Growing apples in pots and containers

Even in the smallest gardens it is possible to pick your own delicious apples straight from the tree; simply grow one in a large pot.  Although we imagine apples as large trees, some varieties are naturally more compact.  Their size is also influenced by the rootstock they are grown on. Some rootstocks result in smaller trees: perfect for growing in pots and containers.

Choosing the right variety and rootstock

Garden centres and nurseries may have a bewildering selection to choose from. Choose a variety that is easy to grow, heavy cropping and either self-fertile or sets fruit easily.  Some types of apple are fussier and really do not set a good crop without another variety to choose from; that’s less of a problem if you have 2 or more trees.

Good ones to go for include ‘James Grieve’, ‘Falstaff’, ‘Sunset’, ‘Cox’s Self Fertile’ and ‘Royal Gala’. These are either self-fertile or set a good crop easily from ornamental malus and apple pollen carried by bees from neighboring gardens.   

When it comes to rootstocks M27 is the most dwarfing, followed by M9. Both of these will need secure staking for the whole life of the tree. Their fragile roots are easily damaged by wind-rock. They are ideal for sheltered courtyards and positions near the house.

M26 is semi-dwarfing, stronger and a good choice where there is a little more space and a large pot or container can be accommodated. 

Go slim with ‘Starline’

‘Starline’ apples grow as a single stem: no branches just a pole with fruiting spurs all the way up from the ground.  They usually grow up to 2 metres in height: a tower of blossom in the spring and attractive fruits from late summer. There are several varieties to choose from, all of good flavor and cropping prolifically. ‘Blue Moon’ is perhaps the most unusual with attractive purple-grey fruits with pinkish flesh; aromatic and delicious.

The Starline varieties are excellent where space is limited.

Choose the right pot and compost

Surprisingly apples will grow in quite modest containers, providing you pay attention to watering and feeding. However a larger pot does not dry out as quickly and will be more stable when the tree is in leaf and laden with fruit. So choose a large, heavy pot, ceramic, or plastic if you prefer. The pot needs to be larger than the pot the apple is supplied in.

Pot firmly in John Innes No.3 compost. This gives better results than a soilless compost because it retains water and nutrients more successfully. Add a handful of Vitax Q4 fertiliser when potting to aid establishment and give your new apple tree a flying start.

Pruning, staking and tying

It is important to establish a good branch framework.  Therefore it is best to prune your new fruit tree, cutting back long shoots by up to two thirds. This promotes branching and avoids long, weak branches.  This may be at the expense of fruit in year one, however your apple is going to be a long term asset in your garden.

Stake the tree firmly, either using a stout cane or a light timber stake.  Tie using flexible plastic tie or a small tree-tie. If using the former, twist the tie between the cane and the stem of the tree to prevent damage.

Aftercare

Each year scrape off the compost surface and add a generous handful of Vitax Q4 fertiliser. This will provide all the nutrients your tree needs for growth and abundant fruiting.  Then top up with fresh John Innes No.3 compost. Then all you have to do is remember to water throughout the growing season. 

You will need to prune most apples annually. Those grown in pots are usually pruned in winter, shortening back the long shoots that have grown that year to encourage the production of fruiting spurs.

An apple grown in a pot is so rewarding: fragrant spring blossom and the promise of delicious fruits, fresh from the garden later in the year. When you think about it: an apple has a longer season of interest than many of the plants that we regularly grow in pots. 

Andy McIndoe

For Vitax, Autumn 2018