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Grow heritage apples

Why restrict yourself to eating the same old supermarket apples when you can grow something more unusual? There are apple trees to suit all types of garden and with a bit of research you can find a variety that has a strong connection to your local area or dates back hundreds of years. Just because a variety is old, it does not have to be hard to grow. Some old varieties like ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’ (1700) or ‘Dummellor’s Seedling’ (1819) have the RHS Award of Garden Merit – so you know they are plants that perform. You will be helping to make sure that your chosen variety survives for future generations to enjoy.

Image: Apple varieties from ‘Pyrus malus Brentfordiensis’, 1831

  Advice on heritage apples

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Taste and buy heritage apples

Community orchards often run open days where you can try a wide variety of apples. Your local farmers' market may feature an apple supplier or stall selling locally-produced apple juice or cider. By seeking out and buying local varieties, you help to create demand that keeps suppliers growing them. Don’t forget to check out our RHS events calendars for apple tasting opportunities like RHS Garden Wisley’s famous Taste of Autumn event.

  Apple events