When purchasing an apple tree, there are not only different tree shapes to choose from, such as bush, half-trunk and standard tree. Of the thousands of varieties worldwide, several are also used for yield cultivation in this country.
Which apple tree varieties are suitable for cultivation and intended use?
Various varieties are suitable for growing apple trees, depending on the intended use: fresh consumption (Boskoop, Danziger Kant), juice extraction (Josef Musch, Jakob Lebel) or storage (Red Bellefleur, Luna, Bell Apple). Consider regional climatic conditions and resistance when choosing varieties.
Consider regional characteristics and your own needs
When choosing an apple tree, not only factors such as the color of the fruit or the size of the apple should play a role. Neighbors or the local horticultural association can sometimes also make recommendations for species that have proven particularly successful in the regional climate and in terms of their resistance to fungal infestation and disease. It is also important whether you want to use the apples directly from the tree as fruit for fresh consumption, or whether they should be stored or processed into juice or must after the harvest. With a thoughtful selection of species, you can harvest fresh apples from the tree at different times and also use them for various purposes.
Eaten fresh from the tree or in the juice bottle
Many apple varieties fresh from the tree offer a sour to sweet taste and are therefore perfect refreshment in late summer and autumn. These varieties are particularly suitable for extracting juice or making must:
- Boskoop
- Danziger Kant
- Josef Musch
- Jakob Lebel
While some species such as Jakob Fischer reach their harvestable size and full flavor in early September, other varieties such as Cardinal Bea and the Red Star Reinette can only be harvested from mid to late October. Late varieties are usually better suited for storage over autumn and winter. However, dried apple rings can also be used to make a tasty and he althy snack for the cold season from varieties that are not particularly storable.
Apple varieties for storage
In contrast to plums, cherries and berries, apples are also suitable for covering your own vitamin needs in the winter. To do this, you need a cool and not too dry cellar room in which the apples can be stored frost-free and dark. Here apple varieties such as the Red Bellefleur, Luna and the Bell Apple last well into spring in well-ventilated crates and in favorable conditions.
Tips & Tricks
Often there are only a few apple varieties available in the desired strain form in local specialist shops. If you would like to propagate an old variety from a gardening friend, you can also graft scions from this tree onto a rootstock yourself.
