Autumn 2024 planting seasonPre-order now for EU delivery December 2024 - March 2025

Alkmene apple trees

(Early Windsor)
Malus domestica
Alkmene apples
Alkmene has received the RHS Award of Garden MeritAlkmene is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Mid
  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 2

Alkmene was developed in Germany in the mid-1930s, and has a good quality aromatic flavor, very reminscent of its parent, Cox's Orange Pippin.

It is quite widely grown in England and Europe, where it is regarded as a good alternative to Cox, being easier to grow and much more reliable.

 

Bio / Organic  fruit trees

Alkmene organic apple trees for sale

  • 11 yeartree on M9 rootstock25.95€
    Small tree (1.5m-2.5m after 10 years) Bare-root
  • 21 yeartree on MM111 rootstock25.95€
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years) Bare-root
    Sold-out
EU delivery countries
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
Delivery chargesClick here to view estimated delivery charges.

Growing and Training

Alkmene grows in a compact style, making it a good choice for small gardens. It is also self-fertile - quite a rare quality among apples - and does not require another apple tree nearby for pollination.


History

Alkmene is a cross between Cox's Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg, and was developed in Germany in the 1930s. It is sometimes known as Early Windsor.


Alkmene characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
  • Flowering group2
  • Disease resistanceGood
  • Picking seasonMid
  • Season of use2-3 weeks
  • Food usesEating fresh
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 5 (-29C)
  • Summer average maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
  • Country of originGermany
  • Period of origin1900 - 1949
  • Fruit colourOrange / Red

Similar varieties

  • See also Cabarette
    Cabarette
    A traditional very-late season dessert apple, found in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
  • See also Cox's Orange Pippin
    Cox's Orange Pippin
    Cox is widely acknowledged as having the best flavour of any apple variety.
  • See also GoldRush
    GoldRush
    A modern disease-resistant apple, like Golden Delicious but with a better tart/sweet balance. Good for eating fresh and juicing / cider.
  • See also Red Windsor
    Red Windsor
    Red Windsor is one of the easiest to grow of all dessert apple trees, and with a pleasant apple flavour.

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