Click here to view our 2008 -2009 Fruit Catalogue or Download PDF version (Acrobat Reader required)

At Crown Nursery we are passionate about growing fruit and are really proud to have established the reputation of being one of the countries most renowned fruit tree growers.

Our fantastic collection spans in excess of 200 varieties of apple trees in addition to a comprehensive range of Pears, Plums, Cherries, Damsons, Gages, Medlars, Quince and Mulberries.

If you are local, fancy a really fun & informative day out come to our annual Apple Day Celebration

Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help or advice, as we have said we really are passionate about our fruit trees and will be delighted to share this with you.

We now also stock a large range of Cider Apple and Perry Pear trees

Please ask for details

Things to consider

Fruit tree forms & prices

Demand for and interest in homegrown fruit has increased greatly in recent years. This is perhaps due to:

• Increased awareness of the benefits and importance of fresh fruit in our diets for health, fitness and longevity;
• Concern over the use of chemicals and treatments by commercial growers;
• Appreciation and satisfaction of the improved flavour of freshly gathered fruit;
• Interest in older and less common varieties, not available from shops. Often these varieties do not exhibit the qualities required for transportation, shelf life, cosmetic attraction, productivity, but never the less grow well and taste good.

There is nothing better than fruit ripened naturally, hand picked and freshly eaten. You know how it has been grown, what has been put on it and how long it has been off the plant.

We look forward to being able to supply you.

Why not try one of our new Orchard Collections

Please do ask! If there is something special you are looking for which is not listed, please let us know, as we may be able to find it for you or may have it growing in small numbers Advice on selection, planting and aftercare is available. Call 01394 460755, fax 01394 460142 or email enquiries@crown-nursery.co.uk

1 year Maiden – Young trees in their first year of life, which have had no formative pruning. Usually single stem, with little or no side branching. Ideal for training into cordons, fans, espaliers, step-overs and other trained forms or into the more usual bush, ½ standard or standard trees. It is important to select the correct rootstock for your project. Advice available if required - 'Formative Pruning for Maiden Fruit Trees'   Apples from £16.00   2 year Maiden – Young tree in its second year of life, which has some side branching (feathers) it may have had some initial pruning to encourage the development of these side branches. Ideal for training into bushes, ½ standard and standard trees. It is important to select the correct rootstock for your project. Advice available if required. Apples from £20.50 Pears, Cherries, Plums & Gages from £24.00 3 to 4 year old trees – these may be: · a bush tree – usually with a clear stem of 2-2.5ft; · a ½ standard tree – clear stem of approximately 3.5/4ft · a standard tree – clear stem of 4.5/5ft Most formative pruning has been completed on these trees – which should have a good open goblet shape. Apples from £26.00 Pears, Cherries, Plums & Gages from £28.00 Trained/Shaped Fruit – in the following forms as available from £36.00 please enquire on availability Espalier– Arms grown horizontally i.e. parallel to the ground. May be 1, 2, 3 or more tiers. Usually used for apples and pears. From £48.00 Step – A single tiered espalier, good for apples and pears. Excellent for edging paths & beds From £36.00 Fan – Tree is trained as a ‘fan’ – usually used for plums, gages, pears and cherries. From £48.00 'S' shaped trees – A continental and commercial form of training which good for apples. Exciting architectural shape and good crops! From £48.00 Cordon – A single stem on which short side ‘spurs’ carry the fruit. Useful for most fruit. A good way of achieving may varieties in a small space. From £28.00   Back to top THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PLANTING FRUIT TREES OR BUSHES:  1. Most parts of the British Isles can grow some kind of fruit; difficult areas include: Areas of high rainfall (over 40" or 1016mm per year) due to the increased disease incidence related to wet conditions Harsh coastal strips Altitudes of over 400ft (120m) Very exposed sites Extremely acid or alkaline soils  Some apples are especially suitable for the north of the country, these are: · Charles Ross · Grenadier · Howgate Wonder · Jupiter · Lane's Prince Albert · Laxton's Superb · Lord Derby · Merton Worcester · Newton Wonder · Ribston Pippin · Suntan

2. Soils Most fruits are tolerant of a wide range of soils, provided they are of a good depth 18/24”(45/60cm) and well drained and ideally with a Ph range of 6.5-6.7 although this is not essential.  3. Site Choose the sunniest possible site. Sun is needed to promote the ripening of the wood, which is essential for fruit and bud development. Provide shelter from strong winds, which can distort and damage growth, flowers and fruit and inhibit insect pollination. Avoid frost pockets and sites of old apple trees.  4. Protection Consider how you will protect your plants from rabbits, deer and squirrels and your fruit and buds from birds.  5. Pollination Most top fruit trees - eg apples, pears, plums, etc. need to be planted with a 'pollinator' to ensure a good fruit crop. See the individual fruit sections for full details and further information.  6. Organic Growing Techniques 'Tips for Organic Fruit Tree Management' 7. Careful handling, planting and after of your chosen few plants are all essential Please read and follow carefully our '10 Steps to Successful Planting and Establishment of your new plants' 8. Trained Fruit Trees We recommend the RHS Books on providing and training for guidance on fruit training. A shortened summary for fan training and Espalier training is available here. Pruning Fan Fruit Trees Pruning Espalier Fruit Trees or why not join one of our short courses. BACK TO TOP