Chivers Apple

[goodmow]

Just after some advice on the Chivers Apple that i planted new this year.
I planted this in a large tub should i keep it here or plant it in the ground?
I understand i should prune this at the end of the season any advice on how to prune this and when i should do this?
Lastly i'm guessing that i should wait until the apples have dropped rather than pick them?

[chrisguk]

Apple - Chivers Delight - tasting notes, trees for sale, discussion of this apple variety - A bit more information and owners comments here.

Do you know what rootstock it is grown on? i.e. M27.

According to the link, it is a late season, which i think is anything from November onwards with regards to picking. The idea is to not let the fruit drop, but pick when they are ready to come away from the tree with just the slightest pull. Dropped fruit tends to be a good sign with regards to picking.

[goodmow]

It is an M9 rootstock.
Should i leave it in the tub which is 20 inches square and 2 foot deep?

[chrisguk]

The pot sounds quite a reasonable size, and provided there is regular feeding and watering i'd imagine it'd grow just fine.

Nothing quite compares to growing in the ground ,however.

[FB.]

I would think that an M9 tree won't need much pruning as they're quite slow growing and tend to rapidly start bearing fruit.
M9 roots are quite small and I would expect a 20-inch pot to be adequate for the trees entire life, although as mentioned, most plants do better in the open ground. But be aware that in the open ground, M9 needs quite good growing conditions - good soil, adequate water and not too much competition from other plants.
You don't *have* to prune each year - each tree should be assessed for the need to prune and not just for the sake of pruning. Not all of mine need pruning every year.
If you put up a picture, people might be able to suggest what pruning may be required.
Pruning will vary with the shape that you want it to grow.