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dwarf espalier apples

dalecellodalecello Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum, so I'm hoping to get some advice on the best sort of apple variety (dessert) to grow as a dwarf, espalier. I have a 2ft 7 height deck with a panelled area ideal for planting a row of apple trees (south facing), There is also a balustrade giving extra height if necessary. What varieties and root stock would you suggest?  Many thanks, Dale

Posts

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    The lack of height won't be a problem if you choose a dwarfing rootstock.  You can grow apples as "stepover" trees if you like, with just two "arms" to their branches.  Rootstock plus correct pruning will keep them the shape you want.

    Don't forget that many apples need a pollinator.  The Orange Pippin site linked by Pansyface will tell you which varieties will pollinate each other.

    It's a good thing we're all different... I love the rough skin on a russet!
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited November 2019
    My understanding is that for espaliers you don’t go for the most dwarfing rootstock as the tree needs some ‘oomph’ to counteract the pruning, so that it grows the laterals that you need. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • dalecellodalecello Posts: 2
    Thanks everyone for your help. All great advice which will help me get started on this project. 
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