Howgate Wonder - an apple for Cooking and Eating

Malus Domestica Howgate Wonder

The Howgate wonder apple tree is a large tree. Its apples are red streaked over a ground of yellow/green and so have that properly old fashioned look epitomised in fairy stories. The flesh is cream coloured and has a crisp crunch (try saying that a few times!) to it which you may appreciate when the apple is properly ripe because Howgate Wonder is one of those apples that bridges the gap between cooker and eater. Mainly used as a cooker it makes a worthy opponent to the more famous Bramley and differs from it by keeping its shape when cooked, a bonus for apple tarts. Even in less than perfect conditions Howgate Wonder will perform well producing a generous crop of large apples. Those considering Village Show competitions may be advised to buy this tree because it is a Howgate Wonder apple that holds the British largest apple record at 3 lb 11 oz! Howgate Wonder apple juice is refreshing and works well when mixed with another sweeter apple juice.

An Orchard Staple

A large tree with beautiful apples, Howgate Wonder is adorned by gorgeous pink and white blossom in May that is attractive enough to justify its place in the garden. Late May blossom also means that it is less likely to suffer from any unseasonally late frosts and will do well in cooler or exposed areas. It is self-fertile but to maximise yields you are best to grow it close to another Group D pollinator. If you are considering creating an orchard, Howgate Wonder would be one of the core (sorry!) staples to include. Finally if your interests are more aesthetic and less culinary, then the vintage look of the slightly streaky red and green apple, the blossom in spring and a summer flowering rambler rose like Albertine or Felicite Perpetue mean that Howgate Wonder will remain a decorative feature for three seasons of the year.

Features

• Height: to 4.5m
• Colour: red/green
• Use: cooking - holds its shape, cider, eating, juicing
• Pruning: spur bearer
• Pollination: Self fertile, pollination D
• Picking: October, Stores until February
• Apple colour: Red/Green
• Blossom time: mid-May

Bits and Bobs

Howgate Wonder is a cross between a Blenheim Orange and Newton Wonder apples. A Mr Wratton living at Howgate Lane in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight first bred this apple during the first world war in 1915. It was awarded an RHS AGM in 1929. It can also grow very large indeed; it currently holds the British record at 3lbs 11ozs