Mar Jonagold in ghiveci - Malus domestica 'Jonagold' - H100 cm

Malus domestica 'Jonagold' is a famous apple variety, developed in the 1940s at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, United States, as a result of a cross between the Golden Delicious and Jonathan varieties. Its official introduction took place in 1968, and today it is widely cultivated due to the quality of its fruit.

Origin and Development

• The variety was originally selected in 1943, being registered in the UK National Fruit Collection under accession 1982-291.
• It is a triploid hybrid, meaning it has three sets of genes, a characteristic that influences pollination and productivity.

Physical Characteristics of the Tree

• Dimensions : The tree reaches a height and width of 3.6-4.5 meters at maturity, having a vigorous, spur-type growth form, with short branches that produce fruit.
• Leaves : The leaves are oval, dark green, typical of the Malus domestica species.
• Flowers : Blooms mid-season, with white flowers, attractive to pollinators, being included in flowering group 4.
• Fruit : The fruit is large, round to conical in shape, with a thin, greenish-yellow skin, showing red-crimson stripes. The flesh is creamy, pale yellow in color, with a crisp and juicy texture, offering a balanced sweet-sour taste.

Growing Conditions

• Soil : Prefers loamy, well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which ensures optimal root development.
• Light : Requires full sun exposure to maximize fruiting.
• Climate : Adapts to temperate and warm climates. It is cold-resistant, tolerating temperatures down to -34°C, being suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
• Watering and Fertilization : Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and annual fertilization with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium is recommended.
• Pollination : Requires the presence of other apple trees for pollination - compatible varieties include most apple trees, except for other triploids.

Details about Fruits

• Taste and Texture : The fruits have a sweet taste, with a balanced acidity, offering a pleasant aroma, described as floral, with honey nuances. The texture is crisp, juicy, with a snappy quality that makes them ideal for fresh consumption.
• Uses : Excellent for direct consumption, but also for cooking, making juices, hard cider, salads, sauces, pies and freezing. They can also be used for dishes such as roasted apples, without requiring additional sugar.
• Storage : The fruits can be stored for 1-2 months in refrigerated storage and up to 10 months in controlled atmosphere, making them attractive to commercial producers.

Use and Care

• Use : 'Jonagold' is grown in both private gardens and commercial plantations, being popular due to the large size of the fruits and their quality.
• Care : Requires annual pruning, preferably in late winter or early spring, to maintain shape and stimulate fruiting. Protection against diseases and pests is essential, including preventive treatments.

Commercial Notes and Awards

• It is a widely grown variety by commercial growers, with derivatives such as Jonagored, Decosta, Primo, Rubinstar and Red Jonaprince. It has received the RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit), indicating its horticultural quality.
• It is known for its regular productivity and fruit weight, being a help for those who want to consume large portions of fruit daily.