There are several things to think of when considering an Apple tree - do you want dessert Apples or cooking Apples? Perhaps a dual purpose Apple going to suit best if the space is limited; What about colour?  - red or green  or maybe a russet? When will they ripen and how well will they store?

Apple Rootstocks

There are many choices of rootstock. We grow our Apple trees using the following, but 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 Espalier Apples, It will grow to around 8ft / 2.5 m approx, 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 spread.

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

Once you have decided how much space you can allow your tree, you need to consider pollination.  If you have room for only one Apple tree then it must be a self fertile one. If you can plant two or more then consider the pollination group—listed as a number, 1 - 5- bearing in mind that the main need is for pollen and the flowering period of your apple trees will need to overlap. 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. This sounds confusing but it’s not really, and if you really have a problem 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 – what about crunchyness, aroma, cooking qualities - powdery apples for puree, firmer apples for flans -  the choice is yours.