Apple Trees are great tree for so many reasons. And fortunately, they grow very well in Ireland. Here at Parkswood Tree Centre, we have a wide selection of apple trees ready for your garden or patio.
Before we look at the suitable apple trees to grow in Ireland… Firstly, a note on the rootstock which these varieties are grafted onto.
All the apples are grown (grafted) onto m26 rootstock. This simply means the Apple tree will only grow to between 3 to 4 metres.
How are apple trees grown in Ireland?
Apples are grown by grafting which means a small piece or branch of a specific variety is taken and joined onto the root of another apple tree which will determine what size the tree will grow to.
What are the best apple trees in Ireland?
The following are excellent eating varieties and one cooker, suitable for growing in Ireland and will be ideal for the small to medium sized garden.
Crab Apple: Malus sylvestris
Our native crab apple can be found in old hedgerows or as a stand alone tree by the side of the road or in a country lane.This tree can grow to 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide, and will respond well to being trimmed back.
It will blossom with bright pink and white flowers in spring and give an abundance of crab apples in autumn time. Crab apple trees can be planted singularly or through a hawthorn hedge. They will grow in all soil types and are tolerant of exposed sites.
There are many varieties of cultivated ornamental crab apple trees. They make an outstanding tree for the small garden producing a wonderful display of colour when in flower attracting bees and butterflies.
This is followed by sweet crab apples in autumn ideal for making jelly. One such variety is malus Gorgorus.
Crab Apple’s and flowers in Blossom:
Katy or Katja
- An early eating variety. Fruit juicy with a heavy crop. As a very juicy and sweet apple, it is produced early in the season.
Beauty of Bath
- A very popular early eating variety.An old traditional variety , it yields a plentiful crop with red flesh and sweet flavour.
Fiesta
- A bright red and sweet variety.
Charles Ross
- Produces a beautiful fruit, this tree will grow well in limey soil.
Cox’s orange pippin
- One of the most delicious apples, firm, aromatic and juicy.
Discovery
- Another early variety which produces sweet red apples.
Bramley Seedling
- The most popular cooking apple. Produces heavy crops of very large fruit. It also has nice flowers in Summer time as below.
Order Your Apple Tree
Apple Tree Uses
Apple trees, as well as producing beautiful fruit ,are very attractive in spring time. When the trees are in blossom , and attract bees ,which help to pollinate your trees.
Apple Tree Planting Instructions
Container or pot grown apple trees can be planted at any time of the year, while Bareroot apple trees can only be planted between the months of November and February.
Delivery
Tree delivery can be arranged.
Other Typical Apple Tree Questions we get:
What is the best month to plant apple trees in Ireland?
An apple tree grown in a container, such as a pot can be planted at any time of the year. A bare rooted apple tree ie. one which has little or no soil on the roots and is purchased
In the dormant season, can only be planted between November and March.
Where to plant apple trees?
When planting apple trees keep the following points in mind.
1. Have the soil in good and fertile condition adding a suitable fertiliser if necessary.
2. Choose a sunny spot with out wind exposure to prevent the apple blossom from blowing away.
Where do apple trees grow best?
Apple trees grow best in an area with full sun. However it should be sheltered to prevent the blossom from blowing away in spring time.
What is the easiest apple tree to grow?
All of the varieties above suggested are easy to grow, once they are secured with. A supporting stake and tree tie to keep them firm and upright.
When to prune Apple Trees?
The best time to prune apple trees is between the months of November and March. When pruning , use sharp pruners and try and develop a shape where it’s easy to pick the fruit, while leaving a good air flow through the branches.
How to care for a patio apple tree?
A patio apple tree may need fresh soil and fertiliser around the base in spring time to keep it nourished.
What do apple trees signify?
Apple trees can have a lot of symbolic meanings depending on the context and culture. For example, in no particular order:
- Abundance and prosperity
- Knowledge and wisdom
- Youth and beauty
- Health and healing
Are Apple Trees native to Ireland?
No, apple trees are not native to Ireland. Apple trees are believed to have originated in Central Asia and were spread throughout Europe by the Romans. It is thought that apple trees were brought to Ireland by early Christian monks in the early Middle Ages, around the 5th or 6th century.
Over time, apple orchards became common in Ireland, particularly in the sunny south east where the climate is suitable for growing apples. Here in Passage East, Co. Waterford – we have a number of growing apple trees ready for you.