Growing Apple Trees?

[russandkaty]

I have a friend nearby who has a fantastic apple tree in his garden. The apples that grow on it are exactly the same as the Golden Delicious ones that can be bought from any supermarket, but much more tasty and fresher. How can I take a cutting from or grow a tree to produce the same sort of apples?

[Lonnie]

Not sure if this'll help, my wife has two Apple Trees growing in pots, all she did was put the seeds in some Multi-Purpose compost, and they grew. Give it a try, you never know.

[heathfield]

The problem with Lonnie's answer is that apples are notorious for not breeding true to type. And apple trees are exceptionally difficult to grow from mere cuttings. If you want to ensure the same variety of apple, it's best done by grafting onto an existing tree or root, or by 'rootstocking'. The latter involves producing new roots, by either pegging a branch to the ground, or using the trunk, and piling e.g., damp sawdust around it. New roots form and then, only when the tree is fully dormant in winter, they're cut off and planted on.

[russandkaty]

Thanks both. Much appreciated. I'll have a crack at it and let you know in 5 or 6 years time!!