apple jonathan
Semi Dwarf Apple Jonathan
Malus ‘Jonathan’, is commonly known as Jonathan Apple. These apples are typically small to medium-sized, with skin color ranging from slightly striped to a vibrant red with a yellow background. The flesh offers a pleasant tartness, making it suitable for both fresh consumption and cooking. In northern Illinois, Jonathan apples ripen in late September to early October.
Habitat and Companion Plants
Jonathan apples thrive in full sun and require a well-drained site. They are a great addition to urban gardens, as they grow to a manageable height of 10-12 feet with a spread of 10 feet. These trees exhibit a slow growth rate and are often grown on the M7 rootstock, which imparts a semi-dwarf and free-standing form. Their smaller fruit size makes them ideal for children, and they are particularly well-suited for cooking and as pie apples. Wildlife, including deer and various small mammals, appreciates Jonathan apple trees.
Cultivation Tips and Maintenance
To maintain healthy Jonathan apple trees, consider the following:
Pruning: Annual pruning during the dormant season (late winter/early spring) is recommended. This practice ensures an open tree canopy, allowing better light penetration and improved air circulation.
Pest Management: Like all apple varieties, Jonathan apples benefit from a spray program or growing fruit in protective bags (paper, cloth, or plastic) to achieve high-quality crops. Their low vigor and slower growth rate are advantageous for home growers, as they remain relatively compact even when planted on vigorous rootstocks.
Jonathan apples have a rich history as an heirloom variety originating in New York during the early 19th century.
For successful cultivation:
Height: 10-12 feet
Spread: 10 feet
Light: Full sun
Fruit: Small to medium-sized, red with yellow background (slightly striped)
Flower Type: White blooms in early to mid-May
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture
Fertilization: Follow best practices for apple trees
Pruning: Annual pruning during dormant season
Image: Sven Teschke, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons
Category: Fruit Plants – Apple Jonathan trees near me – Malus ‘Jonathan’