strange apple tree

[gdb]

i'm fairly new to apple trees, so there might be an easy answer to this...

one of my apple trees produces two different sorts of apple.

and both at the same time.

is it normal for a tree to do this? and what might it be?

(one lot are just like cricket-balls in appearance and crisp and juicy to eat. the other lot are also v tasty, but these are a soft apple and only have a dash of red amongst their pale green skin).

[Green Aura]

Looks like you've got yourself a family tree!

I'm serious.

They graft 2 different types of apple, pear, plum or cherry onto 1, usually dwarfing, rootstock. They're done for small gardens that don't have room for 2-3 different types as most apples need a different, but similar, type to pollinate.

If you bought and planted them yourself you got a bargain, they're usually more expensive than the singles.
So enjoy

[gdb]

aha! thanks for that.

never heard of those before.

in this case its been planted on 3 acres of garden - no small plot - i just bought the place this year and am only now discovering what is on here. at the last count we have at least 11 apple trees, most seem to be different varieties. but none as tasty or as unusual as this family tree.

has anyone else one of these? what types/varieties might be combined like this i wonder? hmm.. must have a look around on t'net.

[Turf cutter man]

They tend to combine cross pollinators together( varieties that pollinate each other) They are really aimed at people with a small garden who can't fit in many trees.

Most (if not all) apples need a cross pollinators when you buy a tree there is a list of the cp's on the label.

[gdb]

thanks for that.

i see youre in the haute-vienne - thats where i had a place. a lovely part of the world. but not much work unless you're a builder!

(the photo looks hard work by the way!)

[Turf cutter man]

been in the haute viene a couple of years ...doing major renovation work as well as growing as much fruyit an veg as we can.

we are both veggie and are planning a veggie b and b.

did you live here or have a holiday place?

Where were you? we are near Bellac.

[gdb]

salut!

yes, i wasnt far from bellac. i had a house and barn near to lake pardoux. so just about 20 mins drive or so from bellac. i lived there full time. but i sold up last year and now i'm in sweden. though i do get back to france and the limousin from time to time. it's such a lovely looking place.

renovation: ouch, i dont envy you. i renovated my place pretty much by myself and i know what a struggle that can be at times! some days you just want to chuck it all in and/or beat your partner to death. (mind you but i got pretty good at repointing by the end of it....!).


bon chance!