Price range: 18,00 € through 28,00 €
Flowering period: Very late (mid-April)
Harvest period: October
Storage: December – April
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The Limousin Court Pendu Gris apple tree is one of the oldest French varieties of our pomicolese heritage, already renowned before the year 1400. This ancestral variety of Limousin and Dordogne was considered in the sixteenth century as “the best of apples” and enjoyed an exceptional European reputation.
A true historical treasure, this apple was once used as a natural medicine, prescribed by the ancients to treat pleurisy and fever. Its evocative name “Court Pendu Gris du Limousin” refers to its characteristic very short peduncle, a morphological peculiarity that immediately distinguishes it.
The fruits have a very recognizable asymmetrical flattened shape , with one side slightly more developed than the other. Medium to large in size, they have a rough and corky epidermis of a magnificent yellow-red with grey spots, sometimes nuanced with golden copper when insolated.
The yellowish flesh reveals a remarkable texture: crunchy, fine and particularly juicy. It offers an exceptional flavor, very sweet with a perfectly balanced moderate acidity. The distinctive character of this apple lies in its subtle scent of cinnamon slightly aniseed, which gives it a unique and unforgettable taste personality.
| Feature | Description | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | Medium to Large | Substantial fruit |
| Shape | Asymmetrical | Easy to cut |
| Conservation | 5 months (December-April) | Exceptional storage apples |
The tree shows remarkable vigour with a semi-open habit and a marked axial dominance. This hardy variety flourishes particularly well at altitude and can withstand temperatures down to -25°C, testifying to its Limousin mountain origins.
The very late flowering in mid-April is a major asset to avoid spring frosts. This, combined with its natural resistance to diseases and pests, makes it a preferred choice for environmentally friendly cultivation requiring few treatments.
Although partially self-fertile, the Court Pendu Gris du Limousin benefits greatly from the presence of pollinators to optimize its production. Pair it with the Reine des Reinettes apple tree, an excellent companion thanks to its flowering spread over April.
To create a harmonious orchard, you can also accompany it with the Cox Orange Apple Tree or the Court Pendu Rouge Apple Tree for a complete collection of this historic family.
This strain adapts to most soils, with a preference for deep, cool, well-drained soils. It tolerates even slightly calcareous soils without excess stagnant moisture. A sunny to semi-shaded exposure is perfectly suitable.
Maintenance is minimal thanks to its natural robustness. Early fruiting (2-3 years) and regular production without marked alternation facilitate orchard management. Thinning is usually not necessary due to the tree’s natural self-regulation.
The harvest takes place in October at full maturity, but the optimal tasting takes place after a few weeks of maturation, from December. This exceptional ageing apple can be kept perfectly until April, preserving all its taste qualities.
A true all-round apple, it excels both plain and in baking. Its cinnamon aromas sublimate traditional pies, compotes and jams. Its richness in natural sugar reduces external additions in culinary preparations.
Growing the Court pendu gris du Limousin means participating in the preservation of fruit biodiversity and perpetuating a thousand-year-old taste heritage. This ancient variety embodies the authenticity and craftsmanship of our ancestors, offering flavors not found in modern varieties.
For more information on choosing your fruit tree, see our article: How to choose your fruit tree.
Our advice in video
| Weight | 0,33 kg |
|---|---|
| Age | 1 year (Whip, between 1m and 2m), 2 years |
| Apple rootstock | B9, adult height≈ 2m, M111, adult size ≈ 4m, M9, adult size ≈ 2.5m, MM106, adult size ≈ 3.5m, Seedling, adult height over 5m |
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