Malus domestica ‘Elstar’ is one of the most popular apple varieties for the home garden. The medium-sized, yellow-colored fruits have a red cheek and are ready to eat from September. In order for Elstar to bear well, however, as with all apple trees, a suitable pollen donor is required.
How is the “Elstar” apple tree fertilized?
The apple variety “Elstar”requires asuitable pollinator variety in the surrounding area,because it cannot feed on its own pollen pollinate. This can be an apple that blooms at the same time, but also a crabapple tree.
Which varieties are suitable for pollinating Elstar?
Various, some very popular apple varietiesare suitable as pollinators for Elstar. These include:
- James Grieve,
- Jonathan,
- Laxton's Superb,
- Gloster,
- Cox Orange.
In addition to the above-mentioned high-yield varieties for the home garden, various crabapple varieties can also be cultivated as pollinators:
- Evereste,
- Prof. Sprenger,
- Van Esseltine,
- Golden Hornet.
Other variants that are suitable for pollination can be found in the pollinator lists available in almost every tree nursery.
Is Elstar suitable as a pollinator for other varieties?
Despite the Elstar being considered to have rather poor pollen production,this fruit tree also fertilizes other nearbyapple varieties such as the Cox Orange. These also include:
- Braeburn,
- Champagne Renette,
- Melrose,
- Jonagold,
- Golden Delicius.
Tip
Elstar is a very robust apple variety
Malus domestica 'Elstar' is one of those apples that can cope with low temperatures down to -28 degrees and can therefore also be cultivated in harsh locations. However, a sunny to partially shaded location is particularly important for the fruit to ripen.
