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realenglishfruit 
Hi. I have recently been given some rather large pots. I want to grow fruit trees. Can you give me a couple of names of apple trees that would suit this purpose. The pots are about 0.5 metre square at the top.
Glenn
Hi Glenn, as regards fruit trees suitable for gowing in pots, there are specific self-fertile varieties of apple, pear, plum and cherry which are suitable for growing in terra cotta pots. We supply these trees in the dormant period. The cost of these trees is £20 each, plus P&P costs (see our website http://www.realenglishfruit.co.uk).
THE MOST IMPORTANT point you have to remember is that all fruit trees grown in pots, during the growing season, will have to be watered every other day. This either by hand or by an automated watering system. Secondly the pots need to be of a minimum diameter of 50 cm, and 45 cm deep.
Anything smaller will lead to trouble. Fruit trees in pots on a patio, well cared for, can easily become 12 to 15 years old. Finally don’t forget to feed the trees twice a year with “Growmore” and if possible, foliar feed every fortnight during the summer months.
By far out the best time to plant these trees is the December/January period when the trees are fully dormant. Use a soil-based compost such as John Innes compost number 2 as the growing medium. Make sure the drainage hole or holes are loosely covered by broken bits of terra cotta pots, to stop the drainage getting blocked in later years. These trees can be left outside throughout the year.
Lastly, however heavy or big the pots are, strong winds will blow the pots over as the trees get bigger and you may finish up with your beautiful pots and trees severely damaged or in pieces. There are two ways to overcome this problem; sink the pot into the ground, or make sure the tree is tied firmly to a stake or to a wall or fence or pergola etc. This problem needs to thought out carefully, before planting. Once in a pot it is something very heavy to move about!
Thanks again,
Dan
Nice real English fruit blog, I mention Arthur Turner and his cooking apple in the family history book TURNER TREES, all the great Turner characters are in it. Cheers.