I've planted dozens of fruit trees, and while some have been productive, carrying delicious crops, others have been very disappointing...
Over the years I've planted dozens of fruit trees, and while some have been productive, carrying delicious crops, others have been very disappointing. So, why the disappointment? It's usually because I've chosen a new variety without having tasted the fruit. My experience has shown that old 'tried and tested' favourites are often better than new varieties described in catalogues.
Flavour isn't the only consideration when choosing an apple tree. What form should your apple tree take? Apples are trained in many different ways. Do you want a tall standard tree or a dwarf one, a screen of single-stemmed cordons or a beautifully trained espalier? You can even plant an apple tree in a small garden - perhaps fan-trained against a warm wall or fence. Apple trees are grafted onto rootstocks, and these determine how big they grow. You need to pick the right rootstock for the space where you’ll be planting.
In the past I’ve had problems with poor pollination. Most apples need cross-pollination by another apple tree flowering at the same time. With cookers like Bramley, you actually need two other apple varieties to get the best results (one variety to pollinate the Bramley and the other to pollinate the pollinator). Even with two pollinating varieties close by, my Bramley hardly ever produced fruit, so I took it out. Don't hang on to trees that don’t deliver – it's not worth it.
My favourite apple is 'Spartan'. With red skin that buffs to a blinding gloss, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch to reveal delicious pure white, juicy flesh. But don't take my word for it. You must try it for yourself.
One way to compare different apple varieties is to go to one of this year's Apple Day events. At Brogdale, home of the National Fruit Collection in Kent, you'll be able to sample dozens of apple varieties and quiz the experts on how best to grow them.
I've also heard that high demand for British apples has resulted in a major supermarket chain stocking 50 different varieties of apples this season. And if you're still unsure which to choose, Monty Don is making suggestions for the best-flavoured apples in the November 2011 issue of Gardeners' World Magazine.
So, my advice is to search out and taste these varieties before buying a tree. Avoid disappointment and make sure any fruit tree you plant passes your taste test before investing money and time in growing it.
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