Tull
We are really excited about being able to offer this Arkansas heirloom (ca. 1860) as it’s listed as “Extinct” in Calhoun’s Old Southern Apples. Why do we think we have the original ‘Tull’? Because Arkansas apple explorer extraordinaire Scott Gothard found Joe Duvall of the Tull family who took Scott to a Tull tree growing in the Tull family yard in Grant County, AR. They’ve been keeping it alive this whole time! Yellow, firm, juicy flesh in a greenish red skin. We’re a little concerned about rust since we saw some on Tull leaves in the nursery, but this was the worst rust year I’ve ever seen. On the other hand, Calhoun describes it as “free from rot” and the Tull family (Joe Duvall) and Scott Gothard confirm this, which makes this apple of inestimable value to Southern growers. It’s usually ready by late August and stores well in refrigeration. Available on either semi-dwarf (MM.111) or standard rootstock.
Photo by Joe Duvall, 2020.