Organic Apple Tree Reine des Reinettes

The Organic 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree is a very vigorous and productive variety, appreciated for a long time for its cold and disease resistance. Highly prized in pastry making, it is thanks to its deliciously tart and fragrant apple that the famous Tarte Tatin owes its success. Its fruits, about 7cm (3in) in diameter, are covered with a red-yellow golden skin. Their flesh is pale, juicy, fine and crunchy, both sweet and tart, with a hint of walnut that makes it irresistible. Harvest begins at the beginning of ripeness, in early September, and runs until October. The 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree keeps very well after harvest and can be consumed throughout the winter, until March. Plants from Organic Agriculture.

The apple tree is a native tree in Europe, particularly in France where its presence has been attested since antiquity. The 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree was obtained in Holland around 1770. This country had long cultivated several varieties of Kroon apples, from which this variety originated. The numerous exchanges in the 19th century between France, Holland, and Belgium in particular are the reason for the presence of the 'Reine des Reinettes' variety in France.

The Organic 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree is an upright tree, giving it a very elegant and slender appearance. It is very productive, so it will need to be thinned out to avoid small fruit size and the occurrence of diseases. Its hardiness makes it suitable for cultivation in northern regions of Europe, as well as in mountainous areas. Its foliage consists of very large, ovate, slightly hairy leaves that are dark greenish-brown on top and whitish-green underneath, with deeply toothed edges. Flowering occurs in April and is quite extensive. For this reason, the variety is one of the best pollinators for other apple trees. The flowering is not afraid of frost. The apple tree is therefore suitable for cultivation in mountainous areas. It is partially self-fertile, but the presence of apple trees that bloom at the same time is preferable. The varieties 'Golden Delicious', 'Idared', and 'Melrose' are suitable. Fruiting is early. It begins in September. Rounded and elongated in shape, the apples have a silky skin, yellow-orange with some red stripes. They have an exotic aroma. This variety prefers cold nights to reveal the full flavour of its fruits.

These apples are particularly suitable for making pastries, especially delicious Tarte Tatin. They can of course be eaten fresh, in compotes, in jams, and in savoury dishes, paired with Normandy cheeses for example.

Designed for organic cultivation, the cultivation of the Organic 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree will thrive under certain conditions. To avoid diseases and pests, it will be necessary to:
- space the trees 5m (16ft) apart in all directions,
- choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- avoid planting on land that has hosted other woody plants, especially those of the same species,
- prune to promote tree ventilation,
- thin out to prevent the development of diseases on the fruits,
- apply compost in two stages: during flowering and after harvest. These applications should be based on the quality of your soil: the lower its organic matter content, the greater the application should be,
- install multi-species hedges (except for Malus species), stone and wood piles, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial organisms.
In case of disease appearance, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. The Organic 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree is resistant to diseases but is quite susceptible to scab. If necessary, treat with Bordeaux mixture, at half dosage.

For transport reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipment. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for high standards. If you would like more information or advice on the training of your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.