I would like to plant some apple trees in our garden which is south facing and sheltered but at 1100 feet in the Penines. None of our neighbours have apple trees (but there are Plum trees). When I mention to people that I would like to grow apples their reaction is that late frosts will get the flowers however the winters are much milder now. My question is can anyone recommend any late flowering apples (and pears if possible) or provide a link to a guide on flowering times.
Thanks :)
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JimCraddock
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:48 pm
- Location: Yorks
Hi and welcome to the forum. 
As far as I was aware apples could be planted up to 412M which is over 1100 foot.
Choose a British variety as it will be more suited to the climate and check with specialist fruit tree growers in your area as to which grow well. I would also buy from a specialist grower as they would be able to guide you as to the best choice.
Growing pears might be more difficult as they do need more consistently warm conditions than apples to crop reliably.
Just out of interest how late do you get frosts and how low do they go?
In my area (which is considerably warmer!) we used to hit -10C now we are lucky to see -5C.
As far as I was aware apples could be planted up to 412M which is over 1100 foot.
Choose a British variety as it will be more suited to the climate and check with specialist fruit tree growers in your area as to which grow well. I would also buy from a specialist grower as they would be able to guide you as to the best choice.
Growing pears might be more difficult as they do need more consistently warm conditions than apples to crop reliably.
Just out of interest how late do you get frosts and how low do they go?
In my area (which is considerably warmer!) we used to hit -10C now we are lucky to see -5C.
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JimCraddock
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:48 pm
- Location: Yorks
Sounds best to pick apples that flower late, or have you already chosen the varieties?
I have several small trees and although a range of flowering times they seem to be in flower at much the same time.
If you haven't selected varieties and want "unusual" varieties you could try Brogdale in Kent they hold the national collection, about 2000 varieties, and will graft on to any roostock. Best ask if they mail as I have always collected.
Not sure if they give advice via email, they may be able to suggest varieties if they do.
I have several small trees and although a range of flowering times they seem to be in flower at much the same time.
If you haven't selected varieties and want "unusual" varieties you could try Brogdale in Kent they hold the national collection, about 2000 varieties, and will graft on to any roostock. Best ask if they mail as I have always collected.
Not sure if they give advice via email, they may be able to suggest varieties if they do.
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MaineDesigner
- Green Thumb
- Posts: 439
- Joined: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:17 am
- Location: Midcoast Maine, Zone 5b
Apples should be OK as long as you pick the right varieties (some are better in the cold than others). Just make sure you get your pollination right (no matter what anyone says you will always get a better crop if one tree is pollinated by another). If you can grow them as cordons, then they will be sheltered by the wall of the house and they are much easier to cover with fleece if you get a really late frost.
In particular you might like to look at James Grieve, Howgate Wonder and Winter Gem which all do well in colder areas.
Good luck
In particular you might like to look at James Grieve, Howgate Wonder and Winter Gem which all do well in colder areas.
Good luck