Which Apple Tree Variety To Start With

Which Apple Tree Variety To Start With

Which Apple Tree Variety To Start With

Gardeners in the UK love nothing more than growing their own fruit, and apple trees are a favourite among many. With the advancements in genetic engineering, now there are more varieties of apples available than ever before, and choosing your first apple tree can be a bit of a daunting task. So, let’s have a look at five popular apple varieties that would be great for your first apple tree.

First up, the Fuji apple, which originated in Japan back in 1962. This variety is known for its yellow-green skin with red streaks and its delicious white flesh that is firm, crunchy and flavourful. It becomes ripe in September but tastes its best in October or November. It’s an early grower and good for pollinating other apples. The Fuji tree is hardy and can grow in wet, dry or poor soil, although the quality of the fruit is directly related to the quality of the soil. These apples are best enjoyed fresh and are also great for cooking.

Next, the Gala apple, a popular import from New Zealand with a yellow skin and slight red tinge. It’s medium-sized, juicy and crisp with a great taste and aroma. It becomes ripe in late July and is not usually used for cooking, with the Fuji being a better option in that department. Gala apples grow quickly and the trees bear heavily and can grow in wet, dry and poor soil.

Brae Burn apples, another import from New Zealand, come in a range of colours from gold with red streaks to almost completely red. It first became popular in the late 1940s and is now the best-selling apple in Germany. It’s medium to large in size with white, crisp, aromatic and firm flesh that is sweet but also slightly tart. They become ripe around October or November and don’t turn brown too quickly after being cut.

The Red Delicious apple, as the name suggests, is a vibrant red and tall with a large size. Its yellow flesh is crisp, sweet, juicy and delicious and is a popular choice for salads. Recognisable by its heart shape, it was first introduced in Peru, Iowa in 1874 and becomes ripe in mid to late September. These apples are best enjoyed fresh off the tree.

Finally, the Golden Delicious apple is loved for its juicy flavour and crisp flesh. The skin is thin and soft, making it great for salads, and the insides are firm, white, crisp and sweet, making them a great choice for cooking. They range in size from medium to large and have a similar shape to the Red Delicious apple. These apples become ripe in late September, are versatile and last a long time if handled carefully.

5 Top Tips For Growing Apple Trees From Saplings

  1. Choose the right location: Make sure to choose a spot that is sunny and protected from strong winds. Apple trees need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce healthy fruit.
  2. Choose the right variety: Different varieties of apple trees have different growing requirements, so choose a variety that suits your climate and soil type. Some varieties are also better for pollination, so consider planting two or more different types to increase fruit production.
  3. Plant at the right time: Plant your sapling in the late winter or early spring, when the soil is workable and the tree is dormant. This will give the tree time to settle in and establish roots before the growing season.
  4. Provide proper care: Once planted, make sure to water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Prune regularly: Pruning is important to maintain the shape of the tree and to encourage fruiting. Prune young trees in the winter when they are dormant, and older trees in the summer after fruiting. Make sure to remove any diseased, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth.

In conclusion, growing your own apples is a rewarding experience and there are many varieties to choose from. It’s important to consider the climate in your area and the type of soil you have before choosing your first apple tree, but with so many options available, you’re sure to find a variety that suits you perfectly. Happy apple growing!

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