can I plant an apple tree?

[kiwibella]

is it too late?
Do any sorts have more success than others?

Thanks for any and all advice

[LineRunner]

I think I planted my apple tree in the summer. It is pretty big now! (Cooking apples.)

[Kernowgal]

If it's a healthy tree then you should be able to plant it now - bit of compost in the base of the hole and give it a good watering in. Or you can get bare rooted plants in the autumn which are planted when dormant and then get going again in the spring.

What kind of apples do you want? Cookers, eaters, cider, combination? I can't remember if apples are self-pollinating or not - if not then you'd need more than one if you want actual apples.

I'd always recommend getting something that's been bred in the local area - look for a local nursery that sells a good range of fruit trees and they should have some local varieties that will do well in your climate. Where I'm from in the south west there are many many varieties that have been bred to deal with the typical damp weather (some apple diseases are worse in damp areas).

[LineRunner]

I have just the one cooking apple tree and I always get a massive crop.

[kiwibella]

thanks for your replies. I'm not too sure that we gave a preference for type of apple and I was thinking about buying three plants so they can make a sort of border in the garden. I may wait until the autumn now!

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

Not all apple trees are self-fertile, but if you're in a town with lots of apple trees nearby, it should be alright.

[aircooled]

Every garden should have an apple tree! Deacon's nursery (Isle of Wight) does mail order and offers lots of unusual varieties and advice on what/how to plant. I love Lord Lambourne! (the apple I mean).

[pinxminx]

As l

[pinxminx]

As long as you keep watering it should be fine at this time if the year. You can get "family" trees that have several varieties grafted on to the root stock. That way you can get different types of apple from one tree.