Apple Tree Divine - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Divine® delcored is a creation of the Georges Delbard Nurseries, selected for its beautiful red apples, particularly aromatic, and its high tolerance to scab. The fruit, round in shape, of medium to large size, has firm, sweet, juicy, and slightly acidic flesh, with a perfectly balanced flavour. It is a vigorous variety that produces abundantly from the early years. In October the fruits can be eaten right after harvest and can be stored throughout the winter until March. With a high sugar content, it is a refreshing apple to bite into. Excellent in pies, compotes, or sautéed, the Divine is also greatly appreciated in savoury recipes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties to improve pollination.

Malus domestica, scientifically also called Malus communis or Malus pumila, is the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are about 20,000 varieties, including approximately 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. Malus domestica Divine® 'delcored' is a recent creation of the Georges Delbard Nurseries, following the lineage of Tentation® 'Delblush'.

The Divine Apple Tree is a tree of excellent agronomic quality, with a semi-erect habit, well-branched, and reaching a height and spread of up to 4 metres (13 feet). Its habit is suitable for low forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, greenish-brown leaves on the upper side and whitish-green on the lower side, deeply dentate. The white-pink flowering occurs in early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C. The Divine Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -30°C, and it is suitable for cultivation in most regions. It is a self-sterile variety which, despite its vigour, produces poor quality pollen, making it very weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. That is why the presence of apple trees that flower at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Cybèle®, Festival Rouge®, Régali®, Tentation®, and Reine des reinettes are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Malus Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Divine Apple Tree is a vigorous variety, with rapid fruiting and high productivity. The fruiting, uniform and abundant, begins in October. The apple can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, in combination with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, with black pudding, pork, or in salads. Easy to eat, the apple provides great satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored until March. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C, or in a cold airtight room, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruit, the apple tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your taste.