The wonderful crab apples remain on the branches long into the winter, ready to be picked and pulped into fresh apple sauce or desserts for the Christmas table. This Pectin is also what gels sugar, making jams and jellies without the need for animal gelatine. These apples are very flavoursome and have higher levels of the starch Pectin, making them firm and crunchy. During the late summer, the John Downie provides an abundance of large fruit brushed with the colours of rich marmalade and vibrant red. The summer foliage is a pleasant glossy green, which mellows into buttery yellow as the summer fades. They are popular for bees, encouraging pollination of other Apple trees and plants in the area. These are tinged with wonderful shades of water-washed pink and subtle lilac from the still opening buds. At the end of Spring, this Malus produces beautiful white flowers that envelope the entire canopy. This charming Malus is perhaps one of the most popular due to its fruit. He named the tree after his good friend and fellow nurseryman John Downie in his honour. Edward enjoyed the flavoursome taste of the fruit, leading to its commercial supply. Stake trees, taller shrubs and roses to prevent root disturbance.Raised by Edward Holmes at Whittington, England during the 1870s. Set these at the same level as they were in the nursery field – you should see a soil line at the base of the stem. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. 31.50 Tree size Normal Specifications Pollination Guide Pollination is far simpler than most people think. Longish in shape and striped orange when ripe. Grows to a largish tree and bears ridiculously heavy crops of acid but quite acceptably edible crabs. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. John Downie A crab apple originating in the UK. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well. Plant fruit trees at their original soil level and firm them into the ground. Plant bare-root trees between November and March, and container-grown ones any time of year, but preferably in autumn, winter or spring. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball. Pomona Fruits Cordon Malus John Downie (Crab Apple) APC025 - Malus John Downie The most popular crab apple for making jelly.

Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and drive the stake into the ground to support the tree. Plant crab apple trees in a sheltered, sunny position in any fertile, well drained soil. Cab apples have high pectin content great for jam and jellies, and are a perfect ingredient for chutneys. Generally crab apples are too tart to eat raw, but their apple flavour becomes intense when cooked. The Malus John Downie is one of the most popular crab apple trees due to its superior pectin levels and superb Autumn colour. For more details about edible flowers click here. Height and spread: 4m (13’).Įstimated time to cropping once planted: 1 year.Ĭulinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible.

Crab apples are self fertile and if planted near orchard apple trees they make excellent pollinators. Any unpicked fruits will soften after a few frosts to create a sumptuous food source for wild birds. Crab apple fruits can be harvested to make delicious crab apple jelly. Crab Apple ‘John Downie’ makes an attractive and productive specimen tree for smaller gardens, with a long season of interest. One of the most popular crab apples for jelly making! Pink buds open to reveal pretty white cup shaped blossom in April and May, followed by large orange and red fruits in autumn.

John downie crab apple