It is wise to order new fruit plants early to allow yourself the widest possible choice. Popular varieties are usually available from many outlets throughout the planting season, but unusual, rare or old-fashioned varieties, as well as recent introductions, may sell out early or be available from a limited number of specialist nurseries. Send for catalogs early and order before the end of September for satisfaction, but before you buy, bear in mind the following points:
- Always buy from a reputable source to avoid introducing diseases or poor quality plants. Where appropriate, choose certified plants: many fruits are inspected regularly to make sure they are healthy and true to type.
- Decide where you want to plant, then match fruits to the aspect and exposure of your site and the type of soil. There are some apple varieties, for example, that thrive best in areas of high rainfall; gooseberries enjoy cool districts; raspberries dislike chalky soils; and a single red currant variety can ripen early, mid-season or late, according to how warm, sunny, cool or shady the site is.
- Check pollination requirements. Fruits such as black currants and acid cherries are self-pollinating and will crop well in isolation, whereas sweet cherries, apples, pears and most plums need at least one other compatible tree with which to exchange pollen at flowering time. If you have space for only one tree, make sure it is self-fertile.
- Most fruit trees are grafted, so when you buy avoid plants labelled simply "bush" or "standard." The type of rootstock will decide your tree's vigor, ultimate size and start of cropping and it is important to choose the appropriate type, identified by a name or number. A reputable garden center or nursery will help you to make the right choice.
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When ordering fruit plants, match them to the needs of your garden. Gooseberries are great in cool gardens.
