King Of The Pippins

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Aromas of sweet orchard fruit rise first—then the flavor follows with a crisp, honeyed snap and a bright, gently tart finish.

“King Of The Pippins” brings a richly blushed, old-fashioned apple character to the home orchard, with firm flesh that stays satisfyingly crisp from harvest through storage. Ideal for fresh enjoyment and for turning into fragrant preserves, this heirloom is a true centerpiece for gardeners who love classic, dependable tree fruit.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Shrub

Botanical illustration of King Of The Pippins

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	20
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

King Of The Pippins delivers a crisp, honeyed crunch with a tart line that stays lively even when cooked. Choose it when you want apples to keep their structure—slicing cleanly for toast or holding up in a galette and preserves without collapsing into mush.

Best Uses

thin slices for sharp-cheddar toast (keeps crunch, won’t go mealy)
fresh eating with cider or dry sparkling wines
stove-top compote or slow-simmered preserves for clean, fruit-forward flavor
baked slices in a rustic galette where the apples stay structured

Flavor Profile

sweet orchard aroma crisp honeyed snap bright, gently tart finish firm flesh that holds its bite

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar walnuts cinnamon dark rum hard cider Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Malus domestica (apple “King of the Pippins”), and how can I control it at home?

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most common fungal problems on Malus domestica, showing as dark, olive scabby spots on leaves and fruit. Remove and discard fallen leaves, improve airflow by pruning for open canopy, and apply a labeled fungicide early in the season when new growth begins and again as directed—especially after wet weather. If you see scab developing, start treating promptly rather than waiting for a “worse” outbreak.

How often should I water Malus domestica during its main growing phase to keep fruit and shoots developing well?

During active growth leading up to harvest (roughly spring through summer), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for consistently moist soil 6–12 inches down rather than frequent light watering. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid soggy roots, but do not allow the root zone to fully dry out during hot weeks. Use a slow trickle or drip so moisture reaches the deeper roots.

How do I tell when Malus domestica “King of the Pippins” is ready to harvest at about 120 days?

Harvest when the fruit background color is no longer green and the apples develop their mature color, and the seeds inside are dark brown. A good at-home test is the “lift-and-twist”: when ripe, the apple releases with a gentle twist from the spur, rather than requiring pulling. Typical timing is around 120 days after full bloom, but rely on color/seed and the release test for accuracy.