Apple ‘Cox’s self fertile’

This is a firm favourite and for good reason. ‘Cox’s Self Fertile’ gives you that classic Cox apple flavour, rich, aromatic and complex, from a tree that is easier to manage. It’s a self-fertile sport of the famous ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’, which means you don’t need another apple tree nearby for it to produce a reliable crop. We’ve found it’s a great performer, even in less than perfect pollination conditions.

Depending on the rootstock, which controls the final size, it can be kept quite compact. Expect a height of around 2.5 to 5 metres. It has an average growth rate and prefers a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Like many apples, it doesn’t enjoy very wet or cold soils.

For care, a good annual prune in winter when the tree is dormant will keep it in a healthy, open shape. Water it regularly for the first couple of years while it gets established, especially in dry spells. It’s an ideal tree for the garden or even a large container on the patio if you’re short on space.