Jonathan apples: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care with photos

Jonathan apples are still grown in many regions of Russia. This type gained the greatest popularity in the 80s. Now gardeners prefer to grow other varieties of this hybrid on their site due to improved characteristics.

History of Jonathan variety

For the first time, Jonathan was bred by a US breeder. The seedling of Eson Spitzenburg was taken as the basis of the new variety, which is currently impossible to find. The new variety was grown in a temperate climate with mild winters and warm autumns. Gradually, breeders created several clones of the Jonathan hybrid.

External Description

The description of an apple tree includes the height of the tree, the size of its crown, the characteristics of the root system and the taste of the fruit.

Before choosing an apple tree seedling for your garden, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these characteristics.

Trunk height

The height of an adult tree can reach 2 m. Most often, the tree grows to a medium size. This is considered an advantage as a shorter plant is easier to harvest.

Crown diameter

The shape of the crown resembles a circle. Thickness is average. At first glance, it may seem that the plant is not thickened. As they grow, the skeletal branches bend to the ground.

Root system

The root system is powerful and sprawling. Due to the powerful rhizome, the apple tree does not need to be watered often in summer.

Appearance of the fruit and its taste

The fruits are rounded. The peel is a rich red hue, the flesh is green-yellow. The skin is thin. Fully ripened apples have firm flesh. The mass of apples is 100-150 g.

Specifications

Besides describing the tree, it is important to study the technical characteristics of the variety. For example, frost resistance, in what climatic conditions to grow, pollination and a number of other characteristics.

Optimal climatic conditions

It is recommended to plant a Jonathan variety seedling in the southern or central region. In the northern latitudes, where there are severe frosts, the tree will not be able to survive and will die due to the cold.

Freeze resistant

Due to the weak bark, frost resistance is low. An apple tree can survive frosts down to -20 degrees.

Areas where landings are possible

Jonathan variety can be planted in any regions where winter is moderate or warm. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on the growing region. For some summer residents, even in the north, the apple tree survives winters.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

The Jonathan hybrid has low immunity to powdery mildew. Medium resistance to scab and bacterial canker. With proper care, the appearance of these diseases can be avoided.

Pollination and self-fertility

Jonathan apple hybrid is self-fertile. Pollinator apple trees are planted next to the tree to increase yields:

Spartan;
Mac;
Uman Winter.

Neighbourhood with other apple trees will significantly increase the number of inflorescences and ovaries.

Apple ripening period

Fructification of the tree begins in the 5th year after planting the seedling. The fruits are harvested from mid-September to early October.

Harvest and use of crops

It is recommended to collect apples before they fall to the ground. Jams, preserves, compotes are made from apples, used for baking.

Features of planting and growing

As you know, planting is an important step in shaping the future harvest. It is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons of the autumn and spring planting of seedlings, planting technology and many other nuances.

Disembarkation

Before planting an apple seedling, prepare the tree and the soil. It is advisable to prepare the soil for planting 2-3 weeks in advance.

The soil is dug up, covered with manure, wood ash and mineral fertilizers. A stake is driven into the center of the pit.

Best time to plant a young tree

Seedlings are planted twice a year - in spring and autumn. Most summer residents prefer autumn planting. During the winter, the seedling will have time to take root, and in the spring it will begin to grow with renewed vigor. You can plant in the spring if there is no other way.

Preparation of young seedlings

Before planting, the rhizome of the seedling is soaked for 10 hours in a growth activator. Immediately before planting, the root system is dipped into a liquid solution of clay and planting begins.

Plant and planting depth

The distance between the trees is left at least 4 m. It is important to plant seedlings so that the crown does not interfere with other trees. It is recommended to plant the Jonathan apple tree at a depth of at least 1 m. Place the seedling in the center of the pit, cover it with soil and pour plenty of warm water. Tie a tree to a stake.

Irrigation mode

Water the tree during bud break. The second watering - during the formation of ovaries. The third time the apple tree is watered during fruiting. The fourth time - before preparing the apple tree for winter.

Fertilizer

Feeding periods coincide with watering. At the beginning of the season, nitrogen and organic matter are added to the soil. In the second half, when the formation of ovaries begins, the soil is fertilized with phosphorus, potassium, manure, wood ash. Nitrogen should not be added to the soil before cold weather.

Cutting

Sanitary pruning is carried out every autumn. Remove dry and diseased branches. In the spring, part of the young branches are cut off, leaving a few skeletal branches and young growth.

Preventive treatment

Bordeaux liquid or blue vitriol is used as a preventive spray.

Preparing for winter

A month before the onset of cold weather, the apple tree is no longer watered. In deep autumn, the soil near the trunk is mulched.

Popular variety hybrids

Breeders have bred several clones of the Jonathan apple tree.

Decosta

Frost resistant. Harvest variety. Deep red fruits.

Jonared

Medium size fruits. Crown oval, thickened. Highly resistant to scab and powdery mildew.

King

Another name for the Decosta apple variety.

Jonagold

Another name for the Decosta variety.

Highlander

Jonagored is considered the best variety of apples in England. The fruits are oval in shape, the peel is bright red in color with a waxy coating. The variety has a high yield.