Malus domestica 'Fiesta' (Apple Tree)

Common name: Apple 'Fiesta' (synonym Red Pippin)

Description: Malus domestica 'Fiesta' is one of the most popular and highly regarded dessert apples raised in Britain, bred at East Malling Research Station in Kent as a cross between 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and 'Idared', and inheriting much of the celebrated aromatic richness and flavour complexity of its famous parent whilst offering considerably improved reliability, disease resistance, and ease of cultivation. The medium to large fruits are attractively coloured in a bright red-orange flush over a yellow-green ground, and the crisp, creamy-white flesh delivers a superb flavour that is sweet, juicy, and richly aromatic with the characteristic Cox-like honeyed and nutty notes that have made this style of apple so beloved by British fruit growers and gardeners. 'Fiesta' is a reliable and prolific cropper that comes into bearing relatively early, producing consistent and generous harvests of fruit that ripen in mid-autumn — typically October — and store well for several weeks after picking, extending the season of enjoyment considerably beyond harvest time. In spring, the tree puts on a charming display of blush-pink blossom that is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, and the fresh green foliage provides a pleasant and undemanding presence through the summer months. 'Fiesta' is in pollination group 3 and is compatible with a wide range of other apple varieties flowering at the same time, making it an easy and versatile choice for the garden orchard.

Other benefits: outstanding Cox-like flavour with improved disease resistance and reliability; reliable and prolific cropper; attractive spring blossom; fruit stores well after harvest; suitable for gardens of most sizes on appropriate rootstock; compatible with a wide range of pollination partners

Wildlife attraction: bees, hoverflies, and other spring pollinators; fallen fruit attractive to blackbirds, thrushes, wasps, and other wildlife in autumn

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3.5m x 3m on MM106 rootstock; smaller on M26 or M9

Position: full sun essential for best fruit colour, flavour development, and ripening; a sheltered, south- or west-facing position gives best results; protect early blossom from late spring frosts

Soil pH: performs best in neutral to slightly acid, fertile soils; pH 6.0–7.0; avoid thin, dry, or waterlogged soils

Moisture: regular watering during fruit development, particularly in dry summers; tolerates moderate drought once established; prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to approximately -20°C; blossom may be susceptible to damage from late spring frosts