Apple (Malus) Laxton's Superb M26

Bred by the Laxton Brothers in Bedford in 1897 from parentage including 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Laxton's Superb' is a much-loved heritage variety with a rich, aromatic flavour reminiscent of its famous parent. Grafted onto the semi-dwarfing M26 rootstock, it makes a compact, manageable tree reaching around 3m in height and spread, ideal for the average garden.

Pink blossom appears in April and May, followed by greenish-yellow fruit flushed and striped with red. The flesh is firm, slightly dry, and very sweet, with a lovely complex, floral bouquet. Harvest in November, with the fruit storing reasonably well.

'Laxton's Superb' is partially self-fertile and will crop reasonably alone, though it fruits better with a pollination partner in the same period (Group 4) or an adjacent group (3 or 5). It's a vigorous, heavy cropper with a tendency towards biennial bearing, so thinning the fruit in late spring or early summer helps keep both size and cropping consistency up. M26 typically needs staking for the first few years while the root system establishes, and trees usually begin cropping within a year or two.

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.