Reliable pollinator duo for Organic Apple trees

This self-fertile duo of organic apple pollinators brings together the varieties 'Golden Delicious' and 'Queen of the Pippins' that have proven themselves. Planted in the same garden, these two apple trees that bloom together in spring pollinate each other, ensuring a bountiful harvest in September-October. Bare-root fruit trees should be planted upon receipt, preferably in autumn.

This duo consists of:

-x1 Organic 'Golden Delicious' Apple Tree: extensively cultivated in France, this variety is the most well-known for apple lovers. The tree has medium vigor, quickly bears fruit, and offers a significant and regular yield. It produces large, uniformly golden yellow-skinned fruits with a conical shape. The pale yellow flesh is firm, fine, crisp, fragrant, and balanced between sweetness and acidity. Flowering usually occurs at the end of April, often avoiding frost, and the fruits are harvested in mid-September while still green. Golden apples can be stored until February in a cool place, although they tend to become slightly mealy. This apple tree is not self-fertile. It is easy to grow in all regions and has good frost resistance.

-x1 Organic 'Queen of the Pippins' Apple Tree: a vigorous and productive variety, highly resistant to cold and diseases. Highly appreciated in pastry, it is the deliciously tart and fragrant apple that made the famous Tarte Tatin a success. The fruits, about 7 cm (3in) in diameter, are covered with a red-yellow golden skin. The flesh is pale, juicy, fine, and crisp, both sweet and tart, with a hint of walnut that makes it irresistible. Harvest begins at the start of ripeness, in early September, and continues until October. 'Queen of the Pippins' apples store very well after harvest and can be consumed throughout the winter, until March. It will be necessary to thin them out to avoid small fruit size and the occurrence of diseases. This apple tree is an excellent pollinator.

Labelled separately

The apple tree is native to Europe, particularly in France where its presence has been documented since antiquity. It is a semi-erect, elegant tree. Its deciduous foliage falls in autumn. The leaves are very large, oval, slightly fuzzy, dark green on top and whitish green underneath, deeply toothed. Flowering occurs in April and is not affected by frost. The apple tree is therefore suitable for cultivation in mountainous regions.

'Golden Delicious' and 'Queen of the Pippins' apples can be enjoyed fresh, as well as in compotes, jams, pastries, and savory dishes, paired with Normandy cheeses, for example.

Designed for organic cultivation, the Organic Apple Tree will thrive under certain conditions. To avoid diseases and pests, the following measures should be taken:
- Space the trees 5 metres (16 feet) apart in all directions,
- Choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- Avoid planting on a site that previously 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 twice: during flowering and after harvest. The amount of compost should be adjusted according to the quality of your soil: the lower its organic matter content, the greater the amount needed,
- Install multi-species hedges (except for Malus species), stone and wood piles, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
In case of disease outbreak, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. The Organic 'Queen of the Pippins' Apple Tree is resistant to diseases, but is somewhat susceptible to scab. If necessary, treat with Bordeaux mixture, using half the recommended dosage.

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