Why Gardeners Still Love the Laxton's Superb Apple After 125 Years

Malus domestica

The Laxton’s Superb apple tree is a timeless British variety known for its delicious, superb apples and reliable cropping. Raised by the Laxton Brothers in Bedford in 1897, this Malus domestica cultivar remains a favourite for gardeners looking for an eating apple with excellent flavour. If you’re considering planting a superb apple tree, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and enjoying this excellent fruit.

Laxton’s Superb apple is a dessert apple with a dull red flush over green skin and a firm, rather than crisp, texture. Its sweet flavour improves with storage and is sometimes compared to Cox’s Orange Pippin, but it is sweeter and more reliable in UK conditions.

The Laxton Brothers in Bedford bred this variety in 1897, combining the qualities of Wyken Pippin and Cox’s Orange Pippin. It was introduced as a late Victorian period apple and quickly became popular due to its bumper crop and excellent flavour.

Laxton’s Superb apple is often compared to modern varieties but remains a favourite due to its pleasure in eating and resistance to canker and mildew. It produces large crops of fruit that are firm rather than crisp and have a lot of juice.

Growing a Laxton’s Superb tree is relatively easy. It thrives in well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny position. Like most fruit trees, it benefits from regular feeding with well-rotted manure or garden compost in early spring. Please ensure you stake young trees for stability, especially in areas prone to dry spells.

The Laxton’s Superb apple tree isn’t self-fertile, meaning it needs a suitable pollination partner. It belongs to pollination group 4, so planting it near other apple trees like Cox’s Orange Pippin or Orange Pippin will boost yields. Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

This is a late-ripening apple, typically ready for harvesting in late autumn. The fruit stores well and tastes better if cut and eaten in slices rather than straight from the tree.

While Laxton’s Superb is a classic variety, it is prone to codling moth and apple scab. Keeping the area around the tree roots clear of weeds and grass and using organic pest control methods will help prevent these problems.

Laxton’s Superb apple trees can be found at garden centres and online nurseries. Many sellers offer bare-root trees in winter, ideal for planting during the tree’s dormant season.

Key Points to Remember:

• Laxton’s Superb is a late-eating apple with a sweet flavour and a dull red flush over green skin
• Originally bred in Bedford in 1897 by the Laxton Brothers
• Partially self-fertile, but benefits from a suitable pollination partner
• Produces a large crop of superb apples each year
• Resistant to canker and mildew, but may suffer from codling moth and apple scab
• Available for purchase at garden centres and online retailers

Planting a Laxton’s Superb apple tree is a fantastic way to enjoy a slice of British apple-growing history while harvesting delicious fruit from your own garden!

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Q: What makes Laxton’s Superb apple tree special?

A: Laxton’s Superb is a classic British apple variety known for its delicious, late-season fruit. Developed by the Laxton family, it has a distinctive flavour that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness, making it a favourite among apple enthusiasts.

Q: Where can I buy a Laxton’s Superb apple tree?

A: Laxton’s Superb apple trees are available from garden centres and online nurseries specialising in fruit trees. When purchasing, check the rootstock options, as these will influence the tree’s size and fruit production.

Q: Do I need to worry about pollination with Laxton’s Superb?

A: Laxton’s Superb is a late-flowering variety and benefits from being planted near other apple trees for pollination. Suitable pollination partners include Cox’s Orange Pippin and Pearsmain to ensure good fruit production.

Q: When is the best time to plant a Laxton’s Superb apple tree?

A: The best time to plant Laxton’s Superb apple trees is during the dormant season, either in late autumn or early spring. This allows the tree to establish a strong root system before active growth begins.

Q: Can Laxton’s Superb apple trees thrive in small gardens?

A: Absolutely! Laxton’s Superb can be grown in smaller gardens, especially if grafted onto a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock. Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and proper care to maximise fruit production.

Q: How long does a Laxton’s Superb apple tree take to bear fruit?

A: Laxton’s Superb apple trees typically produce fruit around 3 to 5 years after planting. While some patience is required, the reward of homegrown apples is well worth the wait!

Q: What do Laxton’s Superb apples taste like?

A: Laxton’s Superb apples have a crisp texture with a well-balanced flavour—sweet with a touch of tartness. They are excellent for fresh eating, and their taste improves when left to ripen fully on the tree.

Q: How do I care for a Laxton’s Superb apple tree?

A: Regular pruning is essential to maintain good airflow and encourage healthy fruiting. Keep the tree well-watered, particularly in dry spells, and watch out for pests or diseases. Applying a suitable fruit tree feed in spring will help support growth and productivity.

Q: Where did Laxton’s Superb apple trees originate?

A: Laxton’s Superb was developed in the UK by the Laxton family, which is renowned for breeding high-quality apple varieties. It remains a cherished part of British apple-growing heritage.