Apple (Malus) Blenheim Orange — Half-Standard, 12L Container, MM106

Blenheim Orange is one of the great English heritage apples. It was found growing in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, around 1740 and named after nearby Blenheim Palace. Nearly three centuries on, it is still widely regarded as one of the finest dual-purpose apples. The large golden fruits are flushed orange-red and lightly russeted, with creamy, crumbly flesh and a rich, distinctly nutty flavour. They are delicious fresh and hold their shape beautifully in pies and tarts. The apples are ready to pick from early October and store well into winter.

This half-standard tree is grafted onto the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock and has a clear stem beneath the crown, giving it the classic look of a traditional orchard tree. It will reach roughly 3.5–4.5m if left unpruned but can be kept smaller with regular pruning, so it is best suited to a medium or large garden, a paddock or a small orchard. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, away from frost pockets, in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Stake securely for the first few years while the roots establish. MM106 trees typically begin fruiting after three or four years. Blenheim Orange has a tendency to crop more heavily in alternate years, so thinning the fruit in a heavy year helps even this out.

Blenheim Orange is a triploid, which means it cannot pollinate itself or other apples. For a good crop it needs two other compatible apple trees nearby that can also pollinate each other, such as Discovery, James Grieve or Cox's Orange Pippin. In most built-up areas, neighbouring gardens often provide this. The tree is vigorous, very hardy and has good resistance to mildew, which makes it a dependable choice for cooler, wetter gardens.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.