Belle de Boskoop apple tree – AB

Description

Boskoop’s Belle apple tree (Malus domestica ‘Boskoop’s Belle’)

The Belle de Boskoop apple tree is an old variety renowned for its taste qualities and good conservation. Native to the Netherlands, this vigorous and hardy variety produces large, crunchy, juicy and slightly tart apples. Ideal for both fresh consumption and cooking, the Belle de Boskoop is a versatile choice for your orchard.

Characteristics of the fruit

• Size: Large
• Color: Yellow-green with red spots
• Flesh: Firm, crunchy, juicy
• Flavour: Slightly tart, sweet, fragrant
• Storage: Excellent, October to March

Culture

Exhibition

The Belle de Boskoop apple tree requires a sunny exposure for optimal fruiting.

Soil

It adapts to different types of soil, but prefers light, well-drained soils.

Pollination

This variety is self-sterile and requires the presence of other varieties for good pollination. The recommended pollinators are: Reine des Reinettes, Golden Delicious, or Cox’s Orange.

Hardiness

Very hardy, resistant to -30°C.

Care

Size

Perform maintenance pruning in late winter to maintain a balanced, airy shape. For trellised forms, prune green in summer. Check out our guide to pruning fruit trees for more details.

Fertilization

Provide organic matter (compost, potting soil) and a bottom fertilizer such as crushed horn when planting. An annual addition of compost at the foot of the tree will promote its growth and production.

Plant protection

The Belle de Boskoop apple tree has good resistance to scab and canker, but is slightly more susceptible to powdery mildew. Favor preventive control methods and natural treatments if necessary.

Uses

Boskoop’s Belle apples are excellent for fresh consumption, but they are particularly popular for baking. They are perfect for making pies, compotes, jellies and other culinary preparations.

Our planting tips

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
2. Dig a planting hole three times wider than the root ball of the tree.
3. Mix the planting soil with compost or quality potting soil.
4. Plant the tree, being careful not to bury the graft point.
5. Water thoroughly after planting and install a stake if necessary.
6. Mulch the base of the tree to conserve moisture and limit weed competition.

For more information on planting fruit trees, check out our guide to planting fruit trees.

Complementary varieties

To diversify your orchard and ensure good pollination, you can also consider other varieties of apple trees such as:

• Reinette of Le Mans
• Queen of the Reinettes
• Cox’s Orange
• Golden Delicious

Also discover our selection of the best varieties of apples to help you in your choice.

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