‘Jonagold’ apple tree (Malus domestica) – hardy fruit tree – 21 cm pot – 90 cm tall

The Jonagold apple tree (Malus domestica 'Jonagold') is considered triploid, which means its pollen is not very effective at fertilizing other varieties and that it cannot pollinate itself. To obtain a satisfactory harvest, it is recommended to plant at least two other compatible diploid apple varieties nearby, such as 'Elstar', 'Golden Delicious' or 'Fuji'. Bees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in this cross-fertilization process. In an urban environment or an isolated garden, the presence of other apple trees in the vicinity may also be sufficient to ensure proper pollination.

The Jonagold apple tree is an autumn-fruiting variety: its fruit is generally ready for picking between late September and mid-October, depending on the region and the climatic conditions of the 'year. The harvest is 'done by hand, checking that the apple detaches easily when 'lifted slightly. Jonagold apples can be stored for several weeks in a cool, well-ventilated cellar, or for several months in cold storage. Flowering, on the other hand, takes place in spring, generally in April or May, offering an ornamental display of white to pale pink flowers before the 'appearance of leaves.

Yes, the Jonagold apple tree can certainly be grown in a large container or pot on a sunny balcony or terrace, provided you'use a container of'at least 50 to 60 litres once the'tree is mature. The growing medium should be rich, well-drained, and partially replaced each spring. In a pot,'watering must be more regular than'in the ground, as the growing medium dries out faster, especially during the summer. Fertilisation with a fruit tree fertiliser, applied in spring and early'summer, is recommended to compensate for the'depletion of the growing medium and to support fruit production.

Under optimal conditions when grown in the ground, the Jonagold apple tree reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters, with a rounded and full crown. Its growth is considered moderate, meaning that'it grows about 30 to 50 cm per year depending on the quality of the soil and the 'exposure. In a pot or container, its adult size remains more compact, often between 1.5 and 2 meters depending on the volume of the container and the vigor of the pruning. Regular training pruning allows you to control the development of the 'tree and 'shape its silhouette according to the 'available space.

The Jonagold apple tree shows moderate susceptibility to the main apple tree diseases, notably scab (Venturia inaequalis) and powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha). To limit risks, it is essential to perform thinning pruning every winter to promote air circulation in the crown. Systematically collect and dispose of fallen leaves and fruit in autumn, which harbor overwintering spores. In organic farming, preventive treatments with Bordeaux mixture before bud break and after flowering help to significantly reduce the incidence of scab.

The best time to prune a Jonagold apple tree is in winter, between December and late February, when the 'tree is dormant and the weather is dry and frost-free. The 'aim is to 'thin out the crown by removing criss-crossing, diseased branches or those growing towards the 'inside. Fruit-bearing shoots are encouraged by retaining the spurs and shoots bearing flower buds. Goblet pruning, with 3 to 4 evenly spaced scaffold branches, is particularly suited to small gardens as it limits the height of the 'tree and makes harvesting easier.

The best time to plant the Jonagold apple tree in the ground is in 'autumn (October to November), allowing the 'tree to develop its roots before 'winter and 'be perfectly established by the following spring. Spring planting (March to April) is also possible for potted plants such as the one offered by Plant and Stories. Prepare a wide (60 to 80 cm in diameter) and deep (50 cm) planting pit, enriched with compost and, if necessary, loosened with sand in heavy soil.