Item Number: FT382
Reinette Franche Apple Tree
Reinette Franche Apple Tree
Excellent for Storing
Every rare tree purchase supports historical orchard preservation
Limited availability—reserve up to 5 rare trees per order while supplies last
Each handpicked tree includes a durable etched metal display tag and will be shipped in a 6-foot box to ensure optimal growth
Standard on Domestic Apple Rootstock
The Reinette Franche Apple tree is a historically significant variety introduced by Felix Gillet, a pioneering horticulturist, in 1884. Originating from Normandy, France, this apple has been cultivated since the 1500s and has become a favorite among apple enthusiasts for its unique flavor, excellent storage capabilities, and resilience. The Reinette Franche apple is medium to large, with a stunning crimson and golden skin, often adorned with radiating rays of russet from the stem cavity. The tree is known for its consistent and productive bearing, particularly from the original "grandmother" tree in Goodyears Bar, Sierra County, California. This tree, located on an old mining claim near the North Fork of the Yuba River at 2,700 feet elevation, produced an impressive 350-pound harvest in 2018. The fruit is highly regarded for its yellowish-white, firm, and crunchy flesh, with a spicy flavor that combines hints of nuts and orange. It is an excellent choice for both fresh eating and cooking, making it a versatile addition to any orchard.
Historical Significance of the Reinette Franche Apple Tree
The Reinette Franche Apple tree's history is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of Normandy, France, where it was first cultivated in the 1500s. This variety is part of a broader family of Reinette apples, which are known for their high-quality fruit and storability. The Reinette Franche, in particular, gained popularity for its distinctive flavor and attractive appearance.
Felix Gillet, who played a crucial role in introducing many European fruit and nut varieties to the western United States, brought the Reinette Franche to California in 1884. Gillet established his nursery in Nevada City, California, during the height of the Gold Rush, providing miners and settlers with a wide range of fruit and nut trees that would thrive in the Sierra Nevada's unique climate. The Reinette Franche was one of the many varieties that Gillet introduced, and it quickly became a favorite for its excellent flavor, resilience, and storage capabilities.
The original "grandmother" tree in Goodyears Bar, Sierra County, is a testament to the durability and longevity of the Reinette Franche Apple tree. This tree, located on an old mining claim, has thrived for over a century in a region known for its rugged terrain and harsh winters. Goodyears Bar was once a bustling mining camp during the Gold Rush, populated by thousands of miners who worked the placer and hard rock mines in the area. Today, it is a quiet hamlet, but the Reinette Franche tree continues to produce bountiful harvests, connecting the present with the region's rich history.
How to Grow an Apple Tree: Cultivating the Reinette Franche Apple
Growing a Reinette Franche Apple tree requires an understanding of its specific needs and the environmental conditions that will allow it to thrive. Like many traditional apple varieties, the Reinette Franche is well-suited to regions with cold winters, where it can receive the necessary chill hours to break dormancy and produce fruit.
The first step in cultivating a Reinette Franche Apple tree is selecting the right planting site. This tree prefers full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to develop its signature crimson and golden skin. The tree should be planted in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Soil with good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Planting should be done in early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. It is important to position the graft union, where the rootstock meets the scion, above the soil line to prevent the scion from rooting. After planting, the tree should be watered thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
The Reinette Franche Apple tree is known for its resistance to fireblight and scab, making it a relatively low-maintenance variety. However, like all apple trees, it benefits from regular care and attention. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, creating a more favorable environment for growth.
Watering is crucial during the first few years of the tree's life. Deep watering once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water, is recommended. As the tree matures, it will become more drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry periods will support continued growth and fruit production.
Fertilization is another important aspect of caring for the Reinette Franche Apple tree. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost in early spring, before new growth begins, provides the nutrients needed for healthy growth and fruit development. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to vigorous vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the Reinette Franche Apple tree. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the buds break. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or growing inward. Proper pruning allows for good air circulation and light penetration, which helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes even ripening of the apples.
Harvesting Apples
The Reinette Franche Apple tree is a biennial bearer, meaning it tends to produce larger crops every other year. The fruit ripens in October at elevations around 2,700 feet, making it a perfect choice for regions with cool autumns.
To harvest the apples, gently lift the fruit and twist it slightly. If the apple detaches easily from the tree, it is ready to be picked. The apples should be harvested before the first frost, as cold temperatures can damage the fruit and reduce its storage life.
The Reinette Franche Apple is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Its firm, crunchy flesh makes it ideal for fresh eating, while its spicy flavor adds depth to pies, tarts, and other baked goods. The apples can also be used to make apple juice, cider, and preserves, making them a valuable addition to any homestead or orchard.
Storing Apples
One of the Reinette Franche Apple tree's most notable qualities is its excellent storage capability. The apples can be stored well into the spring, providing a fresh supply of fruit long after the harvest season has ended. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the apples' quality and extending their shelf life.
