Cardinal

Malus domestica Borkh. Borkh.

Dessert

Introduced

1988

Origin

Riga, United States

Measured Phenotype

Brix: 13.7 °Bx
Fruit height: 30.0 mm
Fruit width: 50.0 mm

Each value is the highest-precedence :Assertion attached to this cultivar; full provenance (year, evidence type, confidence) is preserved in the graph.

A Russian dessert apple from Riga, introduced to England around 1880, bearing medium-to-large conical fruits with creamy white skin and pink-striped flush. The flesh is soft, juicy, and remarkably sweet with a pronounced aromatic character. Flowering mid-August through September, it is prized for its attractive appearance and early-season flavor.

Flavor & Texture

sweetaromaticsoftjuicy

Best Uses

fresh_eating

1 historical watercolor from the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (1886–1942) included in the gallery above. Public domain.

Origin & History

Status: heritage

briskly flavoredtendercrispvery juicy

References

USDA-NPGS: PI 589085
UK National Fruit Collection: 190
Wikidata: Q41775814
US plant patent: PP7147(expired)
granted 1990-02-13 · expires 2010-02-13
Cited authority (Hogg 1851): Duh