[adri]

Hi

We're up in the hills of Tideswell in the Peak District and I'm after a pear and apple that will do well round here.

Can anyone recommend a variety?

Many thanks

Nick

[gillie]

This is very difficult.  We are  high up on the Chilterns, but our most  productive apple is a variety that all the books said we would not be able to grow!

I can only suggest that you look round for a fairly local fruit tree supplier (NOT a garden centre) and ask their advice.  If you cannot find one then go to one of the very reputable suppliers, like Chris Bowers or Ken Muir and ask them.  In any case, be ruthless.  If your chosen tree does not perform well within a couple of years or so have it out and try another variety.

Are you going to have any pollination problems?

Cheers,

Gillie

[compostqueen]

Scotland tree nursery at Tansley would be your nearest grower I think.  They grow themselves so trees should be acclimatised to your area 

[SG6]

Program about 10-14 days back had a woman growing apples in Cumbria (I think) she had ended up using one variety called Adams Pearmain because it suited the local weather/climate.

No idea which others she used but I do recall taht one. No idea where you can get one however other then a specialist apple nursery.

[Yorkie]

(R V ?) Rogers of Pickering should be able to advise and they are closer than Scotland 

[adri]

Many thanks for the replies!!!

I'll give Scotlands Nurserys a call on Monday.  They should be able to help but even though they are very close distance wise their climate is a fair bit different to ours.  We're just at the start of the penines so plenty more rain and higher.

Thanks again

Nick

[Martin]

You might want to investigate the Hayfield Community Orchard project, which isn't too far from you. Parish web site here and look for 'Orchard Project'.

[gillie]

They should be able to help but even though they are very close distance wise their climate is a fair bit different to ours.  We're just at the start of the penines so plenty more rain and higher.

They probably know about orchards with similar microclimates to yours.

Gillie

[adri]

Ordered from Rogers of Pickering...

Apple - Bramley's Seedling - Maiden (M106)   
Apple - Spartan - Maiden (M26)   
Pear - Beurre Hardy - Maiden (Quince A)   
Pear - Conference - Maiden (Quince A)

Now to dig some holes...

Thanks for the input.

Nick

[gillie]

We grow the pear Beurre Hardy and it is an excellent cropper.

Bramley is a triploid and therefore will not be any good as a pollinator. Is there another suitable apple somewhere around? (you don't need to own it, a neighbour's tree will do).

Dig those holes good and big!

Cheers,

Gillie

[adri]

Thanks for the replies.

RE  Bramleys.

There are in total 3 other apple trees in the garden.  Not particularly close to each other mind.  About 100 metres away.

With it being a triploid does that mean any other apple will pollinate it?

Cheers

Nick

[gillie]

Any other apple flowering at the same time will pollinate a Bramley, but it will not provide fertile pollen for other apple trees. 

100 metres away sounds a bit far  - I am not sure how far bees will fly.  It is your Spartan that might have problems getting pollinated.

Cheers,

Gillie

[DavidT]

Adri, re Bramley. As long as there is another group B pollinator within a quarter mile you should be fine. Spartan, is, of course, B.

[adri]

>>"It is your Spartan that might have problems getting pollinated."

Wouldn't the Bramley pollinate the Spartan?  They're both group B. 

Cheers

Nick