Welcome to Mara Whenua Apple Trees!
Thank you for your interest in these organically grown apple trees. Our aim for this small business is to provide a diversity of apple cultivars, primarily heritage varieties, on vigorous rootstock for home orchards. In this way future generations may enjoy their many unique qualities and heritage apples can grow alongside some of the best modern varieties.
Since we started this business in 1999 we have
collected more than 80 apple varieties. This stocklist includes
descriptions of the ones we endeavour to make available at the beginning
of each season. Other varieties from our collection may be offered
as replacements if any are sold out. You can also provide back up
alternatives when you order.
If you are after a specific variety not listed we may have it, please
ask.
If you can arrange scionwood we can propagate for you.
Please note that cider varieties sell out quickly they are in high demand and short supply. We prioritize mixed variety orders from home orchardists over more commercial cider orders.
Our apples are available grafted onto either Northern Spy or 793 rootstock. Please indicate if you have a preference when you order.
Northern Spy rootstock produces a vigorous medium-sized tree (up to 5-6m in 15 years). This rootstock is disease-resistant, drought-tolerant and suitable for poor or waterlogged soils. These qualities make it perfect choice if you wish to make use of more marginal sites. The trees we have on this stock have proved themselves by fruiting on clay ridges with no irrigation. On poor soils and in waterlogged areas the trees will naturally be smaller, so can be planted closer together. Trees on Northern Spy can also be espaliered or pruned hard to limit their size.
Trees on 793 rootstock will tend to be less tolerant of heavy soils, but are better for replanting areas and are somewhat quicker to bear fruit than Northern Spy. They are more upright than Spy and can grow larger in good conditions. 793 rootstock is also drought tolerant, disease resistant and generally hardy.
Our grafting wood is all sourced from organic, bio-dynamic or wild/old orchards and our trees are grown using organic methods. Every effort has been made to source bud wood from healthy parents of known provenance. However if you wish to propagate from our trees please ensure that they fruit true-to-label, as no 100% guarantee can be implied.
If you are interested in where and how these apple trees are grown, please click on the link to my Facebook page for informative videos of our far north subtropical food forest and occasional discounted specials.
Single trees are $45 each or $40 each for 6 or more
(GST inclusive; plus freight).
Trees are delivered from mid-July until early September (bare-rooted and well wrapped) and can be freighted anywhere in NZ at reasonable cost. Please see ordering, dispatch & payment section for details.