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

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

Origin and Development

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

Physical Characteristics of the Tree

• Size: 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 bear fruit.
• Leaves: The leaves are oval, dark green, typical for the Malus domestica species.
• Flowers: It blooms mid-season, with white flowers attractive to pollinators, belonging to flowering group 4.
• Fruit: The fruits are large, round to conical in shape, with a thin, yellow-green skin showing crimson red stripes. The flesh is creamy, pale yellow, with a crisp and juicy texture, offering a balanced sweet-tart 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 frost-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -34°C, suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
• Watering and Fertilizing: Needs 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 apples except other triploids.

Fruit Details

• Taste and Texture: The fruits have a sweet taste with a balanced note of acidity, offering a pleasant aroma described as floral with honey undertones. The texture is crisp and juicy, with a breaking quality that makes them ideal for fresh consumption.
• Uses: Excellent for direct eating, but also for cooking, juice making, hard cider, salads, sauces, pies, and freezing. They can also be used for baked apples without needing 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 for commercial producers.

Use and Care

• Use: 'Jonagold' is grown both in private gardens and commercial orchards, popular due to the large size and quality of its fruit.
• 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 producers, with derived variants 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 helpful for those who want to consume large portions of fruit daily.