Columnar Apple Tree Amboise - Georges Delbard - Malus domestica

The 'Amboise' Delcogra Columnar Apple Tree is a variety perfectly suited for small gardens and cultivation in large pots on the terrace. With a height of no more than 4 metres (13 feet), it can easily be contained at 2 metres (7 feet). Highly productive and fast-growing, it quickly bears fruit and offers medium-sized, bright green apples with a deliciously tart flavour, similar to the famous 'Granny Smith'.

These fruits are harvested in September. They can be consumed immediately but also, under proper conditions, stored until February.

Hardy, the Amboise® Columnar Apple Tree can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) and usually blooms in May. It is a vigorous variety with rapid growth and fruiting. It produces its first fruits two to three years after planting, sometimes even earlier.

This apple tree, like all espalier forms, requires staking.

Ornamental and highly space-efficient, it only requires about 60 cm (24in) in width. Like dwarf apple trees, columnar forms are ideal for small gardens and large pots on the terrace. Cordons are also very easy to install along the edge of a vegetable garden or even in the midst of vegetables, as they do not create excessive shade. Finally, this type of fruit tree is fantastic because the fruits are easy to pick.

This apple tree is not self-fertile, so to bear abundant fruit, it should be planted near varieties that bloom simultaneously, such as 'Reine des Reinettes', commonly found in many gardens.

The apple tree (Malus pumila or domestica) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is cultivated almost everywhere in the world and includes countless old and modern varieties that produce apples of varying sizes and flavours, ranging from sweet to tart.

Apple trees are native to Europe, including France, where their presence has been documented since ancient times. Hardy, with some varieties able to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F), they can be grown almost anywhere.

Domestic apple trees typically reach a height of no more than ten metres, with a similar spread. However, their size can be much smaller depending on the rootstock's vigour. These fruit trees generally have a tall trunk that naturally spreads out. They come in various forms (bush, half-standard, standard...) and can be trained in many ways (columnar, cordon, espalier...)

Apple tree leaves are deciduous and arranged alternately on the branches. Their lamina is ovate and dentate. The upper surface of the apple tree leaf is dark green, and the lower surface is whitish and slightly fuzzy.

In spring, apple trees bear white or pinkish-white flowers clustered in corymbs. Apple flowers comprise five petals, surrounding a core of about 20 stamens. From a botanical perspective, they give rise to fleshy fruits (drupes), spherical and filled with pips. Their colour, size, flavour, and shelf life vary depending on the variety.

Apple trees are rarely self-fertile, and to bear fruit, they require the presence of other apple trees that bloom at the same time and in close proximity.

Apple trees can be grown in all climates but mainly thrive in temperate regions, preferably with moderate humidity, such as Normandy. They thrive in sunlight and reasonably moist, fertile soil. They are traditionally planted in orchards but can be grown as standalone trees or hedges.

Apple trees are easy fruit trees that require at least minimal pruning. Proper pruning will prevent alternate bearing (fruiting every other year). An annual or biannual application of well-decomposed compost also enhances apple tree productivity.

Apples are harvested in late summer and autumn and can sometimes be stored for an extended period in a cellar and consumed until early spring. They lend themselves to a wide variety of culinary preparations (compotes, pies, jellies) and can also be used to make apple juice or cider.

This fruit tree is delivered with a "ready-to-plant" root ball. During planting, the root ball should be planted as is. The biodegradable tontine surrounding the root ball and preserving the rootlets will decompose naturally as the plant grows. By following this process, you ensure better establishment.