward.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Apple 'Kingston Black' should be well-draining, loamy, and rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating compost into the soil can enhance fertility and structure.
RepottingApple 'Kingston Black' trees, being standard orchard trees, are typically not repotted as they are planted outdoors. If grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years until they are planted out.
Humidity & MistingApple 'Kingston Black' trees are adaptable to a range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions, but they thrive best in outdoor environments where typical air circulation provides adequate humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow indoor with ample light and space; prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and provide space to grow.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'Kingston Black' is a variety of apple commonly used for cider making. The life cycle starts with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, a seedling is established and will grow into a young tree through vegetative growth, developing roots, stems, and leaves. As the tree matures, it undergoes a transition to reproductive growth, characterized by the development of flower buds. Successful pollination of flowers leads to fruit set, where the 'Kingston Black' apples develop and mature. Once mature, the apples are harvested, and their seeds can potentially start the next generation if sown, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the Kingston Black apple, a variety prized for cider making, is by grafting. This variety does not come true to seed, so grafting ensures that the genetic qualities of Kingston Black are maintained. The ideal time for grafting is in late winter or early spring, before the sap begins to flow and the trees start to leave dormancy. Scion wood, which is a twig from a healthy Kingston Black apple tree that has the previous year's growth, is cut to lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and joined to a rootstock that determines the size and vigor of the tree. The union is made through a technique such as whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting, where precise cuts are made in both scion and rootstock to unite them. After grafting, the joint is wrapped securely to maintain alignment and moisture, and prevent infection. With proper care, the graft will heal over the course of the growing season, eventually forming a strong, productive Kingston Black apple tree.
