Thompson & Morgan Apple Spartan - 1 BR Tree

Not Available Thompson & Morgan Apple Spartan - 1 BR Tree

A juicy, refreshingly sweet apple that is instantly recognisable by its deep maroon colour. Apple ...

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This guide is for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive apple tree for their collection. The Thompson & Morgan Apple Spartan offers juicy, refreshingly sweet apples with a distinctive deep maroon color, acting as an excellent pollinator for other apple varieties. A slight caveat is its later ripening time, which can require patience, but also allows for a spread-out harvest. Key features include its striking fruit color, pollinating benefits, and suitability for home orchards.

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Model Part Number	71127
Brand	Thompson & Morgan

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FAQs

When is the best time to plant the Apple Spartan tree?

Bare root trees like the Apple Spartan are typically planted during the dormant season, from late autumn through to early spring, when the ground is not frozen.

How close should I plant a pollinator tree?

For optimal cross-pollination, plant compatible apple trees within 10-15 meters (approximately 30-50 feet) of each other.

What does 'partially self-fertile' mean for an apple tree?

It means the tree can produce a small crop of fruit on its own, but will yield significantly more and better-quality fruit when cross-pollinated by another compatible apple variety.

How long does it take for this apple tree to bear fruit?

Fruit production can vary, but apple trees typically start bearing fruit 2-5 years after planting, depending on growing conditions and care.

Can I grow this tree in a pot?

While possible for young trees, apple trees generally prefer to be planted in the ground for best development. If potting, choose a very large container and ensure excellent drainage.

What kind of soil is best for the Spartan apple tree?

Apple trees thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.

How do I know when the Spartan apples are ready to harvest?

These apples ripen later in the season. They are ready to harvest when they have developed their full deep maroon color and can be gently twisted from the branch. They can often hang for two weeks or more, allowing flexibility.

Troubleshooting

Tree fails to establish after planting

Ensure the tree was planted at the correct soil level, is well-watered, and has adequate drainage. Check that the stake is secure and the tree tie is not too tight.

Poor fruit set or no fruit production

Verify that a compatible pollinator tree is nearby and flowering at the same time. Check for adequate sunlight and ensure the tree is receiving sufficient water and nutrients.

Excessive weed growth around the base

Maintain a clear radius of at least 30cm around the trunk. Use mulch to suppress weeds but avoid piling it against the stem.

Branches growing in unwanted directions

Follow the recommended pruning guidelines to shape the tree, removing crossing or inward-growing branches to promote an open structure.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Produces attractive and delicious deep maroon apples.
Serves as a valuable pollinator for other apple trees.
Flexible harvesting window due to later ripening.
Partially self-fertile, offering some yield even with limited cross-pollination.
Bare root format allows for direct planting.

Cons

Ripens later in the season, requiring patience for harvest.
For heaviest crops, requires a compatible pollinator tree nearby or a neighbor's tree.
May require initial pruning upon planting and annual winter pruning for the first few years.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

**Planting:

Site Selection: Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil.
Soil Preparation: Before planting, incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole.
Staking: Drive a stake into the ground *before* planting to avoid damaging the root ball later. Plant the tree at its original soil level and secure it to the stake with a tree tie.
Weed Control: Keep the area within a 30cm radius of the tree's base clear of weeds and grass to prevent competition.
Mulching: In spring, apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost around the base, avoiding contact with the stem.
Watering: Water well after planting and during dry periods.

Pruning:

Initial Pruning: Immediately after planting, remove the central stem just above the highest side branch.
Years 1-3: In winter, prune the tips of the remaining branches by one-third. Aim to establish about six main scaffold branches.
From Year 4: Prune out some sub-branches at their union with the main branch to encourage new growth and renewal.

Compatibility:

This variety is partially self-fertile. For best results, plant alongside other compatible apple varieties such as 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Bramley', or 'Worcester Pearmain' to ensure good cross-pollination.
If planting only one tree, ensure a suitable pollinator exists nearby (e.g., in a neighbor's garden).