apple Scrumptious (11.5 litre pot | M27 root stock | 1.2m)

Self fertile tree with sweet, crisp apples. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast Ultimate size on mm106 rootstock: 4 x 3m (12 x 9ft) Ultimate size on m27 rootstock: 1.8 x 1.8m (6 x 6ft) Flowering period: April and May Hardiness: fully hardy Pollination Group: partially self fertile - but for a bumper crop use an apple from group 3 (flowering late season) Apple 'Scrumptious' is perfect for smaller gardens as you don't need another tree to produce a crop of sweet, crisp and aromatic fruits that have a thin, bright red skin. Its delicious flavour makes it popular with children, and it has a good resistance to many of the common diseases. The fruits are usually ready to harvest in September. Pollination information: This apple belongs to pollination group 3, however it is partially self fertile, so does not need a pollinating partner to produce a crop of apples. For a bumper crop, it can be cross-pollinated with other apples in this group, or those in groups 2 or 4. Garden care: Keep the base of the tree weed free, fertilise at the beginning of each year and water regularly during hot, dry spells. The main prune should be done in the winter as long as it isn't frosty or freezing. Take out the 3D’s (dead, dying and diseased wood) and create an open shape. Then reduce the leaders back by a third. Aim to create an airy structure without any crisscrossing branches. In August summer prune. Shorten any side shoots (or laterals) which are longer than 20cm back to three leaves. This will allow the sun to ripen the fruit and encourage more fruit buds. Make sure that the growth you’re cutting away feels firm to the touch.