Apple Trees at the Payne Cabin
“But Though an old man, I am but a young gardener.”
Thomas Jefferson
Heritage apple trees are planted on the east side of the cabin. They are as follows:
“ Notley P. #1 ”
This variety first appeared in nursery catalogs in 1855. It’s name has sometimes been corrupted to “Knotty Pea” or “Notly Pippin No. 1.” The name actually derives from a varietal registration system used by the Smithonian Institute. Nottely = name given by submitter, P. = last initial of submitter, #1 = first variety registered by that submitter, thus Notley P# 1. The submitter name is unknown at this time. The U.S. Department of Agriculture was not formed until 1862.
A very large fall apple which originated in North Carolina according to an 1863 nursery catalog from Pennsylvania. It is a fine processing apple as it holds its shape well when canned. It has a very pleasant flavor and ripens October to November. It was described in an 1855 North Carolina catalog as, Very large, has weighed 27 ounces; one of the best large apples; flesh coarse, pleasant flavor; tree upright, moderate bearer. October and November. It was last listed in a nursery catalog in 1904. It was described as, one of the best large apples. It is a fine processing apple as it holds its shape well when canned. Its late leafing and flowering chareteristics would have served the early settlers well.
It is probable that this apple variety was found in one of the Cherokee orchards on the Nottely River in North Carolina/Georgia that were abandoned by them upon their forced removal. The Nottely river runs north through Union County, Georgia into Cherokee County, North Carolina. Shortly after entering North Carolina, the Nottely River joins the Hiwassee River. On this short section of the Nottely River just north of the Georgia/North Carolina Line was the Cherokee town of "Na-duli." The section of Union County abutting North Carolina is still known as "Dooley," "Duli" and "Dooley" are pronounced the same.
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“Red June ”
This early ripening and excellent eating apple was once very popular in Union County. June a.k.a. Blush June, Georgia June, Knight's Red June, Red Harvest, Jones June, Jones Early Harvest, Summer Red, Everbearing Red June, Red June, Red Juneating, Carolina Red, Improved Red June or Sheepnose Crab is a long-time Southern favorite.
Red June is believed to have originated in the early 1800's in Tennessee. This apple has long been highly valued for its early ripening qualities. Unlike most early season varieties which fail to develop a full balance of flavors in their short ripening period, Red June has a high quality flavor making it a first choice for fresh eating and pie making. The tree is very productive and has an unusual habit of occasionally blooming twice in the same season, producing a second, smaller crop of apples in the fall. Fruit is small to medium with smooth, dark red skin and is quite oblong or conical in appearance. The tender, fine-grained flesh is white and sometimes stained with red when eating. Ripens June to July and only a fair keeper.
All trees are grafted onto M.7 EMLA (Malling7): The most widely planted rootstock. Grows poorly on light or sandy soils but performs well on deep fertile loam soils. Anchors well and produces a strong, sturdy tree. Moderately resistant to collar rot. Tree will be 15-16 feet tall at maturity. Plant trees 12-15 feet apart in rows spaced 16 - 20 feet apart. The virus-indexed EMLA clone was introduced in 1974-75. Moderate Fire Blight resistant
For your own custom-grafted antique and heirloom apple trees, see Big Horse Creek Farm. They have hundred of Appalachian varieties available.