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How to Grow Cider Apple 'Tom Putt'

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Cider Apple 'Tom Putt'

Malus domestica 'Tom Putt'

tree

Tom Putt is a traditional West Country cider apple variety from England, known for producing medium-sized russet fruits with excellent cider-making qualities. This heritage cultivar produces a balanced cider with good tannin and acid content, making it highly valued by craft cider producers. The tree is vigorous and productive, bearing fruit reliably in most growing seasons.

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Example Cider Apple 'Tom Putt' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Cider Apple 'Tom Putt'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Cider Apple 'Tom Putt'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cider Apple 'Tom Putt' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more sun improves fruit quality and cider characteristics
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Water: Moderate, consistent moisture during growing season; requires approximately 1-1.5 inches per week; drought-tolerant once established but yields improve with regular watering
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Spacing: 240 inches
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Days to maturity: First fruit production in 3-5 years; peak productivity at 8-10 years; productive lifespan of 50+ years
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Planting depth: Plant grafted trees at nursery soil line (graft union 2-4 inches above ground); bare-root trees in autumn or early spring

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure at planting Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8; best performance in zones 6-7 with adequate chilling hours

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree develops strong root system and grows vigorously; produces few or no flowers

Water regularly during first growing season; prune to establish main scaffold branches; stake for wind protection; avoid heavy fertilization

2

Juvenile Growth (Years 2-3)

24 months

Tree develops structural form and branch framework; begins flowering but fruit should be thinned or removed to conserve energy

Prune to open center/vase form or modified central leader; thin flower buds first 2-3 years; apply dormant oil spray in late winter

3

Flowering (Spring, April-May)

2-3 weeks

White or pale pink flower clusters appear on spurs and terminals; blooms over 2-3 week period

Do not fertilize during flowering; protect from late frosts if possible; monitor for frost damage; ensure bee activity for pollination

4

Fruit Development (Summer, June-August)

12-14 weeks

Small green fruits develop and enlarge; Tom Putt fruits reach 2-2.5 inches diameter by late summer, developing russet-brown coloring

Thin fruit to 1 every 6 inches for larger, higher-quality cider; control pests and diseases; maintain consistent watering; tree may require support if heavily laden

5

Harvest & Ripening (September-October)

4-6 weeks

Fruits mature to full russet-brown color; become crisp and cider-ready; develop characteristic flavor complexity

Harvest when fruits fall naturally or pick at peak maturity; store in cool location; allow to mellow 2-4 weeks before pressing for optimal cider quality

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Other cider apple varieties (Kingston Black, Dabinett, Yarlington Mill for cross-pollination) Crabapples Hawthorn (beneficial for insects and wildlife) Borage (attracts pollinators) Clover (nitrogen fixation, habitat for beneficial insects)

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (juglone toxicity) Plants requiring different water regimes (such as bog plants) Highly competitive trees that share similar nutrient and water needs

Common Pests

  • Pheromone traps, thinning fruits to reduce populations, dormant oil spray in late winter, removal of infested fruits

  • Sticky traps, pruning to remove damaged fruitlets, pheromone traps, organic insecticidal soap

  • Horticultural oil spray, pruning of affected branches, encouraging natural predators

  • Pruning for air circulation, sulfur dust or spray, resistant rootstock selection, removal of infected material

  • Remove fallen leaves, improve air circulation through pruning, copper fungicide spray in spring, resistant varieties

Uses

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Premium Cider Production

Culinary

Tom Putt is a classic West Country cider apple prized for producing balanced ciders with excellent tannin structure, acidity, and complexity. The variety's balanced sugar-to-acid ratio and natural tannins make it ideal for single-varietal or blended ciders. [source]

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Fresh Eating (Limited)

Culinary

While primarily a cider apple, Tom Putt fruits can be eaten fresh, though they are somewhat astringent and sharper than modern dessert apples. The russet skin and firm flesh provide interesting texture and flavor for adventurous fruit enthusiasts. [source]

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Ornamental Heritage Value

Household

As a heritage variety with historical significance in English cider production, Tom Putt adds cultural and aesthetic interest to heritage orchards and gardens. The tree's spring blossoms and russet fruit provide seasonal ornamental appeal. [source]

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Wildlife Support

Wildlife

Apple trees provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators during spring bloom, and fallen or stored fruits support wildlife throughout autumn and winter. The tree also provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds. [source]

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Pectin & Natural Compounds

Medicinal

Like all apples, Tom Putt contains beneficial fiber (pectin) and polyphenol compounds with antioxidant properties. Homemade ciders and vinegars made from this variety may retain some of these naturally-occurring beneficial compounds. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Fruits are ready for harvest in late September through October when they fall naturally from the tree or can be picked with gentle twist; optimal flavor and tannin development occurs when fruits fully mature on the tree; for cider-making, many producers allow harvested fruit to mellow 2-4 weeks before pressing; fruits can be stored in cool conditions for several weeks before pressing

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Tom Putt is one of the oldest recorded cider apple varieties, with origins tracing back to medieval England; it remains a cornerstone variety in traditional West Country cider production alongside Kingston Black and Dabinett.
  • 🌱 The name 'Tom Putt' derives from a local legend about a man named Tom Putt who supposedly planted the original tree in Somerset, England, though the variety's true origins are obscured by history.
  • 🌱 Tom Putt's balanced tannin profile (typically 0.15-0.25%) and natural acidity (0.4-0.6%) make it highly valued by craft cider makers as a 'balancer' variety that improves the complexity and aging potential of blended ciders.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Pollination
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