Grandpa's Nature Friendly™ Varieties
Avoid spraying as much and grow more organically with these varieties.
Red Jonathan Apple

Jonathan Apple

Malus domestica 'Red Jonathan'

Red Jonathