Dwarf Apple Bramley

Dwarf Bramley Apple, rootstock is dwarf M27, pollinator group C3, bare root.This is a maiden tree which means that it has a strong 'leader' (central branch/trunk) which grows up through the centre of the young tree.

Bramley is a popular cooking apple. Normally Bramley is ruled out for small gardens as it's so vigorous, but we have found a dwarf version, so now everyone can have one! The first fruits are ready end August albeit a bit to sharp. Wait until autumn if you can. They store well until March. The Bramley was discovered in a cottage garden and named after the owner. Thank you Mr Bramley for bringing us a fabulous apple for the best pie ever!

We think that the smallest container or planter you should use is 45cm in diameter and depth to start off with and then re-pot in a couple of years to about 50cm. Think about good drainage (pot feet for example) for the winter as fruit trees in containers could get soggy, but just as important think about some form of water conservation for the summer. Dwarf fruit trees need regular watering, so things like pebbles over mulch or newspaper are a good way of keeping the water in the planter and avoiding evaporation.

Where to place your tree?

Dwarf fruit trees will always grow and crop better in the ground because they can access more water and nutrients. However, with attention you can grow and crop a very successful and satisfying tree. Once mature your dwarf fruit tree will be: 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) tall with a spread of 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft), so you'll need to think about the shade this will cast and also to make sure that you leave enough space for the branches to grow well. If you are limited in spread, you might want to consider creating a cordon or espalier (click here for more info on this). With these methods you train the tree into specific shapes by reducing the number of branches.

Dwarf Bramley 'Original' is best in a sunny open spot.

How to make sure you have fruit

In the first instance treat your tree well and follow the instructions available on the card or online. In the first growing season rub the fruit off, it is heart breaking, but it will allow the tree to keep the energy it would have used and will make it both stronger and more likely to give good crops in subsequent years.

Pollination, is important but can get overly complicated. In most suburban areas there will be enough pollen in the air due to the proximity of other gardens. It is not always necessary to have pollinators if the bees and other pollinating insects are generous with their visits (see herbs and flowers for colourful edible plants to attract them). However if you are concerned, we have labelled our trees C1 through C5. This code is based upon the flowering time of that variety. To choose a pollinator partner choose another tree of either the same or of 1 more or 1 less.