General characteristics
Origin and history
Native to the Indre and Touraine regions, the Bondon apple tree is an ancient and authentic variety, cultivated for generations in the Loches and Berry regions. Its adaptability and commercial potential are now attractive, meeting the demands of producers concerned with sustainability and quality.
Fruit characteristics
Authentic and versatile apples
- Flesh color: White to yellowish when ripe, offering a crisp and juicy texture.
- Skin color: Yellow-ochre with a rustic and attractive appearance, perfect for local markets and short circuits.
- Size: Medium-sized fruits, with a slightly bumpy truncated cone shape.
Flavors and Uses
- Taste: Sweet, slightly tangy, with delicate and well-balanced aromas.
- Uses:
- Direct consumption: An apple to bite into for its freshness and fragrance.
- Culinary: Ideal for compotes, pies, fruit salads and juices.
- Artisanal processing: Perfect for apple juice or cider thanks to its distinctive flavor.
Extended storage
- Duration: The fruits can be stored until April under optimal conditions, allowing extended marketing into winter.
- Business Advantage: Extended availability to meet consumer needs beyond the traditional apple season.
Production cycle
Protected flowering and a late harvest
Flowering: Early May, offering excellent resistance to spring frosts.
Harvest: From the end of September to the end of October, for optimal maturity reached in November.
Consumption: Guaranteed availability until April, a boon for producers wishing to extend their sales season.
Tree characteristics
A robust and adaptable tree
- Dimensions: Reaches 5 meters in height and 4 meters in wingspan, with a spreading and well-structured habit.
- Vigor: Hardy and productive tree, requiring little maintenance for optimal profitability.
- Adaptability: Suitable for light, slightly calcareous or rich soils, and thrives in temperate climates such as those of Touraine or Berry.
Simplified maintenance
- Pruning: Annual pruning is sufficient to maintain good ventilation and stimulate production.
- Thinning: Recommended to obtain uniform fruit and avoid overloading.
Resistance and agronomic advantages
An asset for organic farming
- Disease resistance:
- Excellent scab tolerance.
- Low susceptibility to pests such as codling moth.
- Hardiness: A robust variety, adapted to varied climates and sometimes difficult conditions.
Recommended preventive measures
- Space trees to limit humidity and promote air circulation.
- Use natural treatments such as horsetail decoction or Bordeaux mixture if necessary.
- Install hedges to encourage biodiversity and attract natural helpers.
Pollination and yield
Optimizing production through efficient pollination
Self-fertility: Self-sterile variety requiring the presence of compatible pollinators, such as:
- Queen of Reinettes
- Golden Delicious
- Cox Orange
- Royal Gala
Productivity and performance
- Expected yield: Up to 300 kg per mature tree under optimal conditions.
- Increased profitability: Its rapid fruit set and consistent productivity make it a profitable choice for modern farms.
Commercial use and market potential
A fruit suitable for many markets
- Direct consumption: Crisp flesh and sweet-tart taste to seduce lovers of authentic apples.
- Processing: Perfect for homemade preparations such as juices, compotes or ciders.
- Winter Market: Availability until April, meeting the demand for fresh apples during the winter.
Benefits for market gardeners and producers
- Reduced costs: Natural resistance reducing the need for phytosanitary treatments.
- Attractive appearance: The yellow-ochre fruits with juicy flesh attract consumers looking for old varieties.
- Versatility: Suitable for direct sales, local markets or industrial processing.
Recommendations for market gardeners
- Plant compatible pollinators to maximize yields.
- Prefer a sunny location, with well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Prune regularly to maintain a balance between growth and fruiting.
- Highlight the advantages of the variety on the market: ancient origin, long conservation and exceptional taste qualities.
The Bondon apple tree is an authentic French variety, perfect for producers looking to combine profitability and quality. With its natural resilience, long shelf life, and versatility, it's a strategic choice for diversifying your production and meeting the expectations of consumers seeking local, flavorful products.
