Description
The 'White Transparente' apple tree, also known as Malus domestica Transparente Blanche, is an early-ripening heritage apple cultivar, highly appreciated for its delicate, lightly acidic flavour and extremely early harvest—often as early as late July. Originating from Eastern Europe, this cultivar is particularly suitable for home gardeners seeking tender, summer apples to enjoy fresh or in homemade compote. The fruit is medium-sized, pale yellow to whitish, with very fine, soft and juicy flesh. It does not store well—only a few days—making it ideal for direct consumption shortly after harvest. The tree is grafted on dwarfing rootstock (usually M9 or MM106), grows with an open, airy structure, and is easy to prune and harvest. One of its major advantages is its precocity: fruiting often begins in the second or third year. It adapts to a variety of soils, withstands cold temperatures down to –25 °C, and shows reasonable resistance to common apple diseases. Its beautiful white-pink spring blossom is not only decorative but also highly attractive to pollinators. ‘Transparente Blanche’ is a wonderful fit for family orchards, small edible gardens, or any setting where a charming, easy-care fruit tree is desired.
Geographic origin: Likely Russia or the Baltic countries. Introduced into Western Europe in the 19th century.
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Notable features: An old cultivar historically grown in monastery gardens and rural orchards. Known for its extremely early ripening and ease of cultivation. Particularly appreciated in colder regions for its adaptability.
Mature height: 2.5 to 3.5 metres on dwarfing rootstock.
Mature width: 2 to 3 metres depending on pruning and spacing.
Growth habit: Open, lightly spreading to rounded, easily shaped into goblet or central leader.
Bark: Grey-brown, smooth on young shoots, roughening with age.
Foliage: Deciduous, medium green, oval and toothed. Turns yellow in autumn.
Growth rate: Moderately fast. Begins bearing fruit early (from the second or third year).
Hardiness: Very hardy, down to –25 °C. Well suited for mountainous or cold temperate climates.
Flowering period: April (early flowering).
Flower description: Clusters of white blossoms with a soft pink hue, rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees.
Fruits: Medium-sized apples, rounded and slightly flattened. Skin is thin, pale yellow to whitish. Flesh is white, very tender, juicy and delicately tart. Harvest begins in late July. Very poor shelf life (a few days).
Pollinators: Requires cross-pollination. Compatible cultivars include Reine des Reinettes, Grenadier, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Geneva, Alkmene, Président Roulin, Idared, Granny Smith. Do not plant alone.
Faunal value: Highly attractive to bees during bloom. Fallen fruit is appreciated by birds and small mammals.
Ideal exposure: Full sun to light partial shade. Ideally protected from cold winds during flowering.
Suitable soil: Deep, fertile, humus-rich and well-drained. Tolerates slightly calcareous or loamy soil.
Soil preparation tips: Loosen soil to 40 cm depth. Enrich with well-rotted compost or aged manure.
Spacing between plants: 3.5 to 4 metres for dwarf forms. Allow space for air circulation.
Soil nature: Neutral to lightly calcareous, moist and loose. Avoid compact or waterlogged soils.
Water needs at planting: Regular and thorough watering during the first two years, especially in dry summers.
Water needs at maturity: Moderate. Mulching is recommended to retain soil moisture.
When and how to prune: Formative pruning in early years (central leader or goblet shape). Annual winter pruning: remove deadwood, crossing branches and shorten long shoots. Gentle fruiting pruning recommended.
Possible methods: Grafting onto M9 or MM106 rootstock. Seed-grown trees do not retain varietal traits.
Ideal placement: Small home orchard, edible hedge, family garden, or stand-alone fruit tree.
Recommended companion plants: Lavender, marigold, thyme, borage, chives – all helpful for natural pest control and encouraging pollinators.
Historical or cultural uses: Traditionally used for applesauce, preserves, fresh juice and eating straight from the tree. Favoured in schools and monasteries as an early summer fruit.
Possible sensitivities: May be affected by apple scab in humid conditions. Generally tolerant of powdery mildew and not often impacted by fire blight.
Prevention and natural treatments: Ensure good airflow, space trees well. Preventive sprays with horsetail decoction, clay, or sulphur in early spring.
Practical advice: Plant in fertile, light soil. Provide regular watering in the early years. Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Annual winter pruning maintains structure and productivity. Always plant near a compatible pollinator.
Malus domestica 'Transparente Blanche' stands out for its very early ripening, making it one of the earliest apples available. Its fruits are tender, juicy and pale yellow—perfect for summer snacking or quick processing into sauce. It is ideal for northern or higher-altitude gardens due to its later flowering and frost avoidance. Its dwarfing growth and fast onset of fruiting make it a favourite among beginner gardeners and families. Though not suitable for storage, its seasonal charm and generous productivity make it an asset in any edible garden project.
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