Zabergau Reinette is a German russet apple. It is larger than most russets, probably a result of its unusual triploid nature.
Zabergau Reinette has a rather sharp flavor and unyielding dense flesh when eaten straight from the tree, but is much sweeter after a month or so in a cold store.
The blossom is particularly attractive.
Zabergau Reinette apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Zabergau Reinette
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 06 Oct 2015 NW VA, United StatesGot first crop in NW VA this year. Large apples, significant watercore that will hopefully resolve as the tree ages. Good but nothing close to Boskoop for a large European russet. Large beautiful triploid flowers. No fireblight.
- 29 Apr 2013 WASHINGTON, United StatesMy most favorite apple for my region. No bugs, no scab, regular heavy crop, vigorous on bud-9, Here in Western Washington-U.S. it has a window of perfection of 3-4 weeks. Goes soft in 1-2 months (but still juicy). A perfect varietal cider apple, like Staymen Winesap. Here average high summer Temp is 65 degrees, 1800 Growing Degree Days (GDD)
- 02 Sep 2010 WASHINGTON, United StatesYesterday repeated something I'd encountered in a website and realized it was anomolous: Checked with John Bultitude's book and found no mention of Zabergäu as a triploid.
- 02 Sep 2010 WASHINGTON, United StatesSounds like a worthy choice; also a triploid as is Belle de Boskoop. Does it bloom mid-season in Germany?
- 08 Dec 2009 BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG, GermanyThe Zabergäu Renette is rather unlike a Pink Lady: more like a tart and spicy Russett apple. The best comparison might be the "Beauty of Boskoop" although the Zabergäu is sweeter in taste. Both Boskoop and Zabergäu are excellent for apple pies. It is resistant to all the apple diseases, a good cropper and keeps well into March.
- 30 Sep 2008 TEXAS, United StatesNever tried one of these bad boys but they look quite interesting, the big question is can they live up to the legend which is a pink lady!
Tree register
United States
- Axel Kratel in Santa Cruz, CALIFORNIA
- Don Mcivor in Twisp, WA
- George Cochran in Maple City, MI
- Gil Schieber in Snohomish, WASHINGTON
- Jeff Fournier in Alger, MI
- Mike in Dayton, OH
- Red in Arcata, CA
- Ricky Bruckner in RAVENNA, OHIO (OH)
- Roger Miller in Madison Heights, VA
- Stephan Orchard in Westfield, INDIANA
- Thomas Griffith in COTTAGE GROVE, WI
- Trevor Roth in Erhard, MINNESOTA
Germany
- Frank Hofmann in Cleebronn, BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG
Netherlands
- Cheuk A Lam in Amsterdam, NOORD-HOLLAND
Spring blossom records for this variety
2014 season
- 13th May 2014 - tree owned by Don in Twisp, United States
2011 season
- 20th April 2011 - tree owned by Frank in Cleebronn, Germany
2009 season
- 11th May 2009 - tree owned by Frank in Cleebronn, Germany
- 19th April 2009 - tree owned by Gil in Snohomish, United States
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Unknown
- Originates from: Germany
- Introduced: 1885
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1951-055
Identification
- Country of origin: Germany
- Period of origin: 1850 - 1899
- Fruit colour: Russet
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Rarely grown
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Discoloration of fruit: Oxidising
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Juice
- Picking period: mid-October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Poor
- Ploidy: Triploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Attractive features: Attractive flowers
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 4 (-34C)
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Average
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Zabergau Reinette apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
Zabergau Reinette apple trees - Cummins Nursery
United States More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Zabergau Reinette:
United States
Georgia
- Freedom Farms - Apple & Peach Orchard, Chatsworth
Kentucky
- Hidden Hollow Orchard and Wildlife Sanctuary, Louisville
Maine
- Eden Acres Family Farm, East Waterboro
New Hampshire
- Alyson's Apple Orchard, Walpole
New York
- Black Diamond Farm, Trumansburg
Washington
- Skipley Farm, Snohomish *** Feature Orchard ***
Canada
British Columbia
- Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island