Apple (Malus) Bountiful — Bush, 12L Container, MM106

Bountiful lives up to its name. It is a reliable, heavy-cropping cooking apple that gives generous yields from a naturally compact tree, which makes it an ideal choice if you want homegrown cookers but don't have room for a Bramley. It was raised at East Malling Research Station in Kent in 1964, most likely from Cox's Orange Pippin crossed with Lane's Prince Albert. The large, pale green fruits are striped with orange-red and have sweet, juicy flesh that holds its shape well when cooked. That makes them perfect for neatly sliced tarts and pie toppings, and they need less sugar than sharper cookers. The apples are ready to pick in late September. Left to mellow in store, they lose their sharpness and can be enjoyed fresh as a crisp eating apple through to November.

This bush tree has a short trunk of around 60cm and an open, branching crown. It is grafted onto the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock and typically reaches 3–4m tall and wide at maturity, though regular winter pruning keeps it smaller. It suits a medium-sized garden or a small orchard. Plant in full sun in any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, allowing around 3.5m between trees. MM106 copes well with a wide range of soils, including heavier ground. Stake securely for the first few years while the roots establish, and water well during dry spells in the first couple of summers. Trees on MM106 usually begin fruiting after three or four years.

Bountiful is hardy and has good resistance to mildew. It is not self-fertile, so plant it near another apple from a compatible pollination group, such as Discovery, James Grieve or Egremont Russet. In most built-up areas, neighbouring trees will also help with pollination.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.