Bardsey apple trees

Malus domestica

Bardsey is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

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Picking season: Mid
Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowering group: 2

The Bardsey apple is named after the island of Bardsey, off the coast of Wales, where it was discovered in 1998. It is a pretty apple with a pleasant flavour with some acidity, and a fairly crisp texture. The apples ripen in late August / early September, and can also be juiced, and they will cook down to a sweet puree.

The island of Bardsey has a cool, mild, maritime climate - which is a good environment for fungal infections, but the Bardsey apple seems to be very disease-resistant. It is therefore a good choice for wet climates of north and north-west Europe. Anecdotal evidence from growers outside the UK suggests it is also tolerant of sub-zero winter temperatures, as well as summer heat and drought stress.

Bardsey organic apple trees for sale

1 yeartree on M9 rootstock26.50€
Small tree (1.5m-2.5m after 10 years) Bare-root
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History

The original Bardsey tree was found growing wild on the island of Bardsey off the coast of Wales in 1998. It was subsequently popularised by local nurseryman Ian Sturrock, and identified as a unique new variety by experts at the UK National Fruit Collection. It is sometimes also known as Merlin's apple, since the wizard of Arthurian legend is said to be buried on the island - although of course many other sites also make this claim. More information about the discovery of this variety and its cultivation can be found on the Bardsey website.