Columnar Apple Tree Versailles Delgrico - Georges Delbard

The columnar habit and the limited development of the self-fertile apple tree 'Versailles'® Delgrico make it suitable for gardens with limited space, for cultivation in pots on balconies or terraces, or for creating a small fruit hedge. It is a very hardy and vigorous variety, productive, highly resistant to scab and mildew. Delicious, the 'Versailles Delgrico' apple is a round fruit, medium-sized, with a bicoloured skin, striped red on a green background with prominent lenticels. Its crisp, whitish and firm flesh is very juicy, fruity and sweet. From late September, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest and can be stored until February. With a high sugar content, it is a very pleasant and invigorating apple to bite into. Excellent in pies, compotes or sautéed, the Versailles apple is also highly appreciated in savoury recipes. The presence of other apple tree varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production.

Malus domestica, also scientifically known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in France and Europe since antiquity, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It is highly hardy and is undoubtedly 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. Malus domestica Versailles® 'Delgrico' is a recent creation from the Georges Delbard Nurseries in France.

Elegant, the 'Versailles' Apple Tree is a small tree with a columnar and compact habit that reaches a height of 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) and a width of approximately 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) at maturity. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, greenish-brown leaves on top and whitish-green underneath, deeply toothed. The light pink flowering occurs in April-May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3 °C. The Columnar 'Versailles Delgrico' Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures approaching -30 °C and is suitable for cultivation in all regions of France. It is a partially self-fertile (diploid) variety that pollinates quite well, but the presence of other apple tree varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production. Columnar apple tree varieties such as 'Amboise'®, 'Azay-Le-Rideau'®, 'Ballerina® Polka', 'Ballerina® Maypole', 'Ballerina® Valse', 'Cheverny'®, 'Chenonceau'®, 'Chinon'®, 'Courson'®, 'Pomfital', 'Rhapsodie'®, 'Vaux Le Vicomte'®, 'Versailles'®, 'Villandry'® are suitable for cross-pollination. The 'Reine des Reinettes' apple tree can also fulfill this function. Ornamental apple trees such as 'Evereste' and 'John Downie' flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The 'Versailles' Apple Tree is a vigorous variety with quick and productive fruiting. The fruiting, uniform and abundant, begins in late September and extends until October. The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, with blood sausage, pork, or in salads. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great sense of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating and rehydrating. Its high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored until February. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10 °C or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C. The apple emits ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular, thanks to its fruits, the apple tree finds its rightful place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old. Among a wide range of apple trees varieties, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's desires.