Some Advice please, apple trees

[nightowl57]

I would just like some advice, Ive always wanted an apple tree however I have a small garden and wondered if there is an apple tree I could maybe plant in a large patio tub. I planted a small tree that one of my children gave me for mothers day years ago from the small terracota pot that it came in along with ivy and another plant and the tree has flourished. Any suggestions would be welcome, thankyou

[Tursiops2]

There are many dwarf apple varieties suitable for growing in containers. It's against forum rules to post links to commercial sites, but if you google "patio apples" you'll find many suppliers.

T2

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by nightowl57

I would just like some advice, Ive always wanted an apple tree however I have a small garden and wondered if there is an apple tree I could maybe plant in a large patio tub.

Wot Tursiops2 said ! But do bear in mind that apples need a close cross pollinator - i.e another apple tree that flowers at the same time. If your neighbours have one or more apple trees you may be OK, but otherwise buying two trees of the same category - you'll see the suppliers list by these - will be the only way to ensure you get fruit.

CM

[King Edward]

If you have a suitable wall or fence, you could consider an espalier-trained apple. See this RHS page: Espalier training trees.

[artdemole]

There are patio/pot apple trees which are self fertile so need for pollinators.Just check the catalouges and garden centres....

[shenk1]

We've got a dwarf Red Falstaff in a half barrel. Its a self pollinator and has produced a good amount of fruit (apples obviously ) for each of the 3 years we've had it. Lovely sweet apples and they keep quite well.

[wanlock dod]

Nightowl,

As apple trees are usually grafted onto a rootstock it is possible to get a tree with one or two other varieties grafted on to it. I have come across them being called "family trees". I would imagine that you would need one on quite a dwarfing rootstock (makes a small tree) to be OK in a large pot. I am sure that a good nursery would be able to advise you. I have had several good trees from a place called Blackmoor, I'm sure you will find them online.

Dod

[Paul mabbott]

Growing in pots has drawbacks - the need for regular watering in summer, especially so I'd go with King E and get three (different) espaliers growing along a fence. We've replaced a horrendous leylandii hedge by a trellis with espalier apples along it: very good crops!
Some people think that cordon growths are better than espaliers - Cordon, Espalier and Fan Trained Fruit Trees cinsiders various options. Well worth the effort!

[barnbear]

Hi
I see no problem growing an apple in a half barrel with drainage, this will give you enough growing volume to buffer any watering fluctuations and act as a good weight to stop it blowing over, feel free to under plant with salads/herbs etc. If you live in a suburban area pollination shouldn't be a problem as there are always other apples - ornamental or eating - somewhere. As for rootstocks, M27 (don't worry about the number, it's just the ID it had during development - any doubt look at the RHS website) is the only one to consider, it will need a stake so nail this to the bottom of the barrel before filling with a compost/soil mix.

Water as you would any other pot plant, feed post blossom and mid summer, or throughout the season with a liquid feed for fruit & veg. As for varieties look for ones suitable for organic production as these will give you less problems, Falstaff, Fiesta, Egremont Russet, Discovery, Worcester Pearmain etc, even Bramley on M27 if you want a cooker, but don't go anywhere near family trees as one variety will always be more vigorous, or the Ballerina type.

If you look around now you should be able to find bare root plants for sale, these will be cheaper than potted/pot grown and you may even find some mail order.

BB

Try orrangepippin.com for varietal info.

[nightowl57]

Many thanks for all your help and advice.....