Apple Tree Royale Delbard Delfloga - Georges Delbard

Malus domestica Royale Delbard 'Delfloga', also known as Delbarddivine, is a creation from Georges Delbard Nurseries. It is a vigorous variety with a balanced silhouette that branches well. With early fruiting, it produces an abundance of round apples with a medium to large size. Their light red skin is striped with yellow. Its white and crunchy flesh is firm, juicy, sweet, slightly tart, and fragrant. From late September, the fruits can be consumed right after harvesting and can be stored throughout winter until March. The apples have a high sugar content. They are excellent in pies and compotes, or sautéed. They are wonderful in savoury dishes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple tree varieties for pollination.

Malus domestica is commonly called the common or domestic apple tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times, and is native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. 

Malus domestica Royale Delbard 'Delfloga' was created in 2008, resulting from a natural cross between a 'Royal Gala' (Tenroy) and a 'Florina'. It inherited from 'Florina' good resistance to scab, and from 'Royal' it inherited a structure adapted to amateur gardeners. This variety forms a semi-erect tree, which branches well, reaching a height and spread of up to 4m (13ft). Its habit is suitable for low forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves that are dark green on top, whitish green underneath. The leaves are deeply toothed. The white-pink flowering occurs in early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by temperatures of -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It can tolerate temperatures of around -30°C (-22°F). It is a self-sterile variety, which, despite its vigour, produces poor quality pollen, making it very weakly capable of pollinating other apple tree varieties. It needs the presence of apple trees whose flowering occurs at the same time. 'Harmony', 'Delbartardive', 'Delbart Celeste', 'Golden Delicious', and 'Queen of the Pippins' are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as 'Perpetu Evereste' and 'John Downie', bloom abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

Apples can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with pork, or in salads. They are rich in carbohydrates and fructose, and are invigorating and rehydrating. They boast a high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until March. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Apple trees are some of the most popular fruit trees for our gardens. There is such a wide range of apple trees that it is easy to find the right one for you.