Apple (Malus) Bramley's Seedling — Bush, 12L Container, M26

Bramley's Seedling is Britain's best-loved cooking apple and one of the most famous apples in the world. Its story began in 1809 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, when a young Mary Ann Brailsford planted a handful of apple pips in her family's garden. The cottage was later bought by a local butcher, Matthew Bramley. When a young nurseryman, Henry Merryweather, asked to propagate the tree in the 1850s, Bramley agreed on condition that the apple carry his name. More than two centuries on, the variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

The large, flattish green apples are often flushed with red on the sunny side. Their sharp flesh cooks down to the light, golden, fluffy purée that traditional English recipes call for, making them the classic choice for crumbles, pies, sauces and chutneys. Pick the fruit in October, and stored somewhere cool it will keep until March.

This bush tree has a short trunk and an open, branching crown. It is grafted onto the semi-dwarfing M26 rootstock, which reins in Bramley's naturally vigorous habit and makes it a more manageable size for an average garden. Expect a mature height of around 3–4m, though regular winter pruning keeps it smaller. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, allowing around 3.5m 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 it establishes.

Bramley 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's Seedling 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.