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Jonagold Apple Malus domestica 'Jonagold'

Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
Description

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.   

More information on Malus domestica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden