Our brick built shed has a large south facing wall (approx 5 x 3 metres). There’s a clematis on one side, but as it’s is a late flowering variety which is pruned to 1 ft in late winter, I think it could happily co-exist with a fruit tree.
I’m thinking fig or apricot…any advice welcomed. How much space will a fig or apricot tree fill? Will I have to train it as a fan? Which varieties are recommended? I know Brown Turkey is supposed to be reliable in the UK. Has anyone grown this? What does it taste like?
The shed is in our garden and has a large flower bed in front of it. I suppose a fig will be more ornamental than an apricot; is it evergreen? How long should I expect to wait for a fig or apricot to start cropping?
I have a brown turkey fig on a south facing wall. Taste is fantastic :)
Brunswick is another variety you might consider.
Figs are not evergreen (in the UK anyway) - they will drop their leaves in autumn, but I think they are quite ornamental anyway. I think probably hardier in terms of cropping than an apricot because you don't need to worry about protecting blossom from frost. They will grow enormous if allowed - they need to be planted in a restricted root-run - I keep mine to about 2m high and a similar spread. The usual advice is to train it as a fan; I haven't bothered
Figs do very well in warm parts of the UK - there's a wild, neglected one on our allotments that crops a feast in September-ish. Huge, ripe figs. You should have no problem ;) If you're within visiting distance of Audley End, you can see several varieties to choose from. Brown Turkey was doing the best though!
Apricot probably 5 or 6 years before proper cropping starts, fig maybe 3 or 4 years. But SS is absolutely right, get yourself down to the kitchen garden at Audley End, they have figs and also a wide range of trained trees, espaliers, cordons, fan trained on walls - and then there is the glorious vinery, which I guess will be dripping with grapes soon! plenty of ideas there and a great day out.
Thanks everyone. I'll probably go for a fig. I'll try to visit Audley End later this summer!
i would second (third? fourth? whatever) the fig and also suggest an alternative, a grape vine.
Personally, having one in a similar situation, I would go for a self fertile sweet cherry. Very good yield. Little or no trouble, other than the possibility of blackfly on the new shoots, and Mr and Mrs blackbird trying to deprive you of any fruit!! Both of which can be overcome.
valmarg