Organic Apple Tree Court Pendu - Malus domestica

The Organic Court Pendu Apple Tree is a very old variety, known since the 15th century, originating from Normandy. It offers delicious, flat apples whose green-grey skin turns yellow, sometimes tinged with red when ripe. Their yellow flesh is crisp, fine and very sweet, releasing a subtle aroma of cinnamon with a hint of anise in the mouth. These fruits are harvested in October and can be consumed from December onwards. They were once believed to have medicinal properties.

Plant from Organic Agriculture.

The Court Pendu Apple Tree produces an excellent, versatile apple, equally good eaten raw or cooked. It will also keep for a long time, at least until April and sometimes even for a year, if stored under very good conditions.

This hardy apple tree can withstand temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F) and blooms in April. It is resistant to disease, including scab. When mature, the tree will reach about 4 metres (13 feet) in all directions, depending on the growing conditions.

This apple tree is sometimes referred to as self-fertile. In reality, it is very infertile and should therefore be considered an inter-fertile variety. To bear abundant fruit, it should be planted near other varieties that flower at the same time, such as 'Reine des Reinettes' or 'Api rouge'.

The apple tree (in Latin Malus domestica) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is cultivated almost everywhere in the world and includes countless varieties, old or modern, which produce apples of varying sizes and flavours, ranging from sweet to tart.

Apple trees are native to Europe. They are hardy, sometimes to -30°C (-22°F) for the most resistant varieties.

The size of a domestic apple tree does not exceed ten metres in height, with a similar width. This size can be much smaller depending on the vigour of the rootstock used. This fruit tree generally has a tall trunk that naturally spreads out. It comes in various forms (bush, half-standard, standard...) and can be trained in many ways (columnar, cordon, espalier...)

The leaves of the apple tree are deciduous, falling in autumn, and arranged alternately on the branches. They are ovate and toothed with a dark green upper surface and a whitish, slightly fuzzy lower surface.

In spring, the apple tree bears white or pinkish-white flowers grouped in corymbs. The white flowers have 5 petals and surround a core composed of about 20 stamens. They are followed by fleshy, round fruits (from a botanical point of view, drupes) filled with seeds. Their colour, size, flavour and shelf life vary depending on the variety.

The apple tree is rarely self-fertile and requires the presence of other apple trees flowering at the same time and nearby, to bear fruit.

The apple tree can be grown in all climates but prefers temperate, humid regions. It thrives in full sun in reasonably moist and rich soil. It is traditionally grown in orchards but can also be grown as a standalone tree or even as a hedge.

It is an easy fruit tree that requires some thinning pruning. Proper fruiting pruning will prevent the phenomenon of alternate bearing (fruiting every other year). An annual or biennial application of well-decomposed compost also enhances apple tree productivity.

Apples are harvested in late summer and autumn and can sometimes be stored for a long period in a cellar and consumed until early spring. Apples lend themselves to a wide range of culinary preparations (compotes, pies, jellies), but can also be used to make apple juice or cider.

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