Elstar Apple Fruit Tree (Malus domestica 'Elstar')

Elstar Apple Tree Description

The Elstar apple tree is a vigorous, medium-sized variety originally bred in the Netherlands. It’s valued for its excellent fruit quality and reliable production, making it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. The tree has an upright to slightly spreading growth habit, with attractive spring blossoms and fruit that ripens in autumn. Elstar apple trees typically grow to a height of 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) when grafted onto a semi-dwarf rootstock, with a similar spread. The tree has dark green, oval-shaped leaves that create a lush canopy. In early to mid-spring, it produces fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers in clusters. These blossoms not only add ornamental beauty to gardens but also attract pollinators such as bees, which are essential for fruit development.

The fruit itself is medium-sized with a yellow base and a bright red blush. The flesh is creamy-white, crisp, and juicy with a sweet yet tangy flavour. Elstar apples are excellent for fresh eating and can also be used in cooking, making them a versatile choice.

Pruning Advice

Winter Pruning (Dormant Season): The best time for structural pruning is during winter, when the tree is dormant (usually between late December and early March). This allows you to shape the tree without stimulating excessive growth. Shape and Structure: Focus on creating an open, goblet-shaped canopy that allows sunlight and air to penetrate the tree, reducing the risk of disease and encouraging even ripening of fruit. Elstar trees can grow vigorously, so regular pruning helps control height and spread, making the tree easier to manage and harvest. Light summer pruning can be done in late July or early August to control vigorous new growth and promote the development of fruiting spurs.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per meter is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per meter in a single row or ideally 6 plants per meter in a staggered row is recommended.

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.