APPLE TREES - (Back)

There are several things to think of when considering an Apple tree, the variety, do you want dessert Apples or cooking Apples or is a dual purpose Apple going to suit best if the space is limited.

Apple Rootstocks.

There are many choices, we grow our Apple trees using the following, other Apple rootstocks are available to order ( note we will graft the apple tree especially for you so this may take time).

M27- the most dwarf available, this will give you an Apple tree up to 6ft /.1.9m approx, depending on soil type and water. It is an ideal rootstock for pot growing Apple trees for example, or for an Apple ‘stepover tree’. When planted out this Apple rootstock will need a permanent stake to keep it safe.

M26- A popular rootstock for Apples that are to be grown as cordons or small Espallier Apples, It will grow to around 8ft / 2.5 m approx , more or less depending on the soil quality and available water, an Apple tree on this rootstock will need a stake for the early years only, and will give you a freestanding Apple tree of 6-8 ft diameter.

M106- Our most versatile rootstock, classed as semi-vigorous, An Apple tree on this rootstock will grow to 10-12 ft /3-4m high and in diameter. It is ideal for any form of Apple tree training, fans, cordons, or espalier types.

Once you have decided how big your tree can get , you need to consider pollination, if you have room for one Apple tree then it must be a self fertile one, two or more then consider the pollination group—listed as a number, 1 > 5 . bearing in mind the main need is for pollen and the flowering will need to overlap on your Apple trees. An Apple in group 3,for example, will pollinate another Apple in group 3 but also an Apple in group 2 or 4 due to the overlap.Sound confusing , its not really, if you get stuck in choosing just make a note on the order for us to choose a pollinator for you.

The fun part is choosing an Apple variety that you know and like, we stock many old Norfolk Apple varieties with interesting and special flavours. Some of the more recent Apple introductions are more disease resistant,but that should not always be the deciding factor, crunchieness , will it cook , aroma , type of cooker, powdery apples for puree. The choice is yours.

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Apple Trees