Jonagold Apple Malus domestica 'Jonagold'
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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The Jonagold apple is a triploid, meaning it has sterile pollen, and requires preferably two other apple cultivars for pollination. Example pollinators include Gala, Empire, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. The fruit is crimson red stippled with yellow-gold showing through and has a splash or two of green-yellow color. It usually ripens in mid-September into October and holds well in the refrigerator for a few months.
The Jonagold is available in dwarf (8-10 feet) or semi-dwarf (10-15 feet) sizes in height and width. Its growth rate is moderate and produces fruit in about 3 to 5 or 6 years, depending on soil and environment.
Note that all apple tree fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for several hours each day. Air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree and help reduce the number of diseases and pests to which apple trees are susceptible.
The Jonagold is highly susceptible to scab, Cedar apple rust, and Fire blight.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- United States, New York
- Wildlife Value:
- pollinators during spring flowering
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edibility:
- It forms large and sweet fruit with a thin skin. It is crisp, juicy, aromatic and has a sour-sweet taste.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Good Dried
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit (apple) is bright red with a yellow-green basic color showing through the red. There is usually a splash of yellow-green color on the apple.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- A white flower cluster is formed in mid-spring. The five snow-white petals provide a beautiful display.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
