Buying Apple Trees Online
Need some buying advice first? Click buying apple trees online.
THE BARE ROOT SEASON IS NOW CLOSED. ALL PURCHASES WILL DELIVERED NOVEMBER 2026
Bare Root Braeburn Apple Tree Click the link for Containerised Braeburn Apple
The Braeburn apple tree is one of the more popular apples, not because of its joke telling abilities or connections to famous people but because of the crispiness, flavour and longer shelf life (3 months or more). Not suitable for North West Scotland or other areas of the UK with similar "make your average penguin cry" weather.
Popular with commercial growers as it is easy to grow, produces large harvests of apples and even produces early compared to its apple peers.
Originating from New Zealand in the 1950's, its detailed history is not known. We know that the name Braeburn comes from the Braeburn Orchards where it was first grown commercially. It is thought to be a seedling of a variety called Lady Hamilton with the other parent not known (interesting to note that even mother nature has her fair share of single parents).
The apple professionals out there describe the apple as "should be the bench mark that other apples are compared to. Snaps cleanly to the bite, with a sharp, refreshing balance of sweetness with a strong rush of apple flavours" OR in terms us simple folk can understand "one of the tastiest and very popular".
If you thought shop purchased Braeburn apples were good, wait until you try ones grown yourself. The commercial growers pick them just before they are ripe and although there is some improvement as they are stored, they are arguably much better picked when ripe. The more red they have the riper they are. Look out for the very fat and red ones but don't mistake a sun burned Eamon Holmes sitting on a branch as an apple.
Most Important Information
Month Of Fruiting: November
Type Of Apple: Eating..or using as a temprary ornament if you are that way inclined?
Fertility: (C4) SELF-FERTILE. Does not require another apple tree to produce fruit however another apple tree in group C3,C4 or C5 close by will increase fruit yield.
Do I Need To Stake My Bare Root Tree?
Usually no, especially if under 200cm tall. Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Usually air and light is reduced and if it is a corner with a wooden fence and the house then leeching from both could compound issues. Try to avoid.
1 Year Maiden Bare Root Trees
If you plant a 1 Year maiden tree and do not prune it at all, it will grow a little more upright and have more clear stem.
Apple Tree Jargon Explained
| | MM106 | Grows to a final height of around 3.6 metres. Usually delivered around 150-180cm for 2-3 year tree. | |
| | MM106+ | Grows to a final height of around 3.6 metres. Usually delivered around 180-240cm for 2-3 year tree. | |
| | M9 | Grows to a final height of around 2.5 metres. Usually delivered around 150-180cm for 2-3 year tree. | |
| | M26 | Grows to a final height of around 3.0 metres. Usually delivered around 150-180cm for 2-3 year tree. | |
| | M27 | Grows to a final height of around 1.5 metres. Usually delivered around 150-180cm for 2-3 year tree. | |
| | CORDON | Pruned to produce apples very quickly (1-3 years), favoured with commercial growers. More columnar than round shape. Less of a harvest compared to MM106. | |
| | BUSH | Clear stem of 45cm before branches grow out. | |
| | HALF STANDARD | Clear stem of 1 m. Conventional tree shape allowing easy grass mowing or companion planting. | |
| | MAIDEN | 1-2 years old, no pruning or shaping. Blank slate for you to shape and train. | |
| | PATIO | Shaped to produce compact bush proportional for pot size, ideal for container growing. | |
| | (12L), (3L) etc | The size of the pot measured in litres. | |
| | SELF FERTILE | Will produce fruit without another apple tree nearby. | |
| | C1,C2,C3,C4,C5 | If your apple tree is NOT SELF FERTILE (they will be listed f they are) then you will need a second apple tree nearby of a similar number i.e. the same or one above or one below. So an apple tree from a C3 requires a C2, C3 or C4 planted close by for it to produce fruit. Triploids are an exception, see below. | |
| | Bare Root | Available from November to March only. Comes with no pot or dirt around roots and is cheaper than potted options. Orders purchased outside this time will be held for delayed delivery until the next season starts. | |
| | TRIPLOID | You have a selfish tree. It will be pollinated by other trees but the pollen it has to offer is useless. See TRIPLOID POLLINATION for more information. | |
Apple Tree Ages and heights
All our apple trees have been pruned and shaped to get the best results and are inspected by an apple tree expert before being sent to you. Maiden apple trees are 1-2 years old, the rest are 2-3 years old. Heights vary depending on root stock however 1.5 to 2+ metres tall is an average apple tree height at delivery.
Bareroot Season
All bare root plants need to be planted between November and March whereas our containerised apple trees can be planted all year round. Height can be restricted by pruning or putting the apple tree in a container to restrict growth (minimum 30 litres, smaller the pot, smaller the tree will be) Select the root stock you desire from the list above or if you are unsure, telephone us on 0800 043 1057 or use the enquiry page.
