Apple (Malus) Bramley's Seedling — Bush, 12L Container, MM106

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 the condition that the apple carry his name. More than two centuries on, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. The large, flattish green apples are often flushed with red on the sunny side, and their sharp flesh cooks down to the light, golden, fluffy purée that traditional English recipes call for. It is the classic choice for crumbles, pies, sauces and chutneys. Pick the fruit in October and store it somewhere cool, and it will keep until March.

This bush tree has a short trunk and an open, branching crown. It is grafted onto the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock. Bramley is a naturally vigorous variety, so expect a mature height of around 4–5m with a similar spread, although regular winter pruning keeps it smaller. It is best suited to a larger garden, paddock or orchard. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, allowing around 4.5m 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 is a partial tip-bearer, carrying some fruit at the ends of the previous year's shoots, so when winter pruning, leave some of the shorter shoots unshortened to avoid removing 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.