Apple (Malus) Bramley 20 — Bush, 12L Container, MM106

Bramley is Britain's favourite cooking apple, and Bramley 20 brings everything that makes it special to gardens with less room 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 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, perfect for crumbles, sauces and traditional apple pie. The fruit is ready to pick in mid-October and, stored somewhere cool, keeps until March.

This bush tree has a short trunk and an open, branching crown. It is grafted onto the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock and typically reaches around 4m tall with a spread of about 3m at maturity, though regular winter pruning keeps it smaller. It suits a medium-sized garden or a small orchard. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, allowing around 3.5–4m between trees. Bramleys cope well with heavier clay soils. Stake securely for the first few years while the roots establish, and water well during dry spells in the first couple of summers. 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.