How to Grow Tom Putt

Tom Putt

Malus domestica 'Tom Putt'

tree

Tom Putt is a traditional English cider apple cultivar known for its large, distinctive ribbed fruit and vigorous growth habit. This heirloom variety produces apples with a complex, tannic-rich juice ideal for cider production and traditional perry-like beverages. The tree is moderately disease-resistant and valued by cider makers for its reliable yields and historical significance dating back to the 18th century.

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

Plant Tom Putt
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Tom Putt
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; more sun exposure improves sugar and tannin development in fruit

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment; once established, drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during fruit development. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. In the UK's typical climate, natural rainfall is usually sufficient.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 5-7 years from planting to first substantial crop; full production at 8-10 years

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Planting depth: Plant grafted tree at same depth as nursery soil line; avoid burying the graft union

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure at planting Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes vegetative growth over fruiting

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8; best adapted to temperate maritime climates like the UK

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

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 years

Young tree focuses on root and branch development; may have minimal flowering in first 2-3 years

Water regularly; stake for wind protection; apply dormant oil in late winter; avoid heavy pruning; remove any fruit that forms to direct energy into structure

Vegetative Growth

3-4 years

Tree develops strong framework with lateral branches; canopy fills in; spurs begin forming

Prune in winter to establish open-center or modified leader form; thin crowded branches; apply lime-sulfur sprays in spring for disease prevention

Flowering

2-3 weeks

White-pink blossoms appear in spring (April-May in Northern Hemisphere) on 2-3 year old wood; flowers are self-incompatible

Ensure cross-pollination with compatible cider or dessert apple variety; thin flowers to 4-6 inches apart if heavy flowering; protect from late frosts

Fruit Development

12-16 weeks

Green fruit expands through summer; by June-July small fruits are visible; sizing continues until harvest

Thin fruit to one per cluster (6-8 inches apart) in June for larger apples; maintain consistent moisture; monitor for pests and diseases; apply fertilizer if needed based on leaf analysis

Harvest & Dormancy

Ongoing; 4-5 months dormancy

Large, ribbed apples mature in October-November in UK; leaves drop; tree enters dormancy

Harvest when apples detach easily from branch; store in cool conditions (32-45°F) for pressing; prune in late winter to remove diseased/crossing wood; apply dormant oil spray

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Cider apple varieties (Dabinett, Kingston Black, Stoke Red) Dessert apple pollinators (Cox's Orange Pippin, Granny Smith) Nitrogen-fixing legumes beneath canopy (bird's-foot trefoil) Flowering plants for bee attraction (borage, phacelia)

Avoid planting near:

Walnut (black walnut produces juglone toxin) Vegetables requiring full sun directly beneath canopy Plants requiring very different watering schedules

Common Pests

Use pheromone traps; apply spinosad or kaolin clay sprays; remove affected fruit immediately; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
Prune affected branches; apply dormant oil in late winter; use insecticidal soap in growing season; plant resistant rootstock if replanting
Remove and destroy affected leaves/fruit; apply lime-sulfur or neem oil at bud break and during wet spring weather; improve air circulation with pruning
Prune for air circulation; spray sulfur fungicide in early season; remove infected shoots; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Prune out diseased wood back to healthy tissue; sterilize tools between cuts; seal large wounds; improve tree vigor with balanced care

Uses

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Traditional West Country Cider Production

Culinary

Tom Putt is a classic cider apple prized for producing tannic, complex cider with good balance of tannin and acidity. The juice ferments reliably and produces ciders with excellent aging potential, making it a cornerstone variety in West Country cider blends. [source]

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Cooking and Pies

Culinary

The firm, slightly astringent flesh makes Tom Putt suitable for cooking applications, particularly in traditional apple cider reductions and cider-braised dishes. The high tannin content mellows during cooking, yielding complex, sophisticated flavors. [source]

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Traditional Folk Remedies

Medicinal

Apple cider made from Tom Putt and similar varieties has been used traditionally to support digestive health and general wellness. The fermented cider contains beneficial bacteria and organic acids. [source]

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Heritage Fruit Orchard Conservation

Craft

As a historic English cultivar, Tom Putt plays an important role in preserving genetic diversity in apple germplasm and maintaining traditional cider-making heritage. Growing this variety supports agricultural biodiversity. [source]

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Pollinator and Wildlife Support

Wildlife

The spring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, while the tree provides habitat for insects and nesting birds. Fallen apples feed wildlife in autumn. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Tom Putt apples mature in mid-to-late October in the UK climate, typically 2-3 weeks before dessert varieties. Harvest when apples separate easily from the branch with a gentle upward twist—mature fruit will come free without force. Check for the characteristic large, distinctly ribbed shape with greenish-yellow skin sometimes flushed with red. Store harvested apples in cool conditions (32-45°F) and rest them for 1-2 weeks before pressing to allow sugars and tannins to reach peak levels. Apples destined for cider should be pressed within a month of harvest.

Fun Facts

🌱 Tom Putt is one of the oldest documented English cider varieties, with historical records tracing back to 18th-century Somerset and Devon orchards. The name origin remains debated among cider historians.
🌱 The distinctive ribbed or angular shape of Tom Putt apples is so pronounced that the variety is sometimes called 'Tom Putt with Ribs' to differentiate it from similar cultivars.
🌱 Mature Tom Putt trees are notably vigorous and long-lived; many heritage trees are still producing excellent cider fruit after 200+ years, making them multi-generational investments for cider makers.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Heirloom pH Pollination

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