[artalis]

Hi all,
Recently I bought a miniature apple tree which is a Coronet, "Falstaff." Although it was labelled self-fertile, I learnt that it would do better with a pollinating partner.

So, because I didn't have transport, I bought a compatible Coronet family tree, via th internet from a reputable garden centre. It has two apple types-Elstar and James Grieve. Both of these are suitable pollinators, so I was advised.On arrival I noticed that it was a fair bit taller than the first tree, although according to the label it is 4 yrs old, like the other one.

However, it has no flowers and only a few small developing apples near the base. There is alot of leafy foliage and branches but no flowers. I read that Coronets are slow growing and need little pruning.....but this seems like a case where the leafy
laterals etc should be pruned a fair bit?

Any advice? I haven't grown apple trees before and there is little info. around about caring for or pruning Coronets.

artalis

[michael brenock]

The time for blossom is long gone march/April. The tree is putting it's energy into wood and growth buds for next season. best pruning guide is to cut back not more than one third of the growth it will have made by the end of August. if there are lots of small shoots rather than one or two long shoots then leave it unpruned. for fruit to be produced there must be blossom, then pollination (self or cross) then fruit development. Adverse weather conditions can reduce or wipe out completely a crop of apples.
Summer pruning now by pinching out the top inch of growth encourages fruit spurs to form but not if the shoot growth is too vigorous.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[artalis]

Hi Michael,
Thanks for your helpful pruning advice. I am guessing this small tree is a vigorous grower because it has alot of strong looking branches, that point upwardly at a sharpish angle. This year's growth is quite marked on the main branches. It looks alot stronger than the Falstaff, which is smaller, with fewer and narrower branches. Yet the Falstaff has a great healthy crop of developing apples, that somehow managed to survive the gales last weekend.

Would you please take a look and give me your opinion if I post a photo of the Elstar/J.Grieve tree tomorrow? Just home from work this evening and gonna relax until heading off again in the afternoon, so no photo tonight.


artalis

[artalis]

Hi Michael,
Here are a couple of pics. of the Coronet, Elstar/J. Grieve . I would be interested to hear if you think it is a vigorous grower or not, thanks.

artalis

[artalis]

Pic. 2 of Elstar/J.Grieve
showing new growth. Is this dwarf tree a vigorous grower or not anyone?