Description
A juicy, refreshingly sweet apple that is instantly recognisable by its deep maroon colour. Apple ‘Spartan’ is also an excellent pollinator for other apple trees and so is extremely useful in any collection. Later to ripen than some varieties, the fruit will happily sit on the tree for two weeks or more before needing to be harvested, meaning you can spread out your picking and not end up with too many at once. This variety is partially self-fertile. For the heaviest crops, it is best grown with another variety. If you only have room for one tree then make sure that a neighbour has a tree close by that can act as a suitable pollinator. Plant apple trees in any well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny positions. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and drive the stake into ground to support the tree. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball. Plant fruit trees at their original soil level and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well. Fruit trees do not suffer weed competition well. Keep weeds and grass clear from within a 30cm radius of the base of the tree. In spring, while the ground is still moist, apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the base of tree, taking care not to mound it up against the stem. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer. Feed and water apple trees during particularly dry periods. Pruning apple trees begins immediately after planting. Remove the central stem to just above the highest side branch. For the following 3 years, prune only the tips of the remaining branches by one third in winter. Aim for about six main branches which will form the frame of your tree, with fruiting sub branches growing off of them. From the fourth year, some sub branches can be pruned out at the union where they join the main branch, to allow new sub branches to take their place.
You may also like
loading
Discover more
