The long, conical, bright red-orange fruit are some of the prettiest of any crab apple. It has abundant white blossom in mid-late spring and good red-gold autumn colour. They are commonly planted in orchards and their narrow canopy makes them a great specimen tree for a small garden. John Downie crab apple trees are attractive and make heavy crops of some of the best crab apples for use in the kitchen. This variety is egg-shaped and a good size, with plentiful crops during the autumn.Malus John Downie: Bareroot John Downie Crab Apple Trees in Standard Sizes With these fruits, there is no need to add any gelatine which is easier and more convenient. They are also one of the best varieties for making crab apple jelly or jam due to the high levels of pectin. It makes a lovely ornamental tree as well as being very fruitful.įirm, crunchy and full of flavour makes John Downie crab apples incredibly moreish. It was first raised in England during the 1870s and soon became one of the most popular crab apple varieties. John Downie crab apples were named so after a nurseryman in Scotland who was a friend of Mr Edward Holmes. This is basically a mould that forms which can affect the growth of leaves, flowers, and the fruit itself. Powdery Mildew: Should you notice a white powder on your crab apple leaves then you may well have powdery mildew.This can only be dealt with by removing any signs of disease and then burning the offcuts. Signs of blossom wilt include flowers shrivelling up and early drop and you may notice leaves turning brown too. Blossom Wilt: Blossom wilt is caused by a fungal infection which can also affect cherry and plum trees.In most cases though, aphids can be controlled by attracting predators such as lacewings and hover flies. Leaves can become curled or twisted and can lead to poorly developed shoots. Aphids: In extreme cases, aphids can cause damage to the leaves of apple trees.Best Growing Position: Full Sun & Part ShadeĪs with most fruit types, John Downie crab apple trees can attract some apple tree pests and diseases.When To Plant Out: Any time of the year.Best Feature: The best apple for crab apple jelly.At their highest they can reach 12 metres tall but there are many more modest dwarf varieties. The height and spread of crab apple trees will depend on the type you purchase. On average, Malus John Downie crab apple trees will bear fruit between 2 and 5 years. This beautiful variety of tree is fairly easy to grow and can produce plentiful crop sizes. The fruit itself looks a bit like an upside-down pear and its colours are a mixture of red and orange.Ĭrab apples will be ready to pick in the Autumn and any left on the tree will be enjoyed by the wildlife. The John Downie crab apple tree has green foliage and in autumn this has hints of reds and oranges. The white blossom signals the start of spring and the 5 petalled flowers are very popular for the early pollinators. Pink buds on John Downie crab apple trees open up to vivid white flowers in April, sometimes earlier if the weather is mild. As well as enjoying the fruit itself, you will be able to enjoy the hints of autumn foliage that flourish during harvesting time. The apples are oval in appearance and once they are ready to pick in the autumn, make wonderful crab apple jelly. The John Downie variety is one of the most well-known crab apples, not least due to its overall quality and taste.
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