Cider apples are not usually edible but are grown for the qualities of their juice and tend to be rich in tannins and sugars. The tannins adds bitterness to the cider and the sugar encourages fermentation, giving rise to strength. Cider apples can be divided into four groups based on the characteristics of the juice they produce.
- Sweets are low in both acidity and tannins.
- Sharps are high in acidity and low in tannins.
- Bittersweets are low in acidity and high in tannins.
- Bittersharps are high in both acidity and tannins.
Only a few varieties make a good cider on their own so cider is usually blended from several different varieties to give the best results.
We offer a range of traditional cider apples grafted onto MM106 semi vigorous rootstock. Trees will reach a maximum height and spread of 3-4m (10-13ft). Unless otherwise stated, cider apples are supplied as two year old bare root trees and will be 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) high on despatch (including the roots). If you require one year old maiden trees for training as an espalier or fan, please advise us when ordering. Trees are available from late November to late April.
Don't forget to include tree stakes and ties on your order. All young fruit trees require staking and for better establishment we strongly advise using Rootgrow when planting (as recommended in RHS planting guidelines).
Carriage & packing charges
Our standard delivery charge to mainland UK is £9.95. Some items (where stated) are p&p inclusive. If you are only ordering items that are p&p inclusive, the standard delivery charge does not apply.
Some deliveries to the Scottish Islands, parts of Scotland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Scily Isles may incur surcharges. If a surcharge is applicable, you may not be able to complete your order online. Please telephone us on 01255 440410 for a delivery quotation.
We regret that due to Brexit we are no longer able to deliver to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Despatch Dates
Fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, ornamental trees & hedging (bare root)
Fruit trees & soft fruit bushes (pot grown)
Cell Grown Raspberries
Cell grown raspberries are available from mid/late May to late July and will usually be despatched within 14 days.
Strawberry plants (Runners)
Vegetable Plants
Vegetable plants are available from mid May to late July. As a very rough guide, plants ordered before the end of April will usually be despatched by late May. Plants ordered after May will usually be despatched by early June.
Asparagus crowns
Asparagus crowns will be despatched from April to late May. Orders placed during this period will be despatched within 28 days.
Hardware
Biological Controls (Natural Predators) & Bumblebee Hives
Natural Predators and Bumble Bee hives are only despatched at the appropriate time of year (see product description for detailed information). When “in season” they are despatched direct from our supplier in batches on a weekly basis - we send orders to our supplier 12pm Tuesday and they despatch these orders Wednesday the following week. Natural Predators are sent by first class post, bumblebee hives are sent by carrier.