Somerset Redstreak Apple Tree

Somerset Redstreak Apple Tree

The Somerset Redstreak apple tree is a traditional English variety, with a sweet–tart flavor and red flushed skin. It‘s an excellent choice for a cider apple and produces a cider with soft tannins. In fact it is best when you blend it with sharper cider varieties. Moreover, the apples are also great for eating fresh or in cooking and baking. Somerset Redstreak apple tree is a reliable and heavy–bearing tree, with a vigorous, upright growth habit and a long productive season. However in order to avoid it biennial bearing habit, be sure to prune and thin in properly. Moreover, the apples are ready for harvest late in the season, typically in October. 

Hardiness Zones: 4-7

Flowering Group: 3  

How to Water

• 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.

Planting and Caring for a Somerset Redstreak Apple Tree

For more detailed instruction on how to plant an apple tree, follow this article.

• 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 Somerset Redstreak apple tree thrive in its happy home.

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 Somerset Redstreak Apple Tree?

• Prune the Somerset Redstreak 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)
• Prune with a smile on your face and enjoy the beauty of your tree!