Autumn 2024Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
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Bloody Ploughman apple trees

Malus domestica
Bloody Ploughman apples
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Bloody Ploughman is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Mid
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 4

There are numerous stories about the origins of this well-known Scottish apple. In essence the variety arose as a seedling, allegedly near the grave of a ploughman who had been shot by a gamekeeper for stealing apples (or perhaps something more valuable). The knobbly skin is indeed a crimson-red colour, and this is also a variety where the flesh can sometimes be stained red as well.

Bloody Ploughman is often considered an eating apple in Scotland, but south of the border tends to be regarded as a cooker!

Bloody Ploughman apple trees for sale

Bare-root

  • BR11-year bare-root tree MM106 rootstock £34.95
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • BR22-year bush-trained bare-root tree MM106 rootstock £43.00
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
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Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95, it is calculated based on your postcode.

History

Bloody Ploughman originates from the area around Megginch in the Carse of Gowrie in eastern Scotland. It was first recorded in 1883, and it is rumoured that the original tree is still alive.

The Carse of Gowrie is an area of high quality agricultural land between the towns of Perth and Dundee. It has long been associated with fruit-growing, and has one of the best climates in Scotland, with a combination of low rainfall and good levels of sunshine. Whilst the ancestry of Bloody Ploughman is unknown, the story suggests it is most likely a seedling of a local variety.


Bloody Ploughman characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Flowering group4
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Fruit bearingSpur-bearer
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climates

Using

  • Picking seasonMid
  • CroppingGood
  • Keeping (of fruit)1-2 months
  • Food usesCulinaryJuiceHard cider

Problems

  • Disease resistanceAverage

Identification

  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Period of origin1850 - 1899
  • Blossom colourPink - light
  • Fruit colourRed / Green

British-grown trees Trees grown in the UK.

Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.

In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance. Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK. Find out more
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Guaranteed fruit trees

When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.