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Bardsey apple trees

Malus domestica
Bardsey
Bardsey is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • 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.

Bio / Organic  fruit trees

Bardsey organic apple trees for sale

  • 11 yeartree on M9 rootstock23.25€
    Small tree (1.5m-2.5m after 10 years) Bare-root
  • 21 yeartree on M116 rootstock23.25€
    Medium tree (2m-3.5m after 10 years) Bare-root
EU delivery countries
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
Delivery chargesClick here to view estimated delivery charges.

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.


Bardsey characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Flowering group2
  • Disease resistanceGood
  • Picking seasonMid
  • Season of use2-3 weeks
  • Food usesEating freshCulinaryJuice
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 8 (-12C)
  • Summer average maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom - Wales
  • Period of origin1950 - 1999
  • Fruit colourOrange / Red

Similar varieties

  • See also Belle Fleur Simple
    Belle Fleur Simple
    A traditional late-season dessert apple with a sweet flavour, and good keeping qualities.
  • See also Cox's Orange Pippin
    Cox's Orange Pippin
    Cox is widely acknowledged as having the best flavour of any apple variety.
  • See also Discovery
    Discovery
    Discovery is a popular early-season English apple variety, with a juicy sharp flavour.
  • See also GoldRush
    GoldRush
    A modern disease-resistant apple, like Golden Delicious but with a better tart/sweet balance. Good for eating fresh and juicing / cider.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.