is it advisable to plant an apple tree where another used to be? Or an apple where a pear used to be? I'm replacing after the blooming rabbit fiasco. What unusual culinary varieties would be recommended for the moist climate here in Glasgow?
Glasgow is a bit of a problem for apples because of canker. All the varieties that I have tried so far have canker problems and I end up having to hack off great chunks of the trees to keep the canker in check.
If your fruit trees were only in for a few years, then I do not think that it would matter if they were planted in the same positions. Just add some slow release fertilizer such as bonemeal before planting.
Check out the apple day which is usually held in October at the botanic gardens, when they have 100 or so different varieties of apples on display, with some for tasting.
Also check out the orchard at the children's garden also at the botanic gardens in Great Western Road, and look for the effects of canker on the different varieties.
We have a small "scrumptious" tree on our plot on the southside - it's supposed to be an early variety so is good for Glasgow. This is it's third year and it's doing pretty well considering I've moved it every year (moved plots and then put it in the wrong place). It has suffered a bit of scab, bit nothing offputting, and the fruit is really delicious - a really intense almost perfumed flavour that is good either raw or cooked.
great thanks for the info. I cant seem to find anything about the apple day at the Botanics though. That would be brilliant.
They have had an apple day at the botanics for the last three years, so I would still expect it to happen this year.
Quote from: sawfish on September 12, 2010, 12:32:36
is it advisable to plant an apple tree where another used to be? Or an apple where a pear used to be? I'm replacing after the blooming rabbit fiasco. What unusual culinary varieties would be recommended for the moist climate here in Glasgow?
I'd agree that you probably don't have the kind of problem that causes replant disease, but if you did you'd need to find a tree that isn't related to the apple, so definitely not pears/quinces, and in a really bad case all the plum/apricot/peach types would be best avoided - it's a huge family that also includes haws and amelanchier berries (saskatoon) etc.
The only things that would be 100% safe would be heading into more exotic territory I love to explore - a fig or a mulberry or a grapevine or feijoa (Acca) or the Asimina (New England Pawpaw) - though that needs a hot spot in summer - or a citrus (if you've a mild sheltered spot) or any nut tree except almond.
Loquats do well in central London - probably on SW coasts too.
I've tried two Asimina Triloba's grown lovingly from seed. Both just died :( There was no disease there so I reckon the heritage apple tree direction is where I'll go. Interesting and unusual yet easy.Something like a Bloody Ploughman and some others.
Any cool heritage apples anyone??
Depends what you want, since there must be hundreds available. I have Bramley's (c1813), Egremont Russet (before 1872) and James Grieve (before 1893) cropping well, and they're all good reliable apples. Bramley's has a tendency to biennial bearing, and if I was starting again, I'd have it and James Grieve as standards not half-standards. Tip bearers tend to grow sideways, as the weight of the apples bends the branches down.
Quote from: sawfish on September 18, 2010, 09:45:12
I've tried two Asimina Triloba's grown lovingly from seed. Both just died :( There was no disease there so I reckon the heritage apple tree direction is where I'll go. Interesting and unusual yet easy.Something like a Bloody Ploughman and some others.
Any cool heritage apples anyone??
I'll open a A.triloba thread - I think I've cracked them (with help from California Rare Fruit Growers - crfg.org).
On the subject of heritage apples (though that might also be a side thread in the context of replant disease) you should look to Bunyard's choices first and then go to an apple day to taste them - some of the old traditional ones aren't really flavour ones and even amongst the best you might prefer some not others...
You just have to try Ashmeads Kernel (RHS AGM), Pitmaston Pineapple, Orleans Reinette, Sturmer Pippin (best keeper with flavour) and William Crump (only red apple worth growing). D'arcy Spice is as good as they say but takes maybe 10 years to reach its best.
Cheers.
I've been looking some more varieties to grow myself....hmm..again... ::) ..and managed to clear some space for 3-4 more trees..
One that has popped up that I'm interested now is Merton Russet.."strong aromatic apple. Delicious flavour- juicy and crisp. Desease free. Makes large and vigorous tree. Fruit large and darkly russeted, Self-fertile. cross from Stumer Pippin x Cox 1921.
I've also been looking at Margil.."one of the tastiest apples, small yellow apple with brownish red flush, Some russeting. Flesh is yellow, firm, sweetly aromatic, Very late dessert-ready January, keeping until late May. Small treet for small gardens, crops well. discoverd before 1750.
Oh...and..and...choises, choises..
My cataloques have markings on them for....already have,,interesting,,,maybe,,,definately interesting... ::)..
At the moment I've got 2 "definately ones" and 5 "thinking about"... ::)
As your tree was killed by rabits..Personally I would not be worried about planting on same spot...fork plenty of 'good stuff' from compost bin into ground, some bone meal and good 'dollop' of 'rootgrow' type of fungi when planting the tree...should do the trick.. ;)
There was in Kitchen Garden Mag article about Scottish nursery who grows varieties that are ideal for northern climate..but off course I don't have that mag anymore... ::)
Maybe somebody else would remember about it..?
You may find lots of useful info from here...http://www.orangepippin.com/ (http://www.orangepippin.com/)
and other one....http://www.clydevalleyorchards.co.uk/ (http://www.clydevalleyorchards.co.uk/)...with Scottish connection..and not million miles away from Glasgow...