Please recommend an apple variety for my allotment

[whataboutbob]

I've decided to take the plunge and add an apple tree to my plot- for years I never thought I'd be in London long enough, but now it looks like we're staying. Anyway, what varieties work well, don't get too many diseases and above all taste good? Thank you.

Depends on what sort of apple you like really. My favourite is Pitmaston Pineapple and I will be ripping a nondescript wooly variety out this year and replacing it with the above. Best to get a variety that you can't get in the shops in my opinion.

Also, check your root stock, that it will keep it to the size you want, and if you need to have a self-fertile variety [if there are no other apples about you will need it, if there are loads about then you can have whichever variety you want].

You are close enough to visit Brogborough - the home of apples in the UK, where you will find hundreds of varieties that would suit.

Several sorts on one tree (one on each of the main branches).

A family tree...is what they are called.

Here's one for example on an M26 rootstock. hub.suttons.co.uk/blog/general/gourmet-family-trees

Spartan apples are nice crunchy sweet apples but don't grow very big

Wow, thanks for the prompt replies. I like crunchy cox- like varieties with a god level of acidity and fruit aromas. Oh, and totally disease resistant ;) !
Teardrop, did you mean Brogdale? I've always wanted to go there, it's not too far.
Hevonbu, the gourmet multi apple sounds interesting. It contains James Grieve which come to think of it, might be a good one to go for- it has a lovely flavour.

It might be worth looking around at different trees, especially family trees. If there are no other apple trees around you need two different trees (for obvious reasons). I've spent some tome reading up on apple trees, but I'm in a different climate zone so all those I liked would be inappropriate where you are.

Time, not tome!

My allotment neighbour has an apple tree, would that be enough for pollination?

Teardrop, did you mean Brogdale?

Yes!

My allotment neighbour has an apple tree, would that be enough for pollination?

Yes!