The variety name of the ‘Kanadarentte’ may incorrectly indicate an apple for cold regions. We explain why the 'Renette du Canada' feels much better on the sunny south face and what you should consider when caring for the apple tree.
The 'Kanadarenette' is an old variety with a special look, taste and preferences when it comes to cultivation. The winter apple has many names: In France it is called 'Canada Reinette', 'Renette du Canada' or 'Reinette de Caen'. We sometimes speak of the 'Paris Ramburrenette' or the 'Women's Renette'.
'Canadarenette': Wanted Poster
| Synonyms | 'Renette du Canada', 'Canada Reinette', 'Reinette de Caen', 'Pariser Ramburrenette', 'Weiberrenette' |
| Fruit | medium to very large; Green to golden yellow base color with cloudy orange top color |
| Flavour | juicy and sweet and sour |
| Yield | regular |
| Harvest time | from October |
| Maturity for pleasure | December |
| Shelf Life | good; Can be stored until March |
| Growth | strong |
| Climate | warm wine-growing climate |
| Diseases and Pests | susceptible to wood frost, blossom frost, fruit tree canker, scab, powdery mildew on unsuitable locations |
History and origin of the ‘Canadarenette’
The origin of the 'Canadarenette' has not really been clarified: It is clear that it must be very old, because it was pomologically described for the first time in 1771. It was also known in Germany before 1800. At that time it was considered likely that the apple variety came from France. Whether the many French synonyms are the cause or consequence of this assumption remains unclear. Other sources, on the other hand, report that the variety comes from England. Only with the country Canada does the variety no longer have any known connection.
What is certain is that the 'Canadarenette' used to be an importantrole as an import fruit from northern Italy and even Albania: the warmth-loving ‘Canadarenette’ was advertised on the market as an “exotic tropical fruit”.
In addition to the original form, there are still a few varieties, i.e. "sub-varieties" that deviate slightly from the variety and have arisen by chance: The 'White Canada Reinette', the 'Striped Canada Reinette' and the 'Grey Canada Reinette', a lot of them shows stronger russeting of the shell.
Appearance, taste and properties of the apple variety
The 'Kanadarenette' apples are medium to very large. Fruits weighing 500 grams are not uncommon. The shape is often uneven, with one side thicker than the other. As a rule, however, the apple is spherically flattened, sometimes also broadly conical. Five strong edges are often recognizable. The basic color of the shell is greenish yellow to golden yellow, the top color takes up a maximum of a quarter of the surface and is slightly cloudy orange. The texture of the shell is rough, thick, almost leathery. Many thickened lenticels, sometimes rusted with cinnamon, are visible on it.
The flesh of the fruit is veined yellow and has medium-fine cells. It is juicy and has a strong, balanced sweet wine-sour aroma. In the course of storage, the pulp becomes tender. There are often deaf nuclei in the nucleus.
Cultivation and care of the 'Canadarenette'
Anyone who is considering bringing the 'Kanadarennte' apple variety into their garden should be aware of its high demands on the climate: The Canada reindeer tree needs a warm wine-growing climate.Late frosts or high altitudes with low annual mean temperatures reduce the he alth of the tree and the quality of the fruit. Plenty of sun and warmth is needed for the aroma to develop well in the fruit.
The 'Kanadarenette' flower opens mid-early and lasts. Unfortunately, she is sensitive to frost, which is another reason for her preference for mild climates.
The soil must not be too wet and cold either, heavy loam and clay soils are therefore unsuitable for growing this special variety. Temporary drought, on the other hand, is tolerated quite well. Very sandy soils, however, should be improved with mature compost or good potting soil before planting the tree. The substrate for the 'Kanadarenette' should be rich in nutrients. A nutrient-rich, preferably peat-free potting soil such as our Plantura organic universal soil is recommended for this.
The 'Canadarenette' grows in youth and also inolder age rather strong. The crown is spherical and takes on considerable proportions. With age, overhanging branches form. Despite the strong growth, this variety is excellent for training as a low quarter trunk, bush tree, trellis or topiary due to its compatibility with weaker growing rootstocks. A refinement of the 'Kanadarenette' on the rootstock varieties M9 or M26 is suitable for strict training as shaped and trellis fruit. In a trellis in front of a warming south wall, the heat requirement of the variety can be optimally satisfied. M9 is also well suited to growing as a regular, small-crowned tree.
Good pollinators are the varieties 'Ananasrenette', 'Baumanns Renette', 'Freiherr von Berlepsch' and 'Cox Orange'.
Important: The Canada reindeer is a triploid variety, which means that it has a triple set of chromosomes. However, most other varieties only have a double (diploid) set of their genetic material. Triploid varieties can be fertilized by diploid varieties, but unfortunately this does not work the other way around. In order to be able to harvest apples from the pollinator variety, there must be another tree nearby, which in turn pollinates it.
In mild locations without the risk of frost, the Canadian reindeer regularly produces its tasty apples year after year. She effectively protects herself from too many low-quality apples by shedding a large number of green fruits in early summer. The 'Canada Duck' therefore performs its own thinning and thus protects itself from alternation.
According to its location preferences, the 'Canada Duck' is susceptible to wood frost, blossom frost, fruit tree canker and to a lesser extent to scab and on soil that is too cold and wet Powdery mildew.
Harvesting and Using 'Canadarenette'
The 'Kanadarenette' is ready to be picked and stored in October. However, it only reaches its peak maturity in December. When stored as coolly as possible - ideally around 3 °C - the apple can be stored until March. The tough shell makes it easy to store and even ship. The preferred use is due to the excellent taste of the variety: the 'Kanadarenette' is mainly enjoyed as table fruit. But it is also suitable for baking and cider.
Does the climate in your region allow for the cultivation of 'Kanadarenette' without any problems? Then you can also try your hand at growing wine, because grape varieties such as 'Muscat Bleu' also only develop their excellent aroma with sufficient heat.