hicksy2
Apple notes. These are from a tree on my allotment, which I think is a pippin. The plot had been abandoned for >20 years when I acquired it in 2020; possibly some attention between 2005-10. The tree is 40-50cm girth, 4-5m tall. It grows to the north of a ruined greenhouse. I pruned it heavily in January 2022. Apples are green with slight red blush, ripening to yellow with streaks of russeting. Ripen mid-September, this feels like as long they'll keep. Irregular shape, 7-12cm across. #malus
Nov 7 at 1:07pmWeb
Show threadhicksy2Nov 7
Very flavoursome as a dessert apple. Floral, peary taste. I grafted scions onto a semi-vigourous rootstock last winter. Tree is growing on medium heavy dark clay, shallow soil on mudstone, 53°N, 200m elevation #apples #malus #allotment #sheffield #uk
Show threadThe Crafty MissNov 7
@hicksy2 I really need to learn to graft, especially top-grafting so I can add a new variety to my established tree
Show threadhicksy2Nov 7
@TheDonsieLass Not that much to it. I grafted a tree with my dad when I was 13 or so. From late January onwards, cut scions off the tree you want to graft from. Long, straight sticks, 5mm or so wide. Cut a bit off the rootstock that is about the same thickness. Cut the scion to a point with a sharp knife. Cut a groove into the rootstock and split. Fit Scion into groove, try and get as much cambium-cambium contact as possible. Cover with putty/tape. Grafts often don't leaf out until early June.
Show threadhicksy2Dec 1
Apple notes part 2. The disappointing apple that I won't be bothering to graft unless anyone gets on at me to do it. This was too sharp to eat when harvested. Fruits 8-10cm across. Green and red with some russeting. Texture after two months' storage was OK, bit like Egremont Russet. Flavour has just not really developed. Not bad but there's definitely better apples available.
Show threadhicksy2Dec 1
Apples from apple notes one look like they are in the 'front right tub'. I will put them in the ground in the next few weeks.
Show threadhicksy2Dec 1
Apple notes part 3. The one that's good in storage. It is sharp, in a good way. Crisp texture after two months' storage. Feels like there's more storing left if wanted or needed. I forgot to take a picture before I started eating it. Really good yield, acceptable flavour, excellent storage. Edit good, verging on excellent flavour. I have grafted this (back left tub); will plant in next few weeks. Sorry for monotony, rain and no umbrella or I'd go for a walk to break up ennui. #malus #apple #Pome