Fruit Tree Facts

Our fruit trees have been chosen for their superb flavour and ability to thrive in British gardens. Below is some more specific information about our varieties.

Delivery
Depending on type and/or variety, trees supplied are maidens or feathered maidens, typically 3-4ft tall. In some instances the leader may already have been ‘tipped’ to promote the formation of the fruit bearing laterals. Subject to when full winter dormancy is reached and field lifting conditions, we normally despatch bare root fruit trees from late January/early February through to mid/late March. However if conditions are particularly favourable we may start despatching some varieties from mid/late November.

Rootstocks

• Apple trees are grown on M9 rootstock which has been chosen because it will grow in a wide range of soils and consistently gives the heaviest crops and best fruit size.
• Pears are grown on Quince ‘A’.
• Plums, Gages, Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines are grown on St. Julien ‘A’.
• Cherries are grown on Gisela 5.

Pollination and Flowering Groups
Whilst many of our varieties will pollinate themselves satisfactorily, the best fruit set can be guaranteed by choosing at least 2 varieties from a species. However, it is also worth remembering that if you live in a town or village with fruit trees nearby, visiting bees may be generous with your neighbour’s pollen!

Fig
Figs are very vigorous once established and are best managed by restricting the roots – ideally grow them in a large pot or tub buried below ground. Most suited to growing against a south
facing wall or fence.

Peaches, Apricot and Nectarine
These varieties are all of superb eating quality. Grow fan trained on a wall or trellis. Cover with a polythene ‘roof’ from leaf fall in the autumn until new foliage has appeared in spring to protect from cold rains, thus aiding pollination, and help to prevent peach leaf curl disease. Well worth the extra effort.

Cherries
Because our cherries are grown on Gisela 5 which is the ideal dwarf rooting stock, they are more suitable for the average garden. The trees will grow in the smallest space, either
in open ground or trained against a wall.

Apples
The British climate is arguably the best in the world for producing apples. Our warm summer days and cool evenings lead to the perfect growing conditions and allow the flavours to fully develop.

Pears
Fresh, sun ripened pears are scrumptious and the British climate is perfect for producing high quality fruits. Our selections are gems in their own right and deserve a place in your garden.

Plums
Plums are some of the easiest and most popular of the stone fruits. These free-growing trees need very  little pruning, and most plums are self-fertile. They have very attractive blossom and can easily be grown as a fan or a cordon against a sunny wall if space is limited. Can be eaten fresh or preserved.