Sunset Apple Tree: Sweet, Aromatic Fruit for your Garden

Malus domestica

The Sunset apple tree is a fantastic option for gardeners seeking a reliable, easy-to-grow fruit tree with exceptional flavour. This apple variety is often compared to the famous Cox’s Orange Pippin but is much easier to grow, offering a deliciously aromatic fruit with excellent disease resistance. Whether you want to plant one in a pot or directly in the ground, this guide will help you understand everything about the Sunset apple tree and how to care for it.

Sunset apples are known for their vibrant orange flush and rich, aromatic flavour. They are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a self-fertile apple tree that produces a reliable crop year after year. Unlike other varieties, the Sunset apple tree is resistant to common diseases such as canker and scab, making it a low-maintenance option for home growers.

Growing a Sunset apple tree is straightforward. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer a sunny location. When planting, ensure the rootstock is appropriate for your space—M27 for small gardens, M26 for medium-sized spaces, and MM106 for larger gardens.

Pruning apple trees is essential for maintaining shape, encouraging fruit production, and preventing disease. In the first few years, focus on creating an open framework by removing side shoots that crowd the centre. Established trees benefit from annual pruning in late winter. Heavily thinned trees often produce larger apples, so remove excess small fruit to encourage a quality harvest.

Sunset apple trees belong to Pollination Group 3. They are not self-fertile, so planting a pollination partner such as James Grieve or Red Falstaff is required to yield fruit. Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

Sunset apples ripen in late September. For the best quality, allow them to fully mature on the tree before harvesting. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks or eaten fresh for a refreshing juice and crisp texture.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Sunset apple tree – it’s one of those varieties that quietly gets on with things and rewards you handsomely for very little fuss. If you’ve ever struggled with a fussy Cox’s Orange Pippin, Sunset is like its more forgiving cousin. The flavour is rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced – and I love how well it holds up for fresh eating or slicing into a tart. I’ve got one growing on M26 rootstock in my garden, and it’s been a star performer. The blossom in spring is a real treat too – it adds a lovely pop of pink, especially welcome after a grey winter. Best of all, it’s rarely troubled by pests or diseases and stays in great shape with just a bit of seasonal pruning. I’d recommend Sunset every time for any gardener who wants a top-quality apple without the drama.

• The Sunset apple tree is an excellent alternative to Cox’s Orange Pippin, with a similar flavour but easier to grow
• It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun and requires minimal maintenance
• Self-fertile but benefits from a pollination partner such as James Grieve
• Resistant to common apple diseases like canker and scab
• Produces aromatic, high-quality fruit from late September
• Available as bare root or pot-grown trees from garden centres and online nurseries

Following these simple steps, you can enjoy a productive and healthy Sunset apple tree in your garden for years.

To see the RHS article, please click here.

Want to learn about other apple varieties? Read about Apple Worcester Pearmain here.

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.

Q: What kind of fruit can I expect from a Sunset Apple Tree?

A: The Sunset Apple Tree produces delicious dessert apples with a sweet, juicy flavour. They are perfect for eating fresh and can be used in various desserts.

Q: How can I identify a Sunset Apple Tree?

A: The Sunset Apple Tree is easily recognisable by its attractive, shiny red-orange apples and delicate pinkish blossoms in spring. Its compact, upright growth habit makes it an excellent ornamental garden choice.

Q: Are Sunset Apple Trees resistant to disease?

A: Yes! Sunset Apple Trees are known for their strong disease resistance, particularly against scab. This makes them a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking for a reliable and healthy fruit tree.

Q: Can I grow a Sunset Apple Tree in a pot?

A: Absolutely! Sunset Trees can be grown in pots, making them ideal for small gardens, patios, or balconies. Choose a large, well-drained pot and keep the tree well-watered to ensure healthy growth.

Q: Do I need a pollination partner for my Sunset Apple Tree?

A: Sunset is not self-fertile, so it needs a suitable pollination partner nearby to produce fruit. Choose another apple tree from pollination group 3—such as James Grieve, Cox’s Orange Pippin, or Discovery—to ensure good cross-pollination and a reliable harvest.

Q: What is the RHS, and how does it relate to Sunset Trees?

A: The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has awarded the Sunset Tree the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). This means it has been recognised for being a reliable, high-performing, and easy-to-grow fruit tree.

Q: When is the best time to plant a Sunset Tree?

A: The ideal time to plant a Sunset Tree is during the dormant season, in late autumn or early spring. You can choose a well-drained location and allow the tree time to establish before the growing season begins.

Q: How tall does a Sunset Tree grow?

A: Sunset Trees typically reach a height and spread of around 10–12 feet, depending on the rootstock. They remain much smaller if grown on an M27 rootstock, making them ideal for compact gardens.

Q: How should I encourage healthy growth for my Sunset Tree?

A: To keep your Sunset Tree healthy, ensure regular watering, especially in the first few years. Applying mulch, such as well-rotted manure, helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Staking young trees may also be beneficial for added support.

Q: Where can I buy a Sunset Apple Tree?

A: Sunset Apple Trees are available from garden centres and online nurseries specialising in fruit trees. When purchasing, please check for a healthy tree with a strong root system to ensure success.