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Fruit tree as gift - advice please!
A Ashton
Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary later this month and I would like to give them a fruit tree as a gift. I don't know much about this though so would appreciate some advice from those in the know! Ideally, I'd like to give them a fairly mature tree (though not necessarily a huge one) that will bear fruit this year or next year at the latest - I don't want them to have to wait years to get a decent crop of fruit from the tree.
We live in West Yorkshire and my parents have a good-sized garden. I think they'd particularly like an apple or plum tree. Any advice on stockists or how to choose a good tree would be much appreciated!
Many thanks,
A. Ashton
0
Posts
You should look for a pot-grown tree which will be quite expensive for something like a 5-year old one in a large pot which would be ideal. You should never let a bare-root fruit tree produce fruit in the first year or two as it will seriously weaken it and prevent the roots establishing well. A pot-grown tree will crop in the first year, regardless of whether it is kept in a pot or planted in the ground and is likely to be on dwarfing rootstock so the tree won't grow too large for your folks. I would look at some of the specialist fruit tree suppliers and give them a ring - most will be happy to give advice and recommendations.
I can highly recommend http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/ . They have a wide range of trees and shrubs, their website is full of useful information and I have found Stephen Read very helpful when contacted by phone and email. The fruit trees and bushes I've bought have been of excellent quality.
I have no connection with the above business other than as a satisfied customer.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Have you considered a family apple tree with three different varieties grafted onto one tree? Quite apt really for a wedding anniversary gift. Blackmoor do one with Disvovery, James Grieve and Sunset grafted onto M26 rootstock which would do well in your part of the country.
What about a fruit bush instead? A potted blueberry perhaps
Thank you very much for all your practical and creative advice! I shall contact Reads and let you know how I get on.
Before approaching a company, first come up with a list of what you want. Read up about rootstocks in containers, some perform far better than others. Some require more attention than others especially in containers.
What flavour and texture are you looking for? Cox type, softer texture but deeper flavour etc. Cooker or desert? Remeber to include the cost of a decent container. Also consider pollination, there are sef-ferile varieties and others which definitely need a pollination partner.
An hour's research will educate you no end and rule out many trees altogether.
All of that information and a lot more is on the Reads website - it's extremely informative.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.