Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree

Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree

Bulmer’s Norman apple tree is an old English variety of apple tree great for making hard cider (aka White Muscadet). So if you are growing apples for hard cider, you will want to know about this tree! In fact, the green-yellowish apples create a sweet astringent juice, which can quickly ferment to a mild bittersweet cider. Moreover you can use these tart and aromatic apples for baking and apple sauce!  The tree is also a popular ornamental cultivar, with its spreading, dense habit and attractive white flowers in the spring. Additionally, it is triploid so it will need other apple trees to cross pollinate it. A triploid apple tree is a tree that has three sets of chromosomes instead of two. In fact, triploid apple trees are generally considered to be more disease–resistant and can produce larger apples than other types of apple trees.

• Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Flowering Group: 3
• Pollination: It is triploid so it will need other apple trees to cross pollinate it and cannot pollinate other trees. A triploid apple tree is a tree that has three sets of chromosomes instead of two. In fact, triploid apple trees are generally considered to be more disease–resistant and can produce larger apples than other types of apple trees.
• Harvest Period: mid October
• Other Names: White Muscadet

History of Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree 

It originated in the Normandy region of France and was then transplanted to England in the beginning of the 20th century. Although at first no one knew its name, it later became very popular in Europe.

How to Water a Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree

• Water your tree with a garden hose or a watering can.
• Water the tree deeply when you see the soil has dried out.
• Additionally, water the tree slowly and evenly all around the root zone.
• In fact, avoid splashing the leaves with water, as this can cause fungal diseases.
• Let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Mulch around the base of the tree in order to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
• Lastly, provide supplemental water during periods of drought or dry weather.
• Follow this link for more detailed instructions on how to water an apple tree.

Planting and Caring for a Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree

• 1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard that is sheltered from the wind. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
• 2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your tree.
• 3. Remove the tree from the container and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
• 4. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed earlier and pat it down firmly.
• 5. Water the tree deeply and mulch the area around the trunk in a 3-4 inch layer.
• 6. Prune the branches to the desired shape and size.
• 7. Feed the tree with a fertilizer designed for fruit trees.
• 8. Watch your Bulmer’s Norman apple tree thrive in its happy home.
• For more detailed instruction on how to plant an apple tree, follow this article.

What is a Rootstock?

A rootstock controls the tree’s size, precocity, cold hardiness, and partly its disease resistance (such as fireblight). In order to grow a reliable and high quality fruit tree, growers graft the scion, which is above the ground and responsible for the fruit’s characteristics and disease resistance, onto the rootstock, which is underground.

How to Choose a Rootstock?

A rootstock that grows well in one location, may not grow well in another. Therefore you must consider your specific site considerations before choosing a rootstock. When choosing a rootstock, some considerations for growers are

• what size tree is optimal for your site
• how well the rootstock adapts to your soil
• the disease pressure on your site
• how well the rootstock anchors
• precocity (bearing fruit at a younger age)
• productivity

If you are new to rootstock, don’t worry! We aim to grow our trees on reliable and virus free rootstocks. From our experience growing in New York, we have found the Budagovsky, Geneva, and EMLA series to be great options since they are virus free and produce very healthy trees.

How to Prune a Bulmer’s Norman Apple Tree?

• First, prune the Bulmer’s Norman apple tree in late winter or early spring, before it begins to flower.
• Cut off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
• Remove any crossing branches.
• Prune the central leader (main trunk) and any upright branches, leaving branches that grow outward.
• Cut back branches that are too long or have grown too close to the ground.
• Thin out the branches to allow more air and light to penetrate the center of the tree.
• Prune the sides of the tree to shape it and keep it to a desired size.
• Remove any suckers (new shoots growing from the base of the tree)
• Lastly, prune with a smile on your face and enjoy the beauty of your tree!
• For more detailed instruction on how to prune an apple tree, follow this article.