Organic Fruit Tree Info
We offer a wide range of organically raised fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums, damsons and quinces.
Availability
The trees are delivered from November to late March, bare-rooted direct from the nursery. The nursery has been established to grow organic fruit trees for all situations from small gardens to traditional orchards. Numbers are limited, so some varieties may become unavailable. Please see our shop range for current availability.
Delivery
Plants delivered directly from the grower, normally within 10 days. Order in the normal way from our on-line shop, but please order separately from other produce.
There is a flat-rate £10 delivery charge per order for fruit trees.
Rootstocks
Fruit trees are grown on rootstocks which determine vigour and eventual size. Each type has different characteristics.
We offer the following rootstocks :
Apples
MM106
Ideal for most situations and forms. Will reach 4-5m (12-15ft). Most of the apple varieties are available on this rootstock.
M26
Produces a semi dwarfing tree reaching 2.5-3.5m (8-10ft). Ideal for smaller gardens. Many apple varieties are available on this rootstock.
M27
Very dwarfing. Grows up to 2m (7ft). Good soil and permanent staking required. Suitable for growing in large containers. A smaller range of varieties available on this rootstock.
M25
Vigorous, reaching 6m plus (20'+). Suitable for standards trees, traditional orchards and for grazing beneath.
Plums & Damsons
St. Julien A
Moderate vigour, reaching 4-5.5m (12-18ft). All Plum and Damson varieties are available on this rootstock.
Pixy
Semi dwarfing, up to two thirds the size of St. Julian A. A small number of varieties are available on this rootstock.
Pears & Quinces
Quince A
Moderate vigour resulting in a tree of 4-5m (12-15ft).
Pollination for Successful Fruiting
Most fruit trees require a pollination partner growing nearby, either established or newly planted that flowers at a similar time. Often in garden situations there are enough pollinators in the vicinity for successful pollination.
In the details on the range, each variety has a flowering period, which ranges from A (early) to E (late). A variety can be pollinated by another of the same flowering period or one to either side.
Apples require a pollination partner growing nearby, either fruiting or ornamental, that flowers at a similar time. A few apple varieties are Triploid(T) and will receive pollen from other varieties, but not pollinate them. These are indicated in the catalogue.
Pears require pollination by neighbouring pears.
Many of the plums are self-fertile but will produce more fruit if they too have a pollination partner.
Quinces are self fertile and produce very attractive white/pink flowers with large petals.
Picking Time
In deciding which trees to plant you should consider when you would like to pick the fruit. It could be that you decide to plant a number of trees which could give you apples for picking from early in September to late in October. In the fruit tree range each varieties normal picking time is indicated. Pears must be picked before they ripen usually while they are still green. If left to ripen on the tree pears will often over ripen and taste 'mealy' in the middle. To judge the ripeness for picking lift the fruit and gently twist the stalk. If ready the fruit will part easily. Pick selectively because the pears will be ripening at different times. Quinces are left to ripen on the tree before picking.
Depending on the variety Plums are picked between mid July and September. Leave until ripe for best flavour. If preserving fruits are best picked a little early.
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Related Products
- Org plum tree Opal /St J
- Org plum tree Sanctus Hubertus/St J
- Org apple tree (cooker) Early Victoria /MM106 (2yr)
- Org apple tree (eater) Spartan/MM106
