Apple Tree Double Belle Fleur - Malus domestica

The Double Belle Fleur Apple Tree is an old, hardy variety with vigorous growth and very late flowering, capable of withstanding altitudes up to 900m (2953ft). It produces round apples, large in size, with a smooth, thin skin, yellowish-green in colour, flushed with bright red on the sunny side, and grey lenticels. The white flesh is firm, crisp, moderately juicy, sweet and tart. Harvest begins in early October, and the fruits can be consumed immediately and stored until the end of December. With a pleasant tartness and high sugar content, it is a delicious apple to bite into. Its firm flesh, which holds up well during cooking, makes it an excellent apple for making fritters, pies, and compotes, not to mention its uses as an accompaniment to savoury recipes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties to improve pollination.

Malus domestica, also known scientifically as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Double Belle Fleur Apple Tree, also known as Dubbele Bellefleur or Belle Fleur de France, is a very old variety with origins that are not well known.

The Double Belle Fleur Apple Tree is a tree with vigorous growth, a spreading habit, and a wide framework that can reach a diameter of 6 metres (20 feet). Its trailing form is well suited for tall, free-standing trees. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the lower side, with deeply toothed edges. Flowering, which occurs late, takes place in late April to early May, which generally protects it from frost. The white-pink flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures between -2 and -3°C. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C and is suitable for cultivation in most regions, especially at altitudes up to 900m (2953ft). It is a triploid variety, which, despite its vigour, produces poor quality pollen, making it relatively weak in terms of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few viable seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that flower at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Court Pendu Rouge, Cox's Orange Pippin, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette Etoilée, Transparent Jaune, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie flower profusely and can be excellent pollinators.

The Double Belle Fleur Apple Tree is a high-yielding variety with rapid fruiting. The abundant and irregular fruiting begins in late September and continues throughout October. The apple can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great sense of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and hydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre make the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored until the end of December if harvested late. They can be stored in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C, or in a cold room sealed from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

The Double Belle Fleur Apple Tree is a very hardy and vigorous variety, somewhat resistant to scab, moderately susceptible to powdery mildew, and susceptible to canker in heavy and humid soils. To obtain high-quality fruits, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning to improve air circulation, by removing some branches from the centre of the tree, will provide more light and give the fruits a beautiful colour. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases.

Very popular for its fruit, the apple tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your taste.