Apple (Malus) Katy MM106

Also known as 'Katja', 'Katy' is a striking early-season apple loved for its glossy, cricket-ball-red skin and reliable, heavy cropping. Grafted onto the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock, it makes a robust, well-anchored tree reaching around 4m in height and spread, suited to larger gardens or orchards.

Attractive frost-tolerant blossom appears in May, followed by yellow-green fruit that ripens to a vivid red where the sun catches it. The flesh is firm, sharply sweet, and extra juicy — while not the richest flavour eaten fresh, it makes an excellent juice with a lovely hint of strawberry. Harvest from early September, though it's best enjoyed within about a month, as it doesn't store for long.

'Katy' is self-sterile, so a pollination partner is essential — choose a variety in the same period (Group 3) or an adjacent group (2 or 4). MM106 tolerates a wide range of soils and produces a sturdy tree that generally doesn't need permanent staking once established, though it does take a little longer to come into fruit than more dwarfing rootstocks — usually 4–5 years.

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.