After harvesting, the apples should be stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. A root cellar is ideal, as it provides the low temperature and high humidity that apples need to stay fresh over an extended period. To store apples, place them in shallow crates or baskets, ensuring they are not touching each other. This helps prevent the spread of any spoilage that may occur.
Regularly check the apples for signs of decay, and remove any that show signs of rotting to prevent it from spreading to the other fruit. With proper storage, Reinette Franche apples can last well into the winter and even the early spring, making them a valuable addition to any pantry.
Conclusion
The Reinette Franche Apple tree is a historically significant and highly productive variety that offers a unique combination of flavor, texture, and storability. Its connection to Felix Gillet and the rich history of apple cultivation in California adds to its allure, making it a true heritage tree with deep roots in the agricultural traditions of Normandy and the Sierra Nevada. By understanding how to grow an apple tree like the Reinette Franche and taking the necessary steps to care for it, you can enjoy bountiful harvests of delicious apples year after year. Whether for fresh eating, cooking, or storing apples for winter, the Reinette Franche Apple is a timeless and valuable addition to any orchard.
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Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 5.0 lb
Dimensions: 71.5"L x 7.3"W x 2.75"H
Features
Features
- Bare Root
- Self-fruitful
- Suited to Warmer Climates
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee
* Claim deadline is June 15th
We guarantee that your dormant tree or plant will arrive in good, viable condition. If your tree arrives in substandard condition, notify us within 3 days of delivery. Please email pictures of the box, inside packaging, the tree and its roots to helpdesk@groworganic.com. We will investigate your claim and process a request to exchange or refund the damaged product.
If your dormant tree or plant has not grown new leaves by June 15th, you may be eligible for our Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee. This guarantee provides for a store credit for the purchase price of the tree, excluding shipping. Please see the Instructions below.
Important Dates:
- April 1st Dormant trees/plants must be planted in the ground
- May 15th Perform scratch test, if no new leaves have grown
- June 15th Deadline to apply for a dormant tree/plant credit
All required documentation must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. Claims or documentation received after June 15th will be denied, without exception. Instructions listed below
Terms and Conditions
We cannot guarantee that your tree or plant will remain alive and healthy after it is received, or bear fruit as there are too many variables in your environment that are beyond our control (i.e. soil preparation, weed and pest control, proper irrigation, chill hours, compatible hardiness for your growing zone, proper choice of pollinator, extreme weather, rodent damage, disease, etc.).
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a replacement tree/plant of the same species either that same growing season or in future years. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees associated with replacement trees and plants.
If we determine that the tree you purchased directly from us is not viable, we will issue you a store credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of the affected dormant tree or plant. Shipping is not included in the dormant tree/plant guarantee. Store credits can be used to purchase any product we sell and are valid for use only until July 1st of the following year.
Historically, 98% of our dormant trees and plants grow and thrive when they have been cared for and planted using our growing guides. Dormant trees and plants must be planted in the ground by April 1st in order to be eligible for credit. If the ground in your area is still frozen solid, you may temporarily plant your tree or plant in a pot.
Potted, non-dormant trees or plants are excluded from this guarantee as they are not dormant at the time of shipment. Evergreen trees such as citrus, avocado and olive trees are not available for credit under the Dormant Tree and Plant Guarantee.
Instructions
We guarantee that your dormant fruit tree or plant will leaf out, if you care for it according to our growing guides. In the unlikely event that your dormant tree or plant does not have leaves by May 15th, follow these simple steps to apply for a store credit:
Before you call or email, please perform a “scratch test” to determine if the tree or plant is still alive. This video shows how to check for live tissue under the bark. Scratch tests need to be done a few inches above and below the graft.
Green Cambium Layer / Living Trees
If the cambium layer under the bark is green, give your tree a little more time. It is still alive, but hasn’t come out of dormancy yet. Check to make sure that it is getting the right amount of deep root water, enough sunlight and that the weather is warm enough for that type of tree/plant to come out of dormancy. Every tree has its own personality and will come out of dormancy at different times. Be sure to submit the required documentation listed below by June 15th, if it doesn’t grow leaves.
Brown Cambium Layer / Dead Trees
If the scratch test shows a brown cambium layer or if your dormant tree/plant doesn’t have leaves by June 1st, please email us at helpdesk@groworganic.com. All required documentation listed below must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. To be considered for the guarantee claim, all required documentation must be received by June 15th. Incomplete submissions will be denied.
Required Documentation
- Order number
- Name of dormant tree/plant and the quantity affected
- Photos of each tree or plant showing:
- The roots (tree or plant must be pulled out of the ground)
- The scratch test areas
- The entire tree/plant
We reserve the right to not issue credit for items that have already been replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence that the tree/plant was not killed by root rot, rodent or mechanical damage.
