Discover the ultimate all-rounder: the 'Cortland' apple tree. A cross between the famous 'McIntosh' and 'Ben Davis', it surpasses its parents in fruit size and its brilliantly white flesh, which has the unique property of not oxidizing after cutting. With its well-balanced sweet-tart taste and tender texture, it's the dream apple for chefs and gourmet gardeners.

Characteristics

• Foliage : Oval, medium-green leaves forming a dense crown. The deciduous foliage offers a beautiful architectural structure to the garden throughout the growing season.
• Flowering / Fruits : Fragrant pinkish-white flowers followed by large red fruits with white, juicy, and crisp flesh that does not brown when exposed to air.
• Pollination : Not self-fertile (Group 3). Requires a pollination companion such as 'McIntosh' or 'Honeycrisp' to bear fruit.
• Light : Full sun required to promote ripening and intense fruit coloration.
• Habit : Rounded shape with slightly weeping branches, facilitating harvest access.
• Growth : Medium to strong vigor, reaching approximately 4 to 5 meters at maturity.
• Soil : Thrives in rich, deep, and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy and poorly drained soils.
• Temperature : Exceptionally hardy (Zone 3), perfectly suited to harsh winters.
• Resistances : Susceptible to scab; a preventive program in spring is essential for optimal health.

Use

• Types of Use : Excellent choice for the family orchard, food forest, or as a productive ornamental tree in urban or rural areas.
• Decorative Advantages : Offers massive and romantic spring blossoms, complemented by the attractive appearance of its red fruits in autumn.

Maintenance

• Watering : Maintain cool and uniform soil, especially during fruit formation to prevent cracking or premature drop.
• Fertilization : Apply mature compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth and fruiting.
• Pruning : Perform annual pruning in late winter to aerate the canopy and promote light penetration.
• Planting : Install in full sun in a deep hole without burying the graft union.
• Preventive Treatments : Apply dormant oil and lime sulfur before bud break in spring to prevent pests.
• Winter Protection : Protect the trunk with a white spiral every autumn against rodents and frost.

Companion Planting

Maximize the vigor of your apple tree by creating a beneficial guild at its base. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) acts as a trap crop for aphids, while Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) help prevent certain fungal diseases. For a natural nutrient boost, plant Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum), and promote pollination with Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii).