PROFILE: BITTERSWEET (Med-Full): Can be Aromatic. Adds Both Astringency and Tannic Structure
SYNONYMS:
ORIGIN: France, Parisis-Fontaines Berthecourt (Oise), 1848
NOTES: **Keeves for us easily in Maritime Pacific Northwest** First-class cider apple, regular bearer, adds nice astringency that most other bittersweet apples don't have. Closer to annual bearing than bi-annual. Good dependable strong grower on semi-dwarf rootstocks. Spreading growth habit.
***SCIONWOOD NOTES ***
This cultivar is producing genetic material that average 1/4" (7.95mm) in diameter and are 12" long. Note: For some cultivars that have excessive diameter taper, you may get extra scions, or additional shorts to help maintain 1/4" workability.
For 1/4" Rootstocks: Graft one cutting to the rootstock using the "Whip and Tongue Grafting Method".
For 5/16" and larger Rootstocks: Graft two cuttings to the rootstock using the "Cleft-Grafting Method".
When grafting do not cut-off the terminal bud. Generally this bud is the most prepared and vigorous to grow your main leader.
Dip entire scion past the “taped and sealed graft union” in undiluted plain water-based interior or exterior white latex paint and allow to drip dry. The paint forms a thick UV and heat reflective shell that seals-in scionwood moisture that gives longer lead time for the graft union to fully heal. When the buds swell, the protective shell cracks open and the leaves easily emerge. Avoid using black pruning tar sealer or dark paint. Dark colors absorb UV rays causing heat that dries out the scionwood before some graft unions are healed.
