USDA Certified Organic

The King of the Pippins apple trees (Reine des Reinettes) are still important in many French markets at the start of the season. A smooth, shiny outer skin, the King of Pippins apples are considered the best apple within the reinette family. Its color range from golden yellow to orange red, often a indication long sun exposure. Crisp, white flesh that's slightly acidic, but deliciously sweet and juicy. Best eaten out of hand, but also wonderful cooked and used as tarts.  Different sources report that King of the Pippins apple tree actually originated in Holland and was called Kroon Renet (crown reinette).  The French claim it's a French variety, not Dutch, but alas we have named the English version King of Pippins.  The Reine des Reinettes in France,  King of the Pippins in England and Kroon Renet in Holland.  One thing is clear; it's a special apple everyone wants to call their own. Please see below for further information on our organically grown King of the Pippins apple trees for sale.

Considerations for King of the Pippins

USDA Zone:  5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Heirloom: Yes

Uses: Fresh Eating, Cider, Desserts / Pies, Canning / Preserves

Harvest Period: Midseason

Bloom Period: Midseason

Pollination Requirement: Requires different variety with same bloom period

Origin Date: France 1770's

Storage: 1-2 months

Rootstock: MM 111 (semi-dwarf)

Years to Bear: 2-4 years

Recommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.

Mature Size: 12-16 ft.

Pruning: Summer prune to maintain 8 ft.

Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.

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Size of tree

Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock. .

Pruning tip

Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more...

Shipping information

Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits.

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