The Cornish Gilliflower apple tree was found in a cottage garden of Cornwall late 1700's. Gillyflower is the old English name for the carnation which shares the scent of cloves. The Cornish Gilliflower apple is soft green with reddish hue, webbed with thin russet. Occasionally develops clear dark red fruit. The Cornish Gilliflower is noted for rich and aromatic flavor. Cornish Gilliflower has a round-conic shape and firm yellow flesh with an aroma reminiscent of cloves. Please see below for further information on our organically grown Cornish Gilliflower apple trees for sale.

  USDA Certified Organic

Considerations for Cornish Gilliflower 

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Heirloom: Yes

Uses:  Fresh eating, cider, cooking, and sauce 

Harvest Period: Very Late

Bloom Period: Midseason

Pollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom period

Origin Date: England 1700's

Disease resistance: Good

Storage: 1 to 2 months

Rootstock: MM 111 (semi-dwarf)

Years to Bear: 2-4 years

Recommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.

Mature Size: 12-16 ft.

Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.

Shape when Shipped: Feathered and whips (few side branching)

Size supplied when shipped: Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch;

*As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock.

Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more...

Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits.