Apple (Malus) Bramley 20 — Bush, 12L Container, M26

Bramley is Britain's favourite cooking apple, and Bramley 20 brings everything that makes it special to gardens with less space to spare. It was developed in Bristol in the 1970s as a compact clone of the classic Bramley's Seedling. It is around 20% less vigorous than its parent, yet it produces heavier crops. The large, flattish green apples are often flushed red or orange on the sunny side. Their sharp, greenish-white flesh cooks down to a rich, cream-coloured purée, which is perfect for crumbles, sauces and traditional apple pie. The fruit is ready to pick in mid-October and keeps until March if stored somewhere cool.

This bush tree has a short trunk and an open, branching crown. It is grafted onto the semi-dwarfing M26 rootstock. Bramleys remain naturally vigorous, so expect a mature height of around 3–4m, though regular winter pruning will keep it smaller. It is well suited to an average-sized garden. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, allowing around 3m between trees. Bramleys cope well with heavier clay soils. M26 is less firmly anchored than more vigorous rootstocks, so stake the tree securely and keep the stake in place on exposed sites. Water well during dry spells while the tree establishes.

Bramley 20 is a partial tip-bearer, carrying some fruit at the ends of the previous year's shoots. When winter pruning, leave some of the shorter shoots unshortened so you don't remove next year's crop.

Bramley 20 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 and James Grieve. In most built-up areas, neighbouring gardens often provide this.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.