[sanuka]

I bought an apple tree from wilkinsons a week or so ago. It's really tiny and is on my window sill at the moment. The thing is it's started to flower. What should I do? Put it outside? Can i hand pollinate it?

[gobs]

Yes, you should have put it outside in the first place. Then it wouldn't be flowering yet. And would have a chance that something pollinates it.

Do you know what variety it is?

[sanuka]

Ah thankyou. I was just worried as it is so small and it's so windy out there. I'll put it out in the morning.

it's a braeburn apple tree.

[Annie]

Most apples don`t self pollinate and as apple trres aren`t usually blossoming yet then you will probably not get apples this year.Never mind it will put it`s energies into growing stronger and reward you next year.just enjoy the blossom.Bearing all that in mind I would introduce it gently to the outside world.

[gobs]

And Brauburn needs a good summer, so good luck!

[sanuka]

Thanks again. As it is so small I wasn't really expecting apples this year - I just got a surprise/shock when I saw the flowers.

There is another apple tree in the garden (don't know what kind it's just always been there) and no blossoms on it yet.

[Ann]

Mine is on the window sill as well only its not starting to flower.  I haven't put it outside because of the high winds.  

I am now wondering what size pot to plant it into once it has been hardened off.

[gobs]

The lot of you.

Apple trees are not grown in houses, you all know that, so why are you doing it? :?

Little or not, it belongs outside.

Hardening off apple trees, now that's a new subject I have no experience in, but I would just put them out as they are a bit sheltered by a house or other building.

Mind you, I've just planted a load of sweet peas out, as had no room for them anymore and didn't want to lose, they are doing brilliant.

[sanuka]

Mine came in a box that said to plant it into a 10 litre container

[londongardener]

Mine came in a box that said to plant it into a 10 litre container

But the container should be outside.
Search on the forum for some threads about this - I will try to find them tomorrow.

Don't let it fruit this year - take the flowers off.

[Stripey_cat]

If you're worried about the wind, stake it.  Heck, even if you're not, extra-dwarfing rootstocks don't send down enough roots to anchor the tree firmly, so it should be staked for its whole life.  Do a proper job of it now when you plant it out, and it'll be good for at least a decade.