Its October so apple lovers all over the country are coming together to celebrate Apple Day.
You can grow an apple tree from seed or you remove the uncertainty and buy a tree. If you want to grow an apple tree from seed check out this blog How to Grow and Apple Tree from seed - if not then read on to discover how to buy and plant a tree.
How to Choose an Apple Tree
When it comes to choosing an apple tree, there are several factors to keep in mind. The UK’s climate is suitable for many varieties, but some types are easier to grow than others.
Do you need more than one apple tree?
Your first consideration is whether your apple tree is self-fertile, Partially self-fertile or needs a pollination partner
Self-fertile apple trees
These trees produce good crops all on their own without needing another tree to pollinate them. But please note, they will produce even more if they do have a pollination partner. They’re the ones to choose if you’ve only got room for one tree or there’s not another apple tree within a mile. They include varieties like Braeburn, Queen Cox, Scrumptious, Sunset and Falstaff. These all flower at a similar time so can also fertilise each other.
Partially self-fertile apple trees
This means that the tree is able to produce fruit on its own but if you have another tree nearby to pollinate it, they’ll both have bigger crops. Some partially self-fertile apples include Grenadier, Egremont Russet, Golden Delicious and James Grieve.
Apple trees that need a pollination partner
These are trees that need another apple tree around to pollinate them. It does not have to be the same variety and most importantly it doesn’t have to be yours and in your garden. If you’re in a built-up area and there is another apple tree within a mile you are good to go. If you’re in the back of beyond then you’ll need to plant a suitable pollination partner as they can’t produce a crop by themselves. Chances are if you are living remotely you’ll have room to do it though!
What size do you want your Apple Tree To be?
Another important factor is rootstock, which determines the eventual size of the tree. M27 and M9 rootstocks create smaller trees (ideal for pots or small gardens), while MM106 and M25 are suited for larger gardens or traditional orchards.
Which Apple Tree Variety to Choose
For beginners, it’s best to start with varieties known for their disease resistance and reliable fruit production. Popular, easy-to-grow options include ‘Discovery,’ ‘Egremont Russet,’ and ‘James Grieve’.
Best Apple Tree Option for Small Spaces:
Either choose a single variety self-fertilising tree or there is an apple tree that has been developed called a Family Tree. A number of stems of different apple varieties have been grafted onto the ‘root stock’ (trunk). This apple tree will pollinate itself, but it may be slightly lopsided as the different varieties will grow to different sizes. This may be fun experimenting with if you don’t have much space.
Suggested Apple Tree Option for two trees
Buy a variety like the James Grieve or Blenheim Orange, which bears a fruit that will taste sweet but is a good cooking apple as well. You will need two of these trees.
Suggested Apple Tree Options if you have Room for 3 Trees
Why not choose an early harvesting variety for eating e.g. Discovery , these are rubbish for storing, but you can pick them off the tree for a good couple of months.
You could then have a late harvesting variety for eating that you can store for the winter e.g. Ashmead’s Kernel. Lastly a cooking apple tree e.g. Bramley’s seedling, for making chutneys and apple crumbles. Make sure that their blossoming time overlaps to cross pollinate.
Planting an Apple Tree
Plant from October to March Harvest from July to November
Where to Plant Your Apple Tree
Apple trees thrive in sunny spots with good drainage. Choose a spot where your tree will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. South-facing gardens are ideal, but an east- or west-facing garden will work too. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where cold air can settle and delay the growth in spring.
The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and ideally neutral to slightly acidic (with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0).
How Far apart to plant apple trees
Full sized, free standing trees will need to be about 5m 15ft apart. If you are growing ‘trained’ trees such as espaliers they can be 50cm 1½ ft apart.
When and How to Plant Your Apple Tree
The best time to plant an apple tree is during the dormant season, between late autumn and early spring. This allows the tree to establish roots before the growing season begins. If planting in the spring, do so as early as possible to avoid the risk of late frosts damaging new growth.
How to Plant an Apple Tree
Dig a hole about twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just deep enough to cover the roots. Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole and add some well-rotted compost to help the roots establish. Place the tree in the hole and spread the roots out gently. Backfill with soil, firming it in with your hands to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly. Add a Tree Mat to suppress the weeds and retain moisture
For staking, use a strong wooden stake and Soft-Tie in a figure of eight to support the young tree against strong winds. It’s also advisable to use a Tree Guard to protect the trunk from rabbits and other pests that may gnaw at the bark.
Lastly water it well. It will take approximately three years for the tree to establish itself.
Check out the next blog in the series How to Care for Apple Trees to see how to look after your apple tree going forward.