apple 'Braeburn'

This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Ultimate size on MM106 rootstock: 5.5 x 5.5m (18 x 18ft)
• Flowering period: April and May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
• Pollination group: this apple belongs to pollination group 4 (flowering very late)
  
  An excellent all rounder, this popular variety produces a delicious crop of crisp, firm and aromatic fruits that have a distinctive stippled skin. First discovered in New Zealand in the 1950's, it is now widely grown commercially, 'Braeburn' is a top-notch dessert apple that will flourish in a sheltered, sunny spot, and offer a late (November) crop.
  
  
• Garden care: Keep the base of the tree weed free, fertilise at the beginning of each year and water regularly during hot, dry spells. The main prune should be done in the winter as long as it isn't frosty or freezing. Take out the 3D’s (dead, dying and diseased wood) and create an open shape. Then reduce the leaders back by a third. Aim to create an airy structure without any crisscrossing branches. Summer prune in August by shortening any side shoots (or laterals) which are longer than 20cm back to three leaves. This will allow the sun to ripen the fruit and encourage more fruit buds. Make sure that the growth you’re cutting away feels firm to the touch.
  
  
• Pollination information: This apple belongs to pollination group 4, so you will need to plant one other different variety of apple to guarantee cross pollination, and a subsequent bumper crop. Ideally this should come from the same pollination group, however it is possible to use one from group 3 as well.