Organic Apple Tree Transparente de Croncels - Malus domestica

The Organic 'Transparente de Croncels' Apple, also known as Croncels Apple or Glasapfel, is an ancient variety obtained in 1869 by Charles and Ernest Baltet in Troyes. The tree is vigorous, resistant to various diseases and pests (except for codling moths), and particularly resistant to woolly aphids. It offers an early, abundant, and regular yield. Its large-sized fruits are harvested from late August to early October. The smooth and thin skin of the apple is light yellow with light gray spots and encloses a yellowish, tender, juicy flesh that has a very fine, sweet, and slightly acidic taste.

Plants from Organic Farming.

Also excellent as a dessert apple as well as a cooking apple, unfortunately it does not store well but compensates for this weakness with excellent taste quality: it makes very good compotes and jellies, and is delicious when baked.

Hardy, the 'Transparente de Croncels' Apple can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F) and blooms in April, earlier or later depending on the region. The branches are covered with small decorative white-pink flower clusters. This rather early flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts, which can compromise the harvest. The tree reaches about 4 metres (13 feet) in all directions at maturity. It is an excellent pollinator for apple trees that bloom at the same time, such as 'Cox's Orange Pippin' or 'Reine des Reinettes', which in turn ensure its pollination.

The apple tree, scientifically known as Malus domestica, is a fruit tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is cultivated almost everywhere in the world and includes countless varieties, ancient or modern, that produce apples of varying sizes and flavours.

Apple trees are native to Europe, including France, where their presence has been documented since ancient times. Hardy, sometimes up to -30°C (-22°F) for the most resistant varieties, they can be grown throughout Europe.

The size of the domestic apple tree does not exceed ten metres in height and width. This size can be even 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 (column, cordon, espalier...).

The leaves of the apple tree are deciduous and alternate on the branches. Their lamina is oval and toothed. They have a dark green upper surface and a whitish lower surface, slightly downy.

In spring, the apple tree bears white or white-pink flowers grouped in corymbs. The apple flowers are composed of 5 petals, surrounding a core of about 20 stamens. They give rise to fleshy fruits (technically drupes), spherical and containing seeds. Their colour, size, flavour, and shelf life vary depending on the variety.

Rarely self-fertile, the apple tree is a fruit tree that 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 particularly appreciates temperate and rather humid regions, such as Normandy. It thrives in full sun and reasonably moist and fertile soil. It is traditionally planted in the heart of an orchard, but can also be grown as a standalone tree or even in a hedge.

It is an easy fruit tree that requires at least 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 the productivity of apple trees.

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 numerous culinary preparations (compotes, pies, jellies) but can also be used to make apple juice or cider.

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