Charles Downing

Charles Downing (July 9, 1802 – January 18, 1885) was an American pomologist, horticulturist, and author.

Biography Charles Downing was born in Newburgh, New York, on July 9, 1802.

He began helping his father, Samuel Downing, with his nursery business when he was a teen. In 1822, his father died and Downing took over the business, later partnering with his brother, Andrew Jackson Downing, in 1835. The partnership lasted until 1839 when Charles sold his interest to start his own business.

As a nurseryman, Downing was known for his cultivation skill and trustworthiness.

Published in 1845, he worked with his brother to write The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.

In 1850, he left his nursery and began to research and experiment with fruit varieties. His test orchard contained 1,800 varieties of apples and 1,000 varieties of pears.

He was regarded as one of the foremost pomologists of his day.

Their report transformed the horticultural landscape through the realization of the optimal growing conditions, vast acreage, large fruits, and exotic plants of California.

Death and legacy While in New York City in 1883, Downing was knocked down and run over by a horsecar. He never completely recovered from the injuries he received and died two years later on January 18, 1885.