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Cox's Orange Pippin. A well known Easting Apple, and
a favourite in the UK. |
There are no 'secrets' about
growing Apple Trees. Apple Tree Care is all pretty basic stuff
-similar
to growing any other plants. The main difference maybe, is that
apples grow on trees!
Keep reading, it gets better.
Years ago, most apples were grown
on rootstocks that produced large trees, together with which, most
of the trees you see in orchards are perhaps larger than you have
room for in your own garden. Fortunately, things have moved on now
and apple trees can be grown almost to any size that suits your
garden - even in a patio pot.
This is mainly due to the research
and development work that was done in Kent - at East Malling
Horticultural Research Station.
Thanks to the work done at East Malling,
apples can be grown to any size to suit your garden, and even any type of
soil you have. The answer is in the rootstocks that were developed at East
Malling. All apples are grafted onto a rootstock, and the type of rootstock
will determine the eventual size of the apple tree. Some rootstocks will
make dwarf trees, others large trees. Some even for a particular type of
soil, or even disease prevention. Don't worry, you do not have to know the
names of the rootstock if you buy from a good nursery or garden centre.
They, or the label, will tell you if the tree is a dwarf or even a miniature
for a patio pot. If you really want to know more about rootstocks - click
the link over on the left!
An apple tree in full fruit, in the autumn
sunshine, is a great sight. But, apples also have gorgeous blooms in the
spring - even if short lived - and a good autumn colour!
Where to grow.
The thing is, that you can grow an
apple tree in almost any situation. The main criteria is that it should be a
sunny, not-too-exposed situation where there are no frost pockets to harm
the flowers with a late spring frost.
They can be grown in pots, against a wall or fence or any
suitable small space. Or, if you have the space, an orchard! Whaw!
The great 'put-off' for would-be growers,
is the aspect of pruning apple trees (EASY!) and the fact that they
sometimes need 'pollinators'! Ughh! But again, not the problem that it might
seem. We will explain.
Storage
If you grow them well, apples can be stored for months
(providing you choose the right varieties) and will still taste better than
their shop-bought apples that have often been transported miles and had the
flavour-sapping process of cold storage. And, of course, you will not need
to use preserving chemicals to store your apples in pristine condition.
And of course, our pages about Apple Tree care are here at
your disposal. We will show you how to grow apple trees, that will be the
envy of your neighbours. But be fair, let them know just how easy it
actually is!
