Bramley Apple Espalier

[Kizzie]

IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE who can answer this?
I am trying to prune my Bramley Apple Espaliers, bearing in mind that they are tip bearers. Tried to find this information but so far was unsuccessful.
My Bramley espaliers are in their fourth tier and are well established. However, they do not seem to get much blossom - probably due to my pruning!
Will be grateful for any help.

[horty]

Hi Kizzie, tip bearing apples are not easily trained, as you have found. Bramley seedling is a partial tip bearer and a triploid, which means it needs two other varieties for good pollination to crop well. If you don't have two other pollinators near by, this could be the reason you are not getting much blossom, rather than the pruning. Hope this helps. H.

[Kizzie]

Thanks very much, Horty for your speedy reply, much appreciated

[nickmo]

Have a word with the Brogdale guys as well - home of the National Fruit Tree Collection. If they don't have any info no-one will . . . http://www.brogdale.org You can ring them and get answers to specific enquiries normally 'on demand'.

As above the pollination is key to the crop you get.

[Kizzie]

Thanks for your trouble of replying - I'd tried Brogdale's website earlier and found that you had to become a member before they answered any queries