Skip to content
Spring 2024 Shipping Has Begun! Order Now!
Spring 2024 Shipping Has Begun! Order Now!

Bardsey Apple

Original price $59.99 - Original price $59.99
Original price
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
Current price $59.99
SKU A105D

Malus domestica 'Bardsey'

This amazing apple comes from the windswept Bardsey Island off the coast of Wales. The tree grows in an area right next to a house where it is protected from sea winds and salt spray. The tree flowers early in the season; the fruit is pink striped over a yellow base and is picked in Wales in late September and stored until November.  These characteristics make it a candidate to do well in maritime climates in the U.S.

Bardsey Island has long been associated with religious activity. Pre-Roman Celts visited the Island to pray and often to die on this most western isle, and during early Christian times Bardsey was a place of pilgrimage. Three trips to Bardsey Island were said to equal a pilgrimage to Rome. Anybody buried on Bardsey was said to be guaranteed eternal salvation. Because of this, some people today think the Bardsey Apple could be connected to the mystical power of the island. Raintree is working with Permacultural landscaper Bruce Weiskotten to introduce this apple to American gardeners. A royalty on each apple sold will be returned to the apple's developers on Bardsey Island.

The fruit appears to be scab free while growing in a very scabby orchard in North Wales.

 

USDA Zone: 5-9

Mature Height: 5' (Mini Dwarf), 12' (Dwarf), 25' (Standard)

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: September

Pollination: Needs a Pollinizer

Mini-Dwarf Rootstock: M27

Dwarf Rootstock: EMLA 26

Standard Rootstock: Antanovka

Read our Apple Growing Guide

 

Size: Dwarf (4'-5')

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Ask a Question
  • Are these tree's mature enough that the could produce fruit the first or three second year?

    Yes, second year maybe, but third year is better.

  • What would be the best pollinator for the Bardsey Island Apple tree. I want to buy a standard variety to go with it. thank you, Harvey

    Bardsey is a flower group 2, some anything from groups 1-3 will cross pollinate with it.

  • Will you be getting the standard size in again soon? I only buy standard size fruit trees b/c I've always read that dwarf ones don't live as long. Thank you

    We may have standard rootstocks again next year, but are sold out for the 2023 season. Regarding longevity, it is true that standard trees live longer than dwarf trees, however keep in mind that apples grafted to standard rootstocks can take up to 10 years to flower (and therefore fruit) after planting.

  • Blooming time ?

    This apple is a bloom group 2 - check out our Apple Growing Guide for more information on apple tree pollination and a bloom time chart!

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
100%
(7)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
Michael W.
Bardsey Apple Tree-Excellent Quality

I received a Bardsey Apple Tree on February 20, 2024 and planted it immediately as advised by Raintree Nursery. The roots were well hydrated and the branches carefully protected for shipment. While the Raintree Nursery environmental conditions may not be identical to where I live, it is possible that the tree may not survive. However, by March 1, 2024 leaves have began to sprout. I am writing this review on March 17, 2024 and the tree has more leaves and appears to enjoy its new home. I am most pleased with the quality of this tree and look forward to a time in the future when it produces apples.

M
Maria
First year, first Bardsey apple:)

Mini dwarf Bardsey has brought us an apple the very first season. We had to pick it green yet because of rodents, but it finished the ripening successfully. Delicious and beautiful!

M
Maria
Majestic tree

Amazing mini-dwarf tree. Producing apples from the very first season, growing in a big growing bag :). I wanted Bardsey apple tree so much, thank you for fulfilling my dream!

K
Kristian W.
BARDSEY APPLE

Fast shipping, great packing job and nice bare root tree. Very Happy!

E
E.G.&.G.
Bardsey; True Heirloom

I bought Bardsey apple on EMLA26 from Raintree the second year it was available. (Didn't get in line soon enough the first year.) The second year after I planted it a couple dozen blooms opened and set fruit. These must be thinned due to short stems: two on the same spur pushed each other off in a summer wind. The first season produced oddly shaped fruit: lumpy at both ends. In its eighth leaf it bloomed all over & set hundreds of fruits. I live in Spokane where summers are hot and dry. Bardsey fruit is always juicy & carries a lemon overtone, even when baked. Cut & cooked into sauce, the pieces retain a soft shape. Try it slow-baked whole: cut out the core from the top, fill with some flour, sugar, spice and a speck of butter baked at 250°F for 45-60 minutes. Here Bardsey has been a moving target in bloom and harvest times. Winter/spring conditions can move bloom earliest (with Redfield) or later (first lot of mid-season bloom), and summers can move harvest from first to last of September. No disease problems, with maybe light anthracnose some seasons. Attractive to codling moth.

Remove iAdvize cookies consent