Rambour Franc

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Rambour Franc brings a slow, sun-warmed sweetness to the orchard—its fruit turns a luminous, blushing amber with a fine, rosy overcast and a crisp, juicy bite.

The flesh is pleasantly firm and aromatic, with a balanced tang that holds beautifully from tree to storage. Grow Rambour Franc for classic fresh enjoyment and for turning into fragrant preserves and sauces that showcase its bright, orchard-grown character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 365 DaysHabit: Shrub

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Milestone	Date
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Growing Approach	Protected Environment Only

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	365
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Rambour Franc eats like an orchard sunbeam—firm enough to slice without collapsing, but juicy enough to keep a slaw or tart fresh and lively. Its bright tang carries through preserves and cider reductions, so you get flavor that doesn’t turn flat even after heat.

Best Uses

paper-thin slices on sharp cheddar toast
cold-grated apple slaw with creamy vinaigrette
fragrant apple preserves or compote that stays lucid
quick skillet apples for pork with a splash of cider

Flavor Profile

sun-warmed sweetness crisp, juicy bite balanced tang aromatic, faintly rose-toned finish

Kitchen Pairings

sharp cheddar cinnamon pork butter walnuts vanilla

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Malus domestica (apple) like ‘Rambour Franc,’ and what should I do first?

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is a frequent problem on Malus domestica, causing olive/gray spots and leaf drop. Rake and dispose of fallen leaves, thin the canopy for airflow, and apply a labeled fungicide at bud break and again according to the label during wet periods. If you already see spots, keep removing infected leaves/fruit and focus on preventing further spread with the next scheduled spray.

How often should I water Malus domestica during the main growing phase?

During active growth (spring through fruit set and while fruit is enlarging), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week from rainfall plus irrigation. Water deeply once or twice weekly to reach the root zone, and pause if the ground stays wet or water pools. Mulch around the tree helps stabilize moisture, but keep mulch off the trunk.

How can I tell when ‘Rambour Franc’ apple (Malus domestica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit develops its mature color, the skin becomes less green, and apples come off the tree with an easy twist—fully colored apples that resist should be left longer. Check the seed color inside: mature apples typically have dark brown seeds. For best eating quality, sample fruit starting near the 11-month mark and harvest the batch when flavor and texture match your preference (crisp with good sweetness/tart balance).

Rambour Franc

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions