Mark Kane
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Malus domestica 'Jonagold'
Plant Common Name
Apple, Eating Apple, Jonagold Apple
General Description
A hybrid of two prized apples, 'Golden Delicious' and 'Jonathan,' 'Jonagold' combines the qualities of both. The fruits are medium to large-sized, juicy, crisp, tart and aromatic, excellent for eating out of hand.
Like all domestic apples, 'Jonagold' is descended from a species of deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia that has been in cultivation for thousands of years. A medium-sized tree, 'Jonagold' blooms in spring with fragrant,white flowers that are much-visited by bees and yields heavy crops that should be thinned early, when the apples are the size of marbles. allowing the remaining apples to reach full size and quality. Thinning also helps the tree stay strong enough to yield well year after year.
For best growth and yield, plant 'Jonagold' in full sun on well-drained soil. It needs a companion tree of a different variety for pollination, but cannot pollinate other apple trees because its pollen is street. Prune lightly to allow sun to reach all leaves. Avoid encouraging fast growth because succulent new twigs are susceptible to fire blight, a sometimes lethal bacterial disease. Fertilize lightly, or not at all, and avoid severe pruning. For gardeners with small yards there are trees available grafted on rootstocks that limit growth.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
-
Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
-
Plant Type
Fruit
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m
-
Width
0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m
-
Bloom Time
Spring
-
Native To
Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Southern Asia, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam
-
Tolerances
Drought
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Oval/Rounded
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
