How to ID an old apple tree?

[Mare Owner]

There is a tree on our farm that was planted in the 1950's. I want to find out what type of apple it is. Do I need just collect/photograph some of the apples when they ripen? Or also pics/samples of the flowers and leaves?

[marshlander]

Do you an equivalent to the Royal Horticultural society? In the UK the RHS hold apply days in October with hundreds of cultivars on display and tasters!

I had a quick google for apple day minnesota and apple orchard minnesota and see you have some varieties unique to your area and apple farms with open days. You could take some of your apples along to compare.

You could also look at apples at your farmers market and see if someone is selling the same variety.

If you can't id your apple it's also possible you have a 'mongrel' someone planted as a pip!

[chookwoman]

Brogdale is the place, but like marshlander says it sould be any sort of hybrid.

[Ellendra]

Try the local county extention agency, they may at least know who else to ask.

If you can't ID it even with their help, name it after yourself and sell cuttings :P