Fameuse apple trees
$39.95- Picking season: Late
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
- Pollination group: 2
A very hardy north country apple, known both as the Snow Apple and Fameuse, and the probable parent of McIntosh.
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Fameuse apple trees for sale
Pre-order for delivery in spring 2027
1Dwarf,
1-year bare-root tree
$39.95
Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
Dwarf rootstock
Out of stock
2Semi-standard,
1-year bare-root tree
$39.95
Mature height: 10ft-16ft after 10 years
Semi-vigorous rootstock
Out of stock
All about Fameuse apple trees
Fameuse is one of the oldest apples originating in Canada, with a history dating back to the early 18th century in Quebec, and probably much older.
It is also known as the Snow Apple, and as the name suggests, is a hardy variety, and very well-suited to the north country.
Fameuse has distinctive bright white soft flesh, with a sweet wine-like flavor. It is the probable parent of McIntosh, and the crimson skin, white flesh, and sweet flavor are characteristics of most of its descendants.
How to grow
As its alternative name "Snow apple" suggests, Fameuse is a good choice for all northern states. It is usually cold hardy to zone 4. Perhaps surprisingly, it also performs fairly well in warmer climates, including southern California.
It is susceptible to scab but very resistant to most other apple diseases.
The main horticultural challenge is its tendency to lapse into biennial bearing - fruiting in alternate years. This can sometimes be prevented by heavy thinning of the fruitlets in the "on" year.
Advice on fruit tree pollination.
History
Fameuse is strongly associated with the French-speaking province of Quebec, and it is thought it was raised from seedlings brought over by early French settlers to Canada. It is known to have been planted in the USA by the 1730s.
Whilst it is an interesting variety in its own right, Fameuse is perhaps best known as the probable parent of the popular McIntosh apple variety. It is therefore at the head of one of the most important apple pedigrees, with dozens of descendants, many of them commercially important varieties.
Fameuse is widely known in English-speaking areas as the Snow Apple, reflecting its ability to thrive in northern climates.
Fameuse characteristics
- What level of gardening skill is needed to grow Fameuse?Average
- Is Fameuse self-fertile?Not self-fertile
- What flowering group is Fameuse?2
- Is Fameuse good for pollinating others?Average
- What season do you pick Fameuse?Late
- UsesEating freshJuice
- How long can you keep Fameuse in a fridge?1-2 months
- What is the overall disease resistance of Fameuse?Good
- How resistant is Fameuse to fire blight?Some resistance
- How resistant is Fameuse to canker?Some resistance
- Is Fameuse resistant to scab?Very susceptible
- Is Fameuse resistant to cedar apple rust?Some resistance
- Is Fameuse resistant to powdery mildew?Very resistant
- What is the USDA hardiness zone for Fameuse?Zone 3 (-40C)
- Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
- Where does Fameuse originate from?Canada
- When was Fameuse first introduced?1650 - 1699
- Flesh colorWhite
- Fruit colorCrimson
