Apple tree "Cortland"

• Species: apple tree (Malus domestica)
• Ripening: autumn variety, late September
• Fruit: medium to large, red-striped, with white juicy flesh that browns slowly when cut
• Tree: size depends on the rootstock
• Winter hardiness: Winter hardy (zone 4)
• Light: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained, neutral
• Pollination: needs another apple variety nearby

Planting. Plant in early spring or autumn; a container-grown tree can go in all season if watered well. Choose a sunny spot without standing water, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and keep the graft union 5–8 cm above the soil. For good fruit set a second apple variety that flowers at the same time should grow nearby.

Care. Mulch the root zone with compost or bark in spring, remove weeds and clear fallen leaves and fruit in autumn. Watch for scab and fruit rot and use approved products when needed.

Watering and feeding. In the first year water every 7–10 days in dry weather (10–20 L per tree), later only in drought. Give nitrogen fertiliser or compost in spring and potassium and phosphorus without nitrogen in July–August.

Winter care and pruning. Prune in late winter before buds open: shape the crown and remove crowded, dead and crossing branches. Protect the young trunk from hares with a guard and from sun scald with whitewash.