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| Apple tree selection |
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When choosing apple trees a knowledge of eventual size, pollination group and best location in the garden is advisable.
Tree size;
Trees that are restricted in some way generally take up the least space.
These include; cordons, espaliers and fans all of which are generally trained along a wall,fence or purpose made support frame.
Standard, half-standard and bush trees require the most space.
Root stock;
Most apple cultivars are grafted on to rootstocks, these rootstocks can influence the trees suitability to location & soil type,the following table will help to clarify this.
M27 Tree height and spread can be as little as 900mm (36") Only suited to fertile soils.
Trees need permanent staking.
M9: Tree height and spread 1.8-3m (6-10ft) Suitable for cordons.
Only suited to fertile soils.
Trees need permanent support.
M26: Tree height and spread 2.4-3.6m.(8-12ft) Suitable for restricted and containerised trees. MM106: Tree height and spread 3.6-5m.(12-16ft) Suitable for bushes, half-standards, and restricted forms on poor soils or where large walls need covering. MM111: Tree height and spread 4-6.5m (13-21ft) Suitable for standards and half-standards Pollination groups;
In the majority of cases two cultivars should be grown to allow cross pollination, this also includes self-fertile cultivars which will usually fruit better if cross-pollinated.
One major factor to consider is the flowering season!
There is no point selecting varieties that don't flower at the same time.
Group No. Flowering season Group 1 Very early 1 & 2 Group 2 Early 1, 2 & 3 Group 3 Early mid-season 2, 3 & 4 Group 4 Mid-season 3, 4 & 5 Group 5 Late mid-season 4, 5 & 6 Group 6 Late 5, 6 & 7 Group 7 Very late 6 Usually, cultivars from the same or an adjacent group will cross pollinate but it safer to establish this and what group they are in prior to purchase.
Location;
Apple trees prefer a warm sunny sunny area where the soil is quite deep,free draining, and has a pH of around 6.5
Avoid frost pockets as this can affect pollination i.e. too cold for pollinating insects and/or the flower buds may freeze and abort.
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