Taking care of your plants

Overview

A hardy fruit tree producing crisp apples in late summer to autumn. Grow in sun for best flavour and keep watered during dry spells while fruits are swelling. Apples are great eaten fresh, baked in pies and crumbles, or cooked into sauces and chutneys.

• Vegetable Type: Apple
• Key Characteristic: Crisp fruits suitable for fresh eating, baking or cooking.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy (suitable for most UK gardens).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Best planted in the ground, though patio varieties can be grown in large containers.

• Outdoor cultivation

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in full sun or light shade depending on variety.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.

CARE & HARVEST

Keep soil moist and weed free. Prune during the correct season to maintain shape and encourage fruiting. Thin heavy crops if needed to improve fruit size and quality. Remove fallen fruit to prevent pests and disease.

• Watering: Water young trees regularly during their first few years. Established trees usually cope well but may need watering in prolonged dry spells.
• Feeding: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser and mulch annually with compost.
• Cutting and prunning: Prune during the correct season to maintain shape and promote fruiting.
• Harvesting: Harvest when fruits detach easily with a gentle twist. Taste-test to confirm ripeness.
• Pest and diseases: Monitor for aphids, codling moth and fungal diseases; prune for good airflow.

VERVE RECOMMENDS...

• Thin heavy crops early in the season to improve fruit size and reduce strain on branches.