Discovery Apple Fruit Tree (Malus domestica 'Discovery')

Discovery Apple Tree Description

The Discovery apple tree is a popular early-season variety known for its crisp, refreshing flavour and attractive red fruit. Originally developed in the UK in the 1940s, it has become a favourite among gardeners and orchard enthusiasts for its reliable cropping, disease resistance, and suitability for home cultivation.The Discovery apple tree is medium-sized with a rounded, upright growth habit. It typically reaches a height of 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) when grown on a semi-dwarf rootstock, making it suitable for small to medium-sized gardens. The leaves are oval with finely serrated edges, dark green in colour, and provide a lush canopy. In spring, the tree is covered in clusters of white or pale pink blossoms, which are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees. Discovery apples are medium-sized with smooth, thin skin that ripens to a bright red, often with a slight yellow-green background. The flesh is creamy white, sometimes with a pink tinge, and has a crisp, juicy texture. The flavour is mildly sweet with a refreshing, slightly tart finish, making it an excellent choice for eating fresh. Harvest typically begins in late August or early September, making it one of the earliest varieties available in the UK.

Pruning Advice

Discovery apple trees benefit from regular pruning to maintain a healthy shape and encourage fruiting. The best time to prune is in winter, while the tree is dormant. Focus on removing any dead or diseased wood and thinning out congested branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. Summer pruning can also help control excessive growth and encourage the development of fruiting spurs.

Further Information

The Discovery apple tree is a popular early-season apple variety in the UK, valued for its crisp, refreshing flavour and relatively easy maintenance. Here are the main benefits of growing a Discovery apple tree:

1. Early Harvest: Discovery apples are among the first to ripen, typically ready to pick from late August to early September, making them one of the earliest apple varieties to enjoy fresh from the tree.
2. Sweet, Crisp Flavour: Discovery apples have a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity with a hint of strawberry, making them delicious eaten fresh. They are known for their juicy, crisp texture and refreshing taste.
3. Low Maintenance: This variety is relatively low-maintenance, requiring less pruning and care than some other apple types. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
4. Pest and Disease Resistance: Discovery apple trees have good resistance to many common apple diseases, such as apple scab and mildew, which helps reduce the need for chemical treatments.
5. Compact Growth: Discovery trees are often more compact in size, making them suitable for smaller gardens and urban spaces. They can even be grown in large pots if space is limited.
6. Beautiful Red-Blushed Apples: The apples are visually appealing, with a bright red blush and creamy-white flesh, making them attractive in the garden and in fruit displays.
7. Pollination Partner: Discovery is a good pollinator for other early and mid-season apple varieties, helping support biodiversity and encouraging higher fruit yields for nearby apple trees.
8. Good for Juicing: Discovery apples are excellent for juicing, producing a fresh, mildly sweet apple juice with a hint of tartness, making them ideal for home juicing enthusiasts.
9. Heritage Variety: Bred in the 1940s in the UK, Discovery apples have heritage appeal, contributing to the preservation of traditional British apple varieties.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.