Splendour apple in fine form

Press, 13 July 1984, Page 10

Splendour apple in fine form

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Although the wish to have an apricot tree in the garden still appears to be a strong local desire most gardens here have at least one apple tree. Apple trees are generally far more reliable and regularly productive than apricot trees. They do not require too much attention apart from annual pruning and at least some spraying in order to keep them in a reasonably problem-free condition. They have many uses, and with careful selection can provide continuity of supply from early summer through winter. The possibility of obtaining' multi-grafted trees or of adding cultivars to existing ones enhances their potential. Apart from this aspect, trees are available on

various root stocks, from those which produce trees of less than two metres high to vigorous growers which are ideal for poor soils. Fruit is produced on two-year-old and older wood, most commonly on lateral spurs, although there are a few which are tip bearers.

Annual pruning is desirable for various reasons, irrespective of the training method used, chief amongst them being to maintain a balance be-

tween fruit and growth buds and to retain accessibility.

Trees raised on other than dwarfing root stocks can be trained in different ways. They can be grown as single or, multiple leaders, cordons, espaliers, against a wall, by the Ebro or Lincoln system, the choice only being limited by the skill and ingenuity of the grower.

Splendour is a seedling which originated in a Napier garden. The fruit, which ripens from about mid-April, has excellent flavour and will keep well for a considerable time. A tendency to biennial bearing and often very large fruit detracts perhaps from an otherwise top rate apple which has a bright red skin, and firm, juicy flesh.