APPLES
Apple today is the most widespread fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Since the old ages, it was respected for its pleasant aroma, sweetness, and beautiful appearance. The effect of apples on health is many times scientifically proven, and it is attributed to a whole range of characteristics that no other fruit has. The main ingredients are pectin, carotenoid, and other organic acids and a range of other minerals. Annual World production is around 76 million tonnes. In our nursery, our professional nurserymen produce high-quality apple fruit trees with the experience of many generations. Our nursery stock consists of standard apple fruit trees and we are also producing KNIP (knip-boom) apple trees for professional apple fruit producers.
APPLE
SLENDER SPINDLE
This is the most used training system for modern apple orchards. The trees are wider at the bottom and get narrower towards the top, which gives them a cone-shaped appearance. The side branches also get shorter further up the top. This system is suitable for low-vigour areas, where the required pruning will not result in exaggerated vegetal expansion. Second-year “knip-booms” are the ideal nursery stock when it comes to planting and growing the crops faster, but well feathered first-year stocks with strong lateral branches are also excellent. Opening the branch angles by weighing down and bending the horizontal branches is necessary during the first 3 to 4 years. Water sprouts and branches which compete with the central axis are to be removed. Renewal pruning will lead to branch renewal. If needed, lowering of the tree height can be achieved by cutting the central axis back to an older branch during the 4th or 5th year.
SUPER SPINDLE
Superspindle represents the most intensive training system. Full production is reached in the 3rd year. At planting time, the trees have a main branch that has side branches with a diameter less than a third of the trunk- this way they do not compete with it. Larger and overlapping branches are to be eliminated. When combined with the correct conditions, such as appropriate soil type, climate, and variety, applying this system results in early bearing and quality and abundant yields, as well as lower costs.
KNIP / KNIP-BOOM
KNIP or “knip-boom” is one of the most productive and best-known apple tree training systems for modern, professional, and industry-grade apple orchards. A KNIP apple tree is produced as a 3-year-old rootstock with a 2-year-old grafted apple variety and 1-year-old side-branches. The shape of a “knip-boom” tree is in the form of the main leader and multiple pre-formed lateral branches going outwards at a high angle, lower branches being longest and branches getting shorter going up the top. The lateral branches are at least 20 cm in length, and the tree itself is 1,5 up to 2,20 m in height.
KNIP trees are produced by bench-grafting the selected apple variety onto selected 1-year-old rootstock and cut back “kniped” after nursing them for 1 full year. When branches start to grow the main leader is formed in the following year, together with cutting the excess lateral branches that overlap or are not going to be productive enough, pinch pruned and treated with phytohormones, all to achieve the recognizable cone shape formation of “knip-boom” tree with side branches on ideal height going outwards at a high angle so that the bending and tying of branches are not necessary. Knipboom trees are classified by the number of fruit-bearing side branches as 3+, 5+, 7+.
KNIP formed apple trees give fruit in the first year after planting (but not significant), and in the following year it is starting to give substantial yields, and up to full yields in the third and fourth year depending on overall conditions and technical measures taken in the apple orchard.
Through modifications of this apple tree training system as a Slender Spindle or a very intensive Superspindle it is possible to obtain full and bigger yields very early, but only together in great accordance with all technical elements of growing apple trees like the spacing of plants in the orchard, climate zone, soil composition, agricultural technical measures, rootstock clone and fruit variety itself.
This system can be tailored to different varieties, but also to different species of fruit. The knipboom system is long proven and adopted the practice in the fruit industry for producing high and early yields and also a long exploitation life of an orchard.
See our full SELECTION of APPLE TREES we have in our offer
GALA I
TREE:
Tree of this variety has weak to medium growth, flowering is mid-season to late, around the same time as Golden Delicious. High, stable yields, good for warmer regions.
POLLINATORS:
Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
The shape of this variety is sphericalto conical and flattened to elongated. Skin is smooth, with pronounced lenticels, covered in intense and vivid dark red color on the whole surface of the fruit. Color is striped at the beginning of maturation and gains uniform color as it matures fully. The flesh is yellow-colored crisp and juicy, the taste is sweet and aromatic.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium
HARVEST:
Second half - end of August up to the beginning of September
COMMERCIAL USE:
Gains coloration very early and fast, uniformity, stability, and excellent yields are a strong side of this variety. Popular as a dessert apple. Suitable for warmer regions and has very good storage capability.
RED CHIEF
TREE:
Vigour of this variety is weak with a straight growing habit, and is good for a high-density growing system. It is blossoming just before Golden Delicious, a good pollinator. Overall characteristics are of a typical spur variety.
POLLINATORS:
Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Idared, Gala, Fuji
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Shape of this variety is very beautiful, elongated with 5 distinct points on the bottom. Intense red color on the whole surface of the fruit, with stripe blushes. The flesh of this variety is white in color, firm to soft, and taste is sweet with almost no acidity.
FRUIT SIZE: Excellent, large fruit size can be obtained.
HARVEST:
Middle to end of September, similar to Golden Delicious.
COMMERCIAL USE:
It is a popular apple on the market, with the advantage of its shape and storage capability. It is a consistent, annual bearer even when not thinned aggressively and very good overall characteristics for commercial growth. It can be kept in cold storage until February, and in the CA storage until June.
RED DELICIOUS
TREE:
Growth of this variety is medium to weak, not a typical spur variety, upright branch growing habit, fast and highly productive variety. So-called half-spur variety forms flower buds also on one-year stems. It is blossoming just before Golden Delicious.
POLLINATORS:
Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Idared
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Shape of this variety is oblong, conic, mildly ribbed. Very attractive, uniform, and intense red color on the whole surface of the fruit, with lenticels. The flesh of this variety is juicy, white in color, firm to soft but crisp, and the taste is sweet with almost no acidity.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium-large fruit size.
HARVEST:
Middle to end of September, similar to Golden Delicious.
COMMERCIAL USE:
Highly productive and great and storage capability. It can be kept in storage for 3 months, in cold storage until February, and in the CA storage until June.
GOLDEN DELICIOUS
TREE:
Growth and vigour is medium to strong, has a tendency to grow at the top, open side branch angle. Blooms in midseason to late, good pollinator.
POLLINATORS:
Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Idared, Jonathan, Red Delicious
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Color of skin is green-yellow, eventually completely yellow. Skin is smooth, very light lenticels, very susceptible to russeting. The flesh is yellowish, firm, crisp, sweet, and juicy with a good balance between flavor, sugars, and low acidity (especially in the adapted areas).
FRUIT SIZE: Medium in size and regular.
HARVEST:
From mid-September up to early October.
COMMERCIAL USE:
Used widely as a dessert apple. Stored until February in cold storage, and June/July in CA/ULO storage.
IDARED
TREE:
Vigour of this variety is moderate, and the growth habit is spreading. Blossoms early, around a week before Golden Delicious. It is a very good pollinator.
POLLINATORS:
Different variety with same bloom periods like Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cox, or any other early flowering diploid variety.
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
The fruit has juicy flesh, sweet-sour in taste. The flesh is firm, whitish color, and medium-fine texture. The skin of an Idared apple is light green in color covered with intensive red on 50 to 60% of the surface of the fruit. The shape of Idared is Flattened round.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium-large to large, weight of fruit around 150g - 350g.
HARVEST:
From the end of September until the middle of October. A spur-bearer, yields are excellent and regular.
COMMERCIAL USE:
Idared is very good for transport, which with all before characteristics makes it an ideal apple for the market. Widely used as a dessert apple. It can be stored until May in cold storage, until July in CA/ULO storage, great for late sales.
JONAGOLD
TREE:
A cross between Golden Delicious and Jonathan, Jonagold tree has a medium vigour. Mid-season flowering, around mid-May. As a triploid variety, it is not a good pollinator and requires two varieties to be pollinated. A spur bearer.
POLLINATORS:
Idared, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Gala, Golden Delicious
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Yellow-green in color, with large stripe flushes of red. The shape is round but elongated, similar to Golden Delicious. The flesh is creamy, yellow color, crisp, and very juicy. It has a tart taste resembling Jonathan and the sweetness of Golden Delicious and it is an overall balanced, excellent, rich, and full flavor.
FRUIT SIZE: Large.
HARVEST:
Mid-September - Mid to late October
COMMERCIAL USE:
Bigger in size but balanced on flavor, Jonagold is a well-known apple for both eating and cooking. Grown throughout Europe also because of excellent and substantial yields. A cross between the Golden Delicious and the Jonathon. It can be stored until April in CA storage.
GRANNY SMITH
TREE:
The tree of Granny Smith variety has a medium to strong vigour. Flowering comes mid to late, around 2-3 days after Golden Delicious. Granny Smith is a good pollinator and has very reliable and good yields.
POLLINATORS:
Partially self-fertile, and best pollinators are: Idared, Braeburn, Arlet, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Idared.
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Flesh of the Granny Smith is white in color, the texture is crisp and firm, juicy, slightly acidic, and full and sharp flavored in taste. Overall an excellent, unique, and recognizable taste. Skin is green with pronounced white lenticels. Conical-oval shape.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium to large.
HARVEST:
End of September, around 17 days after Golden Delicious.
COMMERCIAL USE:
One of the very best storage potential varieties, it can basically be stored in until the following picking season in controlled atmosphere storage. Widely used as a dessert apple and in cooking.
BRAEBURN
TREE:
Tree of this variety is fairly vigorous and yields abundantly so pruning is necessary. Blooms in the middle of April.
POLLINATORS:
Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious.
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Shape of Braeburn apple is oval. Skin is thin and yellow covered in red to orange color and highlighted by red stripes intensity varying on sun exposure and ripeness. The flesh firm, very crisp and juicy, cream-yellow in color. Braeburn tastes sweet and slightly tart and has a distinct aromatic aftertaste. Very popular and excellent dessert apple.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium-large to large in size.
HARVEST:
Usually ready for harvest from end of September through October, depending on the region.
COMMERCIAL USE:
Braeburn apples are highly regarded for their excellent storage capabilities as it stores very well and can be found available October through April in cool, controlled environments while maintaining their flavor and texture. This makes them popular for both domestic consumption and commercial purposes. Braeburn apples are sought after for their delicious taste and versatility, being suitable for snacking, salads, baking, and making apple-based dishes.
JONARED
TREE:
Vigour of this variety is medium to strong, and branches follow a spreading and ramified growth structure. It flowers mid-season around 5 days before Golden Delicious. A spur bearer.
POLLINATORS:
A triploid variety, it is not suitable as a pollinator. Basically any diploid variety with the same blossom date will be a good pollinator like: Gala, Granny Smith, Idared.
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Conic in shape, it has weak or no ribbing on the surface. Intensely medium-dark to dark red in color on the whole of the fruit. The flesh is firm but creamy in texture, juicy, sweet-sour in taste.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium to large in diameter.
HARVEST:
Early October. Jonaprince is an excellent and reliable yielder.
COMMERCIAL USE:
An excellent yielder, grown for its intense red color, as a dessert apple, also used in the processing industry. It can be stored up to February in cold storage, June in CA storage, July in ULO conditions.
MUTSU
TREE:
Medium-sized tree, a rounded and slightly spreading growth habit, forming a well-shaped canopy. Triploid variety, it functions as an excellent pollinator for other apple varieties due to its long bloom period. It blooms mid-late, End of April, beginning of May depending on the climate.
POLLINATORS:
Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonathan
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
The skin of the Mutsu apple is smooth and firm. It has a vibrant greenish-yellow hue that catches the eye with a warm blush of red that may develop on the side facing the sun as it matures. The apples have a rounded shape, a classic apple shape, with a slightly flattened base and a broader top. Flesh is creamy white, crisp, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The texture is refreshingly firm, providing a satisfying crunch. Taste has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
FRUIT SIZE: Large size, that Mutsu is well known for.
HARVEST:
The Mutsu apple is usually ready for harvest in late fall, typically around September or October, depending on the growing region.
COMMERCIAL USE:
The Mutsu apple has excellent storage capabilities, it can be stored until spring in a controled environment storages. Overall, the Mutsu apple's appearance is both striking and inviting because of Its large size, bright yellow color, and occasional reddish blush that make it an attractive addition to the market. Used widely as a dessert and baking apple.
ELSTAR
TREE:
The tree of Elstar apple variety is moderately vigorous with upright and spreading growth. Blooms mid to late spring.
POLLINATORS:
Golden Delicious, Idared, Granny Smith.
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Elstar apples have a slightly flattened shape, resembling a typical apple shape.They have a yellow-green background color with vibrant red stripes or blushes covering a significant portion of the fruit's surface. The skin is smooth but can be slightly rough near the stem. Flesh of the Elstar has a crisp texture, providing a satisfying crunch when bitten into. The flavor is balanced, combining a pleasant sweetness with a refreshing tartness.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium-sized apple.
HARVEST:
Harvest is in early to mid-fall, usually starting around beginning of September, depending on the region.
COMMERCIAL USE:
A very popular variety, great for orchardists and home gardeners alike. Delicious and visually appealing fruit with good disease resistance.
FUJI
TREE:
Growing habit is medium to strong, it has firm and robust branches, spreading growth. Produces early and regular, it is advised to be sufficiently thinned. It is flowering mid-season to late, just after Golden Delicious.
POLLINATORS:
Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala
FRUIT APPEARANCE:
Shape of this variety is round, spherical. Striped, vibrant red color, also on the shady side. The flesh of this variety is crisp, juicy, and aromatic. Taste is sweet with almost no acidity. High in sugar content.
FRUIT SIZE: Medium to large. Even sized.
HARVEST:
Beginning to middle of October.
COMMERCIAL USE:
Great looking and sweet dessert apple. Tree withstands frost very well. Highly productive and great storage capability, cold storage until March, and in the CA storage until June.
