Dwarf fruit trees

Were looking to but some dwarf fruit trees for the patio. Being a novice to growing fruit and veg is it worth buying these trees.
If you have any favorite varieties then let me know as you cannot taste the pictures on the suppliers website

Also with winter soon to be upon us will these survive.

Thanks for any help

Mark

 

Although I'm not there, I know there are dwarf fruits trees of all sorts available. I think what is particularly popular ... and I would go for if I was there ... is a blueberry shrub. A beautiful fruit to eat fresh, in jams, compotes or muffins!

 

I'd suggest putting off getting any until spring, then they'll have had all year to get established. Have you had a look at this site? They're full of info as well as supplying good quality fruit trees, shrubs, etc.
http://www.kenmuir.co.uk/

 

Thanks. the site i was looking at as Ken Muir's. They appear to have a good selection of trees.
Im looking to buy 3 trees Apple,Cherry & Peach. I think your right about waiting until the spring, Im going to grow them on the patio so would you suggest repotting the tree into the pots straight away.

Thanks again

 

If you get them as bare roots, you'll have to pot them up rght away, but it's more likely that by spring it'll be container-grown plants, I should think. In that case, I'd assume they'll be in suitable sized pots if you get them from somewhere like Ken Muir. They won't grow all that fast. If you follow the guidelines they give you on the site, and in their catalogue, you'll be doing the right things.... :D The site and catalogue are extremely informative.

 

I thought you planted trees in the Autumn? :confused:

 

Yes - but not in tubs.....

 

didn't think of that ... slap hands! :eek:

 

I don't think too much of Ken Muirs web site. Try Thompson and Morgans fruit catalogue much easier to navigate and loads of information

 

Check out Keepers Nursery /www.keepers-nursery.co.uk I am having a cherry tree (Stella variety) delivered this week!!!

 

Try this nursery, Deacon's nursery in the Isle of Wight. They are more of a specialist in top fruit. Ken Muir is good for soft fruit but I preferred to get my apples, pears etc from Deacons. If nothing else read what they say about the different root stocks. Their stock was always good. Alos read what they say about pollinaters.
http://www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk/home/

 

Yes, pollinators are very important so if you want apples you will need more than one. I know there are things such as 'Family Trees', two or three varieties grown onto one rootstock, but I have heard they often have problems with uneven growth and with one variety taking over. Anyone had any experience with these?

 

Thanks for the info guys, I have had a look at various sites and to be honest the prices differ somewhat from others, Prices range from �£15 through to �£37. I think a few of them were the same varities as well... Is this just companies trying to squezze money from our pockets or is it a case of you get what you pay for. This may seem a starnge question but do the fruits from a dwarf tree taste any better/worse than those of a standard fruit tree. I would be intrested in your comments.. Cheers

 

Well you can get 1 st year bush trees from Deacons for �£11.95
2-5 year old �£18.50
I have always bought the cheaper one. I don't think its is a case of you get what you pay for between the companies. I have seen some firms selling apple trees fopr a lot more than that, with big glossy brocures and adverts etc and I wouldn't trust them to buy as much as a pansy plant. Go to a specialist who knows what they are doing.
The apples don't taste any different - just easier to pick.

 

Thanks Geoff, That could be it. I did see something about that on one of the sites, I agree with the old glossy broucher brigade, All show and not much in the way of quality, Well some of them anyway. Easier to pick, Hmm i may have to keep my step daughter out of the garden when there ripe. I may not have any left to eat :D :D