Description... This is an old apple that was discovered in Woodstock, Oxfordshire in 1740. It has since made its way round much of the world and remains a favourite, not only for cooking, but as a dessert apple for those who appreciate a sharp, sweet acidic taste. The tree itself does not really perform well till it ages, when it should crop regularly and freely. The apples are picked in late September or October and, if required for eating rather than cooking, are best left for a month or two before use.
General notes
Apple pollination:
Most apple trees need to be near other apple trees that have compatible blossoming times in order to be pollinated and produce fruit. Check the "Pollination Group" to see which apples are compatible with this one.
Apple rootstocks:
Apple trees are usually grafted onto a rootstock that will limit the height and breadth of the resultant tree. The smallest trees may need permanent staking to provide support. It is advisable to take account of the intended site for your tree and discuss how you'd like to grow it (pot, espalier, cordon, fan-trained, etc.) with your tree supplier before deciding which variety and rootstock to buy.
Rootstocks are given numbers:
M27 (Very dwarf) - up to 2m in height - for patio tubs and small spaces with fertile soil, will need permanent staking
M9 (Dwarf) - up to 2.4m in height - for good control of growth and high fruit yields, will need permanent staking
M26 (Semi-dwarf) - up to 3 metres in height - for compact and free standing trees, may need permanent support
MM116/MM106 (Semi-vigorous) - up to 3.5m in height - larger, robust tree for grassed orchards, not suitable for small gardens, may need support for 5 years |