Apple 'Jonagold' Malus domestica 'Jonagold' (D)
ABOUT
'Jonagold' is a dessert cultivar in pollination group 3, and a triploid. The large fruit is attractive with red flush and stripes over gold with crisp, honeyed taste. A vigorous cultivar, it has heavy, regular crops that store well and can be used from November through to January/February. It can be poorly coloured, but many more colourful sports exist
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Jonagold Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Jonagored', Malus domestica 'Jonica'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- High Yield: 'Jonagold' apple trees are known for their abundant fruit production.
- Large Fruit Size: The apples are usually large, making them satisfying for fresh eating and baking purposes.
- Sweet Flavor: These apples have a balanced sweetness, which makes them popular for a variety of culinary uses.
- Cross-Pollination Enhancer: These trees can help pollinate other apple varieties, increasing the overall fruit yield in a garden or orchard.
- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Jonagold' apple trees produce beautiful blossoms in the spring, enhancing the visual appeal of the environment.
- Shade Provider: As the trees mature, they can provide ample shade, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable during warm weather.
- Long Harvest Period: The apples can be harvested over a lengthy period, which is convenient for gardeners and commercial growers.
- Adaptability: 'Jonagold' apple trees can adapt to a wide range of climates, making them suitable for many different growing regions.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: The apple, including Jonagold, contains various antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols which can neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress and associated chronic diseases.
- Dietary fiber: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and has been linked to lowering the risk of developing certain types of heart diseases.
- Dental health: Chewing apples can stimulate saliva production, which can reduce tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria in the mouth.
- Weight management: Apples are low in calories and have a high water content, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness and help control appetite, beneficial for weight management.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in apples could have anti-inflammatory effects, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The skin of an apple, such as 'Jonagold', can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or arts and crafts due to the presence of tannins and other pigmented substances.
- Woodworking: The wood from apple trees can be used in crafting small objects such as tool handles, decorative items, or smoking pipes due to its fine grain and workability.
- Animal feed: Fallen apples or those not suitable for human consumption can be a source of food for livestock, especially pigs, providing a nutritious supplement to their diet.
- Photography prop: Apples are commonly used in still life photography as a subject to convey themes of harvest, health, or temptation.
- Fruit packings: The dried, ground-up pomace left after juicing apples can be used as a material for packing fragile items, as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic foams.
- Vegan leather alternative: Research has been conducted on using apple pomace, combined with other materials, to create a leather-like fabric suitable for fashion applications.
- Education: Apple trees can be used in educational settings, like schools and community gardens, to teach children about the life cycle of plants, botany, and local food systems.
- Fruit stamps: Slices of apples can be dipped in paint or ink and used as stamps to create unique patterns or designs for craft projects.
- Natural air freshener: Sliced or boiled apple, perhaps with spices like cinnamon, can be used to naturally scent a home without using artificial air fresheners.
- Bioplastics: As part of innovative ecological research, the cellulose from apple pomace has been explored as a component in biodegradable plastic materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Temptation - The apple, being the fruit of the Malus domestica, often symbolizes love, temptation, and knowledge, harking back to the Christian story of Adam and Eve where the apple represented the forbidden fruit.
- Wisdom and Knowledge - Apples are frequently associated with knowledge, not just because of religious texts but also due to their widespread use in education as gifts for teachers and representation in educational motifs.
- Youth and Beauty - Because of their smooth, round shapes and luscious appearance, apples can symbolize youth and beauty, highlighting the fruit's aesthetic qualities that are often associated with vitality.
- Fertility and Abundance - The apple tree's robust production of fruit each season has made it a symbol of fertility and abundance in various cultures.
- Peace and Harmony - In some traditions, the apple represents peace and bringing people together, as an offering or shared gift that promotes friendship.
WaterThe Jonagold apple tree requires deep watering once every week during the growing season, especially if the weather is dry. Young trees need around 5 gallons per week, while mature trees may require 15 to 20 gallons, depending on the size and soil conditions. It's important not to over-water and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Adequate mulching can help retain soil moisture. During the winter dormant period, reduce the watering frequency as the tree needs less water.
LightJonagold apple trees need full sunlight to thrive, meaning they should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid planting them in shaded areas as insufficient light can hinder their growth and fruit production. These trees do best in locations without tall buildings or other trees blocking the sun for a significant part of the day.
TemperatureJonagold apple trees grow best in temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F. They require a period of winter chill with temperatures between 32°F and 45°F to break dormancy and promote spring flowering. These trees can generally survive winter lows down to -20°F, but sustained temperatures below this can harm them. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and fruiting typically spans from 60°F to 75°F during the growing season.
PruningPruning is crucial for Jonagold apple trees to maintain their health, encourage fruit production, and manage their size. Prune the tree during dormancy in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to enhance airflow and light penetration, and to shape the tree for easier harvesting. Pruning should be done annually to keep the tree productive and manageable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Jonagold apple tree is well-draining loam rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate compost or aged manure to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingJonagold apple trees, being large fruit trees, are not typically repotted but are instead planted in a permanent location outdoors where they can thrive for years without being moved.
Humidity & MistingJonagold apple trees prefer moderate humidity but are adaptable to a wide range as long as they are planted in the ground and have adequate water supply.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Cannot grow Jonagold apples indoors; they need outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space trees 15-20 feet apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Jonagold' apple tree (Malus domestica 'Jonagold') begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once planted and subjected to the right conditions, germinates and grows into a small seedling. This seedling establishes roots and shoots, eventually developing into a young tree; during this juvenile stage, the tree focuses on vegetative growth and does not produce fruit. After a few years, typically 3 to 5, the tree reaches maturity and enters the reproductive phase where it begins to blossom in the spring, with pollination occurring through the help of insects, primarily bees. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, with the 'Jonagold' apple typically ripening in the early fall. After harvest, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months to conserve energy. Each year, the tree repeats this cycle of flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, continuing for many years, potentially several decades, depending on environmental conditions and care.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating Malus domestica 'Jonagold', commonly known as the Jonagold apple tree, is through grafting. This technique involves taking a scion, which is a short piece of stem with buds, from the Jonagold apple tree and joining it onto the rootstock of another apple variety. The best time to graft this tree is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow and buds begin to swell. Usually, the scion is cut into a wedge shape and fitted into a corresponding notch in the rootstock, ensuring that the cambium layers (the actively growing layer between the wood and bark) of both the scion and the rootstock are aligned. The joint is then securely wrapped and sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection while the graft union heals. Over time, the scion and rootstock grow together, combining the desirable fruit characteristics of the Jonagold with the disease resistance and hardiness of the rootstock.
