25 Amere de Berthecourt Apple Seeds - French Cider Heirloom

Amere de Berthecourt is a traditional French cider apple variety prized for its bittersweet juice and use in hard cider production. This heirloom apple tree produces small to medium fruit with high tannins and moderate acidity, contributing depth and character to blended ciders. The apples are not typically eaten fresh but are valued by cider makers for their rich, complex flavor profile.

Grown from seed, these apple trees will exhibit genetic variation, as apples do not come true from seed. Each seedling may differ in fruit characteristics, growth habit, and disease resistance. Growing cider apples from seed is a rewarding project for enthusiasts interested in exploring new varieties or establishing a diverse orchard. The trees can also serve as a source of rootstock or for wildlife plantings.

Plant Features

• Traditional French cider apple variety
• Bittersweet juice profile with high tannins
• Small to medium-sized fruit
• Heirloom genetics from Normandy region
• Primarily used for cider making

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Malus domestica
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained loam
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil moist during establishment
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading tree
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 15-25 feet (depending on rootstock and growing conditions)
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended; sow in fall or stratify seeds for 60-90 days
• Spacing: 15-20 feet between trees

Planting & Care

To grow apple trees from seed, start by stratifying the seeds to break dormancy. Mix seeds with moist peat moss or sand and refrigerate for 60-90 days. Sow stratified seeds indoors in pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Germination can be slow and uneven, often taking several weeks to a few months.

Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a bright, sunny location. Harden off young trees gradually before planting outdoors in a permanent site with full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first few years to help establish a deep root system. Apple trees grown from seed will not be identical to the parent and may take several years to begin bearing fruit. Prune as needed to shape the tree and remove dead or crossing branches.

What's Included

25 Amere de Berthecourt apple seeds.