Fruit Tree recommendations

JWK makes the very good point that fruit trees are an investment; get it right now and you will be rewarded but get it wrong at the planting stage and you loose. Other advice to do your research and talk to experts is common sense.

There are often what seem like very good offers at some of the big name supermarkets but only if you do your research will you really know if they are what you really want. They may not turn out to be good deals after all.

Good luck choosing. I love choosing and planting trees. It is such a forward looking thing to do.

 

I would definitely have a crab apple somewhere as they help with the pollination + crab apple jelly ! (or in my case crab apple sorbet) I have Harry Barker and Pink Glow, both of which have done well since I planted them way back here!

 

I'd make sure that you know what you ask for is what you get, my Greensleeves isn't what it says on the label, nor is it on the dwarfing rootstock that it says it is. The apples are quite disappointing, but last year it got a reprieve as it produced a fair amount of bulk for the fruit press when making my first home grown cider.

 

Thanks everyone for all the helpful suggestions, good job I asked now as clearly it is not a simple decision and doing the research now will stop me planting the wrong things. Clearly finding a good supplier is important especially if you want to be selective, I had been disappointed with local garden centers, even Burford when I went there about 3 years ago did not seem that greatly helpful.

Thanks, I like a cox but my parents near by have had problems with theirs so knowing a similar tasting variety is good

Nigel Thanks, My in laws are in somerset so might be worth a visit. Also the cox might explain why my parents one does not do well

 

Hi Quentin, Another vote here for 'Stella' cherry. There have been some more self-fertile varieties also, since another dwarf rootstock was introduced. 'Sunburst' comes to mind.
https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/wp-content/themes/canvas-child/index-catalogue-fgn/ART_Catalogue.pdf
The above link is to the Agroforestry Research Trust. Even if you don't buy from them, their site is a mine of information.