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Advice needed, fruit trees in containers
Iansy
Posts: 24
in Fruit & veg
Afternoon everyone, hoping for a little bit of guidance on planting 2 x bare root trees I have coming from Blackmoors this week (M26 rootstock, Scrumptious and Discovery varieties).
I know a large container will be needed (45cm) but am unsure whether to plant straight into that size of container or whether to work up to that size, is overpotting much of an issue in this case or is it more important to start at 45cm and repot every year or 2?
Regarding the compost, I assume soil based John Innes 3 is fine?
Do I need to stake trees being put into containers?
Any other guidance would be appreciated, this is my first year really making a stab at a garden and I want to get it right!
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Hi Pansy
Wow that site has a tonne of info. When ordering I had followed the information on the below RHS website, which suggested M27 was too dwarfing and that a 45cm diameter pot would be sufficient, must admit to being disappointed that this is not the case (especiallly given the likely cost/difficulty of finding a 140litre pot).
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=321
Would it be possible to start at 60/70 litres and move up to the 140l?
No I understand that and appreciate the volume and weight of 140 litres of soil would make a significant difference. If we take the pot from Homebase in the link below, this is around 100 litres and doesn't break the bank. I'm sure I read somewhere not to overpot 2 year old trees also.
http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/palladian-pot---terracotta---65cm-031109#BVRatingsAnchor
If you really can't plant it in the ground (where it will be happiest) how about making your own container out of scrap wood, maybe pallets?
Our local garden centre sells wooden cube containters (50 cm side, about 40 cm high) for about 50 quid. Still expensive but better than £109. They would be stable.
I planted my M27-grafted apple tree into a plastic container that's 60 cm across at the top (and taller than that, I think) last spring and it's been fine. (That's of course only one data point!)
Hi Steve
I would love to plant them in the ground, however the property is rented and while £20 + the materials may not be a lot of money it would be great to be able to take my investment with me.
Again, just been reading up on this and RHS and they advise the following for M26 (https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=359) once again highlights its ideal for containers. Can anyone advise as RHS seems to conflict Orange Pippins directly.
Name of rootstock: M26 (dwarfing)
Suitable for: Bush, pyramid, spindlebush, cordon, espalier and is ideal for containers
Start fruiting: After two or three years
Ultimate height as trained as bush: 2.4-3m (8-10ft) x 3.6m (12ft)
Growing conditions: Average soils including grassed orchards
Staking: Permanently
Spacing: 2.4-3.6m (8-12ft) with 4.5m (15ft) between rows
Hi Pansyface
As per original post, varieties are scrumptious and discovery (bought because they were fairly frost tolerant and we are in Scotland). Can't see too much beyond what i have linked and what was on orange pippin.
I would start with a 35 litre pot with your M26 apple trees (I'm guessing they are 1 year old maidens or 2 year old trees?). You can always pot on in a year or two. You can buy black plastic pots off ebay which come with handles which allows you to move them a bit more easily.
They should be fairly stable if filled with John Innes No 3 and if you want a little more stability then you could partially bury the pot into the ground.
I grow apples on M26 and M27 (along with M9 and MM102) and I wouldn't grow M27 apples in a pot to be honest, it's quite a weak grower and I would tend to agree more with what the RHS website suggests (M26)
Keeping it in a pot will restrict the growth and with a decent pruning regime you can keep the tree well within bounds - plenty of summer pruning once your framework is established. Discovery is a partial tip bearer but not to the same extent as say a Worcester Pearmain and will still produce plenty of fruiting spurs. Scrumptious is a good apple.
Thanks Digger
They are 2 year old trees and 35-40l is what I had originally accounted for and had available for the plants, I am conscious not to overpot at such a young age.
Should I include a fertiliser or the micro funghi stuff when planting?
Yes I would add bone meal to your compost mix and micorhizal fungi to the roots when planting to get it established quicker. Good luck with your apple trees and enjoy the fruits of your labour.