Frank P Matthews
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A tree that has been grown in the field and then lifted out of the ground when dormant. Available from November to March. The roots are more open and the direct contact with the soil encourages them to settle in and establish more readily.
These are 2yr old trees that have been grown 1yr in the field and the second in a pot. Container trees can be planted at any time of the year but establish best when planted during the autumn and need to be watered well during the first summer.
Cider apple trees are grown for the qualities of their juicing. The fruits are rich in tannins which adds bitterness and sugars which encourages fermentation. The cider apple varieties that we grow are divided into four groups for their characteristics of their juice with a mixture of sweet, sharp, bittersweet and bittersharp.
Most traditional cider apple trees are late to crop and are ready from mid October onwards, there is a new generation of ‘girl’ cider apples (Fiona, Gilly etc) which crop earlier in September. These varieties were bred at Long Ashton Research Centre. We supply cider apples on a range of rootstocks from medium vigour to very vigorous.
Pruning can take place any time of the year. Structural pruning should be done in the winter, and light pruning and shaping in the summer to encourage more flower and fruit for the following year.
Why grow your own apple trees for cider? For anyone looking to grow their own apple cider trees in the UK, our selection of traditional and modern cider apple varieties offers something for every orchard. These fruit trees are specifically chosen for their reliable cropping, strong disease resistance, and high-quality juice production, whether you prefer sweet, sharp, bittersweet, or blended styles. Many growers choose classics such as Brown’s Apple, a dependable variety that produces excellent medium-dry cider with balanced tannins. Planted in suitable soil and given enough space for their natural spread, these trees establish well and remain easy to manage throughout the year. They are ideal for anyone making cider at home, from small-scale planting to developing a more established orchard.
As the apples begin to ripen from early September into mid October, most trees enter their peak harvest period, although some late-season varieties remain on the tree into November. Good pollination, usually achieved by choosing varieties within the correct pollination group, ensures a reliable crop of medium-sized apples that are perfect for pressing into apple juice or fermenting into cider. Structural care remains important: winter pruning keeps the trees healthy while summer shaping encourages stronger flowering and fruiting. Whether planted directly into the ground or grown in a large pot, our cider apple trees on medium to very vigorous rootstocks offer a dependable choice for anyone seeking hardy, UK-grown fruit trees that are used for cider and easy to grow.
Apple Cider
Late bittersweet cider apple. A sport of Dabinett but slightly more vigorous, picking later with a dark purple flesh.
A useful early, sharp cider that can also be used for cooking. Picks in early September
The most reliable cider variety. Has a bittersweet juice that produces a high-quality, medium-dry cider on it's own.
Mid to late season with soft creamy white flesh and a subacid, slightly sweet flavour.
Mild bittersharp cider apple. Produces regular crops of large yellow fruit with a pink flush. A compact tree.
An old cider variety with a freckled and russetted appearance. Sharp taste, very juicy flesh.
Dark red fruit produces a full bitter-sweet taste with a soft astringency. A regular, reliable cropper.
Large, green/yellow with freckled russet. Produces a light, fruit cider. Can be eaten fresh with a sweet, tangy taste.
Vintage, bitter-sharp cider apple. Dark red skin and creamy flesh. Disease resistant, vigorous grower.
Traditional bittersweet apple making one of the best quality ciders, can be biennial. Attractive shiny red apples.
Golden flushed with crimson flecks and pale lenticels. Juice has robust astringency, sweet and low acid.
Deep red fruit produces sweet astringent juice, high in tannin. Full bitter sweet cider. Crops well, can be biennial.