M26 - Is it a good idea?

[Garden_Chris]

*First and foremost, I must stress that the way I'm purchasing it is through vouchers, only redeemable at one shop. So I can't use the internet to shop around.*

I'm in the process of convincing myself to purchase a Cox's Orange Pippin on M26 rootstock. I've got two major issues that're making me think negatively.

• The fact it's on M26
• The fact it's Cox's Orange Pippin

I feel bad because, I know that 'COP' are more likely to suffer from diseases, but I've been told time and time again they grow the tastiest apples, and I'm desperate to grow my own - but I feel as if the tree wont live up to my expectations, due to the likelihood of it becoming riddled with diseases. So part of me thinks - will it be "money" well spent, or will it be something I'm gutted about?

The fact it's on M26, well, as FB. has said to me in the past: Do you want it to be a pet, or a servant? I'm torn down the middle. What's your guys experiences with M26? Good, bad, never-touch-with-a-barge-pole?

I'll look forward to any responses!

[northepaul]

Dont they have any other trees but Cox then?

I have nearly all M26 rootstock, (I have one on MM106 but its in a tricky place and needed to be slightly more vigorous) I didnt want trees that I would have to climb massive ladders to pick the fruit from. I also have heard its a good all round rootstock.

I have no reason to doubt this yet, but would be interested to hear if someone does have a serious problem with them....

Is there a particular reason why you're dubious about M26?

[Two_Sheds]

A little bit of FB's wisdom re M26: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ase_61783.html

and here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_54141.html

and general advice on growing COP here: Information and picture of Cox's Orange Pippin apple (basically you're in for a hard time)

[Two_Sheds]

I'm in the process of convincing myself to purchase a Cox's Orange Pippin on M26 rootstock.

Now, you're only getting it because you have a voucher, right? If you were paying cash, you'd buy something else wouldn't you?

If it were me, I'd gift that voucher to someone else. They're giving these trees away because they're no good, lol.

[FB.]

Cox's is a very difficult variety to keep healthy and is also prone to all kinds of fruit disorders related to nutrient uptake. Cox hates acidic soil and actually prefers a slightly higher pH than most apples; between 6.75-7.25.
If you go for a Cox, get clued-up on how to deal with canker, scab, mildew, bitter pit.
Additionally, Cox is not thought to do as well when grafted onto M26; there appears to be some kind of mild incompatibility between scion and rootstock.

Personally, I would rather go without - or buy a more disease-resistant variety.

[Garden_Chris]

Right, sorry for the late reply, I've just been a little busy going around garden centres and collecting information. I got off the phone from the shop the voucher was issued from and I've been informed that the shop is a 'sister' of several others sharing the same voucher deal, so I'm clear to use it at those too. So after driving around I've jotted down a list of my preferred varieties and the rootstock they're available in.

I would also like to note that I'm on a 'clay-ish' soil about 2ft down, and as I like all the below varieties, I'm just after one that'll flourish (or do well in) the conditions stated above.

M26 & M27 Rootstock:

James Grieves
Discovery
Katy
Golden Delicious
Bramley
Cox's Orange Pippin
Lord Lambourne
Family tree: Cox's Orange Pippin, Bramley, James Grieves

That's what I have to choose from - please help me choose!
Thanks

[FB.]

I'd only go for M26 rootstock, although the very vigorous Bramley might be OK on M27.

In order of preference from an easy-growing, no-chemicals point of view, with expected mature height/spread in 10-15 years on a reasonably good soil:

Discovery M26 about 1.75 metres.
Katy M26 about 2 metres.
Bramley M26 about 2.5 metres, usually slow to start fruiting.
James Grieve M26 about 2 metres.
Lord Lambourne M26 about 1.75 metres.
Golden Delicious M26 about 2 metres, sometimes slow to start fruiting, may not ripen in some parts of the UK.

If I had to shortlist just a couple:
Discovery M26 or Katy M26.

If I had to pick just one, based on my experiences in my area:
Discovery M26.

[northepaul]

Discovery - lovely apples - gorgeous flavour and often pink fleshed too!! They're (although Asmeads Kernel is fantastic for flavour) my favourite eating apples.

Although not good keepers. If you enjoy eating apples then you're in for a treat!

[Garden_Chris]

What flowering period are they? I was thinking, would it be able to pollinate my redlove apple tree?

[northepaul]

Discovery is pollination group 3 - no idea about Redlove.

[FB.]

What flowering period are they? I was thinking, would it be able to pollinate my redlove apple tree?

Discovery is early to middle flowering period. I am told that Redlove is middle. They should cross-pollinate.
Discovery is usually a very fertile pollinator for apple trees which flower at the same time or slightly after.

Nearby apple trees - including crab apples - in neighbouring streets should help with pollination, even if yours don't cross-pollinate or are somehow incompatible (some varieties won't pollinate certian other varieties - especially if closely related).
Bear in mind that very young trees often refuse to fruit even if well-pollinated, so don't despair if no fruit in the early years.
Also note that good pollination usually occurs when there is a worthwhile load of pollen for a bee to harvest. A hive of bees is not going to fly half a mile to visit half a dozen blossom clusters on a young tree; the bees will want to bulk-harvest pollen and nectar from mature trees which are laden with blossom.

[Snadger]

Well i'm not too struck om motorways either but...................Ohhhhh.........THAT M26!!!!!!!

[Loudbarker1]

James Grieve for me: it's a most delicious apple, and can (according to some) be used as a cooker as well. It's pretty delicate, so must be handled/stored with great care.

[HeyWayne]

Well i'm not too struck om motorways either but...................Ohhhhh.........THAT M26!!!!!!!

Not just me then...

[June]

Why not get a family tree. Mine is in it's 4th year and has more apples every year.