Espalier apple

Fire

I put this espalier apple in about seven years ago. I've never had an apple from it. This year the only blossom on it is that tiny splotch on the right - so, no fruit again this year. I'm fairly such something much off all the budding tips in March - leaving bare branches. I'm glad at least it has some leaves. It's west facing - all afternoon sun. I'm wondering if I should give up and put something in that's happier and hardier. I have to water it every week, still, in the summer, because it's in an odd spot, and seems to need it.

I also have no blossom at all on two crab apple trees I put in three years ago. I'm sad about that. I was so looking forward. 😕

Mr. Vine Eye

Sorry you're not happy with it fire. Mine hasn't actually tried to flower yet. It's got the fruiting spurs there but they must still be forming. Start of third year.

I came on to post an update photo in my old thread on it when I saw your post!

Liriodendron

Do you have bullfinches in your garden?  We watched a pair demolish every single flower bud on our enormous Arthur Turner cooking apple in March this yesr, and all except 2 clusters on the unknown eater beside it...  If you think they might be the culprits, you could try what I'm going to do, next year, having seen it recommended - hang large white plastic bags (like fertiliser sacks) from the branches in early Spring.

Fire

No, I have few finches of any kind. The buds did seem to disappear over night. I might give the tree another year and then try and take it up and give it away. I have a small garden and there's no point in flogging if plants are not happy. By the fences there is so much concrete for the fence posts and planters and and pipes and paving - it's a big ask for any big plant, really. A little clem would be happier in the spot. 

Fire

Any idea why the small crab apples wouldn't flower this year?

Mr. Vine Eye

Fire said:

Any idea why the small crab apples wouldn't flower this year?

My crabapple flowered a lot less than last year. Last year it has buds all the way along each branch. This year much more patchy, but I suspect that's because I lopped off the top of the tree to retrain it, and it's putting more energy into regrowth.

Which is what I wanted anyway!

Fire

Thanks. I'm using mine for hedging. Hopefully it's just getting its roots established. I am a bit sad though. I was looking forward to the apple blossom all winter. Hey ho.

Lizzie27

I've got 4 ordinary apples. One is a duo, planted about 12 years ago. The Elstar half is usually covered in blossom with lots of apples following. The other half is a Golden Delicious, never had very many apples on it but has more blossom this year than its partner.
The James Grieve ( 8 yrs) had no fruit last year but is covered in blossom right now. The other two are dwarf cordons about 5 yrs old, east facing, fairly shaded, have had a few blossoms but no fruit.  Loads of bees around to pollinate and the pear seems fine.
There seems no rhyme or reason to apples!