Cordon Apple Trees

Are you longing to grow your own apples but worried about limited space? Cordon apple trees, also referred to as columnar apple trees, are the ideal solution for gardeners with restricted areas or those seeking a more manageable fruit-growing experience.

Cordon apple trees are specially trained to grow vertically, producing fruit on short branches along a single stem. This unique growing method allows you to cultivate multiple varieties in a fraction of the space required for traditional apple trees. Imagine harvesting a diverse selection of crisp, juicy apples from your own garden, even if you only have a small patio or balcony.

One of the best loved fruits, apples are probably the easiest tree fruits to grow and are very popular with gardeners. In the shops we only tend to see a handful of varieties, yet there are literally thousands of known cultivars, each having their own characteristics. We have very carefully selected what we believe to be a diverse range of varieties to suit all tastes and even the most challenging growing conditions - some are recent introductions and some are much loved gems from our heritage.

Our cordon apple trees are grafted onto M26 semi-dwarfing rootstock, which will produce a tree that is easy to grow, easy to control and easy to pick. Cordons should be restricted to 1.8-2.4m (6-8ft) in height and can be spaced 60cm (2ft) apart. To ensure rapid establishment, cordon apple trees are supplied bare-rooted and will be approximately 1-1.2m (3-4ft) tall on despatch (including the roots). Trees are available from late November to late April.

The benefits of cordon apple trees

• Space-saving: Perfect for small gardens, allotments or even containers.
• Easy maintenance: Pruning and harvesting are simpler due to the compact form.
• Large choice of varieties: Plant several different apple types in a limited area.

At Pomona Fruits, we offer a wide selection of cordon apple trees, including the classic English dessert apple ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ (self-fertile) and more modern disease-resistant alternatives such as ‘Fiesta’. Our range of cordon apple trees features both dessert and cooking apples, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste and culinary need.

Caring for your cordon apple tree

• Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
• Support: Use a sturdy stake or grow on wires against a wall or fence.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the columnar form and encourage fruit production.
• Watering and feeding: Consistent care will ensure healthy growth and bountiful harvests.

For those new to fruit growing, cordon apple trees offer an excellent introduction to the rewarding world of home orchards. Their compact size makes them less daunting to manage than full-sized trees, while still providing the satisfaction of growing your own delicious apples.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to maximise your growing space or a novice eager to try your hand at fruit cultivation, cordon apple trees are an excellent choice. Browse our selection today and take the first step towards enjoying home-grown apples from your very own columnar apple trees.

With proper care, your cordon apple trees will provide years of bountiful harvests, transforming even the smallest outdoor space into a productive mini-orchard. Embrace the joy of growing your own fruit and savour the unparalleled taste of apples picked fresh from your garden.

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).