Apple Ballerina Samba (Ballerina Series) | M116 Bare Root

A compact apple tree suitable for small spaces. Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Ultimate size on M116A rootstock: 3 x 1m (9 x 3ft) Flowering period: April to May Hardiness: fully hardy Pollination group: this apple belongs to pollination group 3 (flowering late season) Beautiful clusters of deep pink blossom are followed by yellow-flushed, ruby-red fruits later in the year. ‘Samba’ has a slender, upright habit and short side shoots – perfect for small spaces! Crisp and juicy apples with a sweet and sharp taste are superb for cooking, eating fresh or making delicious apple juice! Garden care: Keep the base of the tree weed free, fertilise in spring at the beginning of each year and water regularly during hot, dry spells. The main prune should be done in the winter as long as it isn’t frosty or freezing. Take out the 3D’s (dead, dying and diseased wood) and create an open shape. Then reduce the leaders back by a third. Aim to create an airy structure without any crisscrossing branches. Summer prune in August by shortening any side shoots (or laterals) which are longer than 20cm back to three leaves. This will allow the sun to ripen the fruit and encourage more fruit buds. Make sure that the growth you’re cutting away feels firm to the touch. Pollination information: This apple belongs to pollination group 3, so you will need to plant one other different variety of apple to guarantee cross-pollination, and a subsequent bumper crop. Ideally this should come from the same pollination group, however it is possible to use one from group 2 or 4 as well.