Apple (Malus) Herefordshire Russet® M27

A modern russet with an excellent Cox-like flavour, 'Herefordshire Russet' is bred from 'Cox' and 'Golden Delicious' (or 'Idared', depending on source) and has quickly become a favourite for anyone who loves that classic nutty, aromatic taste. Grafted onto the extremely dwarfing M27 rootstock, it makes a very compact tree reaching only around 1.5–2m in height and spread — perfect for a large patio container or the smallest of gardens.

Pale pink blossom appears in May, followed by golden, extensively russeted fruit with crisp, juicy cream flesh and a rich, sweet, nutty flavour. Harvest in October, with the fruit storing well through to Christmas or into January.

'Herefordshire Russet' is partially self-fertile and will produce a decent crop alone, though it fruits best with a pollination partner in the same period (Group 3) or an adjacent group (2 or 4). Because M27 is so dwarfing, trees will need permanent staking and benefit from a little extra care with feeding and watering, especially if grown in a pot, but in return you get an early, manageable cropper ideally suited to patio growing.

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil, and prune each winter to maintain an open, productive shape. As with all apple varieties, the pips contain small amounts of naturally occurring toxins, so they're best removed if the fruit is being used for cooking with children in mind.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch. Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.