Apple Tree Cesarz Wilhelm, Kaiser Wilhelm, Reinette rouge - Malus domestica

The 'Cesarz Wilhem' Apple Tree is an old German variety named 'Kaiser Wilhelm' in its country of origin. It continues to charm with its many qualities, combining good disease resistance, vigorous growth and considerable hardiness, and above all, delicious apples. The yellow apples that redden at ripeness have a firm and juicy flesh, and can be stored for long months. They can be eaten raw or juiced and are equally suitable for making desserts and pastries. Medium to large in size, they are produced in great quantity, which does not hinder the tree's vigour. This tree must be pollinated by another variety planted nearby, as it is not self-fertile.

The Apple Tree belongs to the vast Rosaceae family, which includes most of our temperate-climate fruit trees. The genus Malus encompasses both fruit-bearing species, such as the Common Apple Tree or Malus domestica (synonyms Malus communis or Malus pumila), and ornamental ones, the stunning 'Flowering Crabapples'. Native to the forests of Central Asia, the Apple Tree is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe, with around 20,000 varieties.
The Malus domestica ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ is a variety discovered in 1864 by a certain Hesselmann in Witzhelden, a low mountain region in the state of Northern Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. An admirer of Emperor Wilhelm I, he dedicated this new apple tree to him. It is a vigorously growing tree, capable of reaching over 6 m in height and up to 8 m, but more commonly limited to 5 m, with a spread of around 4 m, with an open, spreading habit. It forms a very dense crown, with long, flexible branches that tend to droop, giving it a very characteristic silhouette. Due to its sustained growth, around 30 to 50 cm per year, it is recommended to prune it regularly at maturity to limit its development (ideally every 2 years). Very hardy, it can be found in the German climate up to an altitude of 700 m. It bears abundant ovate, dark green leaves which enhance its bushy appearance. 
Flowering usually occurs in April, with small, single, highly ornamental, white-pink blossoms. Being self-sterile, this variety requires the planting of a pollinator, among which 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Ontario' and 'Goldparmäne' are considered the best candidates for fertilisation. Once fertilised, the flowers develop into apples of medium to large size, which can reach 170 grams. Round in shape, slightly flattened, they are initially yellow and redden under the sun, with the two colours then blending. The shiny epidermis is decorative and invites biting into the firm, yellowish-white flesh, which proves to be tangy and very juicy. A dessert apple, it is also a cooking fruit for making delicious pies, and can equally be turned into juice. This versatility is accompanied by very good storage potential, with fruits harvested at maturity in October keeping until April. Storage should be in a cool, dry place, away from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight to the outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To speed up the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples right next to them.

The Apple Tree 'Cesarz Wilhem' remains a highly sought-after variety for its culinary qualities, good hardiness and fairly high disease resistance. As its development can be substantial, it will need sufficient space in the orchard, where it will accompany other species such as the Mirabelle de Nancy, also very hardy and whose delicious fruits are universally loved. A must-have, the Pear Tree will also be part of your fruit garden, where you can also plant small fruits to vary the taste pleasures, such as Raspberry Plants or Currant Bushes.