Newbie apple grower

[mebanana]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the world of apple growing - I planted two new trees (unfeathered maidens) over the winter. Surprised to see they have flower buds on them - I wasn't really expecting that in the first year! Should I let them flower/fruit, or would it be best to remove the blossom this time?

I only have a small garden so they are both on very dwarfing rootstock. The varieties are McIntosh and Red Devil and I'm in East Central Scotland.

[dmtaylor]

Don't let them fruit, it will stunt growth and the weight could bend your tree down to the ground. Remove all the blossoms or young fruitlets in the first year or two when the tree is stronger.

[skandia apples]

As tempting as it is to let them bear fruit, it is best to take the blossoms off and let the tree grow

[Kellogg Hill Farms]

Pinch off the blooms and let the tree concentrate on growth and root development for the first few years.