Variety Information

The varieties we offer fall into the following "information categories":             

(A) Those grown successfully in our own organic trials.

(B) Those grown successfully under local (mostly organic) conditions.

(C) Those known to succeed from reports (current and/or historical) elsewhere in the North and West of the U.K..

(D) Historic and unusual varieties, for which information is scanty. May be a great rediscovery or a flop! This category is worth considering if:

(i) You are ordering say 6 or 10 varieties, or

(ii) It's precise origin, if known is very local to you.

The category into which each variety falls is indicated by a letter immediately following the name e.g. SUNSET (A). Where a variety falls into more than one category, e.g. KESWICK CODLIN (A) (B) (C) only the "higher" category, viz. (A), is noted.

The descriptions that follow reflect the above categories. Thus, a description for a variety in category (A) is basically our own, from personal experience. At the other extreme, category (D) depends entirely on other sources: in particular that excellent modern reference: "The Book Of Apples" by Dr. Joan Morgan, available from the Brogdale Horticultural Trust (Tel. 01795 535286)

Other Information Given after the Variety Name.

V1, V2 and V3 indicates the relative vigour of the variety. A V2 variety can be expected to approximate the height given in the section on 'rootstocks', a V1 variety up to 50% less, and a V3 variety up to 50% more. The spread and therefore desirable spacing will also vary. So don't plant a 'MONARCH' on M25 in a small garden!

If a variety is a tip-bearer (and so not suitable for growing in restricted form, e.g. cordon) this is stated, as is whether or not the variety is triploid (see under 'pollination'). Some commercial varieties have been officially tested for disease resistance. If they have been found to be resistant, or indeed prone to, a particular disease, this is stated. However many unusual or older varieties have not been subject to official testing, yet may still be disease resistant.

Our raison d’Ãtre is to offer the varieties with built in disease resistance, particularly for N.W Britain. The best guide is the section "Information Categories"

Example: GREEN FUTURE - (B)(2)(V3), Tip-Bearer, Triploid, Aug-Oct.

B - grows successfully under local (mainly organic) conditions.

2 - pollination group.
* - unusually attractive blossom

V3 - more than average vigour.