Fruit Naming Sevice
RHS members, other individuals and organisations may send fruit for naming to RHS Garden Wisley.
The Service is chargeable:
RHS members and Affiliated Societies £8 per
sample
Non-member individuals and organisations £16 per sample
Cheques for the appropriate fee should be sent with fruit samples. Please do not send or bring cash. Where
identification is not possible full reimbursement will be
made. Please allow 28 days for reply.
Note that if a fruit plant has arisen as a seedling, it is unique, and fruits should not be sent for identification.
Choose three typical fruit specimens and a shoot with representative foliage. The fruit should be in good condition, mature and showing characteristic size, shape and colour.
Number each sample and keep a record of the
plant from which it was taken, as fruit cannot be returned.
Apples and pears are best numbered on the fruit skin surface
with a ballpoint pen or permanent marking ink. Do not use
stick-on labels which may become loose in the post.
Plums and soft fruit should be securely packed in separate,
clearly numbered bags placed in rigid containers.
Provide as much detail as possible about the age of the tree, its habit and source of supply, the soil type and cultural practice.
Pack in a strong box with loose newspaper or
polystyrene granules.
Do not use containers which have previously held materials
with a strong odour such as soap, because the characteristic
scent and flavour of the fruit may be masked.
Parcels should be sent to The Director of Horticulture (Fruit Naming), RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope, and quote your membership number if applicable.