‘Elstar’ Apple Tree (Malus domestica) - Hardy Fruit Tree - 21 cm Pot - 90 cm Tall

The Elstar apple tree (Malus domestica 'Elstar') is a partially self-fertile cultivar: it can bear fruit on its own, but the presence of a second apple tree with simultaneous flowering nearby considerably improves the yield and size of the apples. Bees and bumblebees play an essential role in this process: the Elstar's white to pink spring blossoms naturally attract them. If you have only one tree, choose a location where neighboring apple trees are within a radius of 50 to 100 meters.

Elstar apples ripen in late s'ummer, generally between mid-August and late September depending on the climate and growing region. It'is a so-called seasonal variety, falling between the early varieties of d'ecember and the late varieties of o'ctober. To find out if the apple is ready, perform the s'tarch test: cut the apple in half and place a drop of i'odine solution on the flesh; the lighter the spot, the more advanced the ripening. The bright red skin tinged with yellow and the ease with which the fruit detaches when slightly twisting the stem are also good indicators.

The Elstar apple tree (Malus domestica 'Elstar') is very well suited to container growing thanks to its moderate growth and ability to be trained into a dwarf tree. Opt for a pot of at least 40 litres, with drainage holes in the bottom, filled with a fruit-growing compost enriched with compost and mixed with coarse sand. Place the pot in the sunniest spot on the balcony or patio, ideally with a south or west aspect. Watering in a pot must be regular during the growing season, as the growing medium dries out faster than in the ground.

When grown in the ground without training pruning, the Elstar apple tree can reach a height of 3 to 5 metres and a similar spread, depending on the rootstock used. On dwarfing rootstock (M9 or M27), it stays between 1.5 and 2.5 metres tall, making it particularly suitable for small gardens and container-grown cultivation. In a pot and with regular pruning at the end of winter, the'Elstar can be kept at a compact size of 1 to 1.5 metres, ideal for patios. Growth is considered moderate, with an annual increase of 20 to 40 cm in good conditions of'sunlight and nutrition.

The Elstar apple tree (Malus domestica 'Elstar') shows reasonable resistance to common apple tree diseases, particularly apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), although it is not immune. To prevent health problems, ensure good air circulation around the crown by pruning, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and collect fallen leaves and fruit in autumn to break the spore cycle. Powdery mildew and fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) may also occur under favourable conditions.

The potted Elstar apple tree can be planted almost anyt'ime of the 'year, with the 'exception of periods of severe frost (soil temperatures below -5°C) and extreme summer heat. The ideal times remain 'autumn (October to November) to allow for good root establishment before 'winter, and spring (March to April) just after the start of the growing season. If you plant in summer, very regular watering and a thick layer of mulch around the base of the 'tree are essential to limit water stress.

Pruning of the Elstar apple tree (Malus domestica 'Elstar') is mainly carried out in late winter, between February and early March, just before the buds swell. The aim is to achieve an open goblet shape: 3 to 5 well-spaced main scaffold branches allow light to reach all the developing fruit. Prioritize removing crossing branches, those growing towards the center of the tree, and vigorous water shoots that unnecessarily drain the sap.