Origin: in New Madison, Ohio, by Ernest J. Downing. Introd. in 1968. Golden Delicious × Cox Rome Beauty; cross made in 1934; first fruited in 1938; tested as Downing 2; named in 1968. Tree: bears annually; very susceptible to fire blight; develops a strong central leader, scaffold branches produce wide angles; blooms late; little or no thinning required. Fruit: size medium, usually averaging 2 1/2 inches diam. or less, may not size well under unfavorable conditions; shape resembles Golden Delicious; skin yellow, nearly covered deep red to crimson, attractive, must be left on tree to develop satisfactory color; flesh quality better than Rome Beauty; ripens after both parents; tends not to drop; late keeper in common storage, season mid-winter.
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