Apple Tree: Malus Domestica: Discovery

Discovery Apple Tree - Malus Domestica

Grow the early-cropping Discovery apple, perfect for smaller gardens. This compact growing dessert apple tree produces fruit with good keeping qualities and is renowned for its disease resistance. Discovery is a hardy tree that's ideal for smaller gardens due to its compact nature. It crops earlier than most varieties during August to September, providing fresh apples when few other varieties are ready. The apples are a bright crimson with some yellow undertones and have a firm texture with excellent flavour.

Key Features

• Early Cropping: Harvest in August-September, earlier than most varieties
• Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens and limited spaces
• Disease Resistant: Good resistance to common apple diseases
• Attractive Fruit: Bright crimson apples with yellow undertones
• Good Keeper: Fruit stores well for several weeks
• Beautiful Blossom: White flowers in spring create a lovely display
• Pollinator Group 3: Requires another pollinator for fruit production

Growing Information

Ultimate Height: 4-8m
Ultimate Spread: 4-8m
Pollinator Group: Group 3 (requires pollinator)
Harvest Time: August to September
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun, some shelter preferred
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5)

Planting & Care

Plant in autumn or early spring in moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Position in full sun in a sheltered spot protected from cold winds and late frosts. Plant with another apple in group 3 (such as Cox's Orange Pippin, James Grieve, or Katy) for cross-pollination. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons and during dry spells in summer. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in winter when dormant to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.

Perfect For

• Small gardens and urban spaces
• Early season apple harvest
• Eating fresh as a dessert fruit
• Gardens with limited space
• Disease-prone locations
• Adding spring blossom to gardens
• Beginner fruit growers

Why Choose Discovery?

Discovery is valued for its early cropping, compact size, and disease resistance. It's perfect for smaller gardens where space is limited, and the early harvest means you can enjoy fresh apples in late summer when few other varieties are ready. The disease resistance makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice for beginners.

Available at Stoneybrook Nursery, Lancashire - Quality fruit trees for UK gardens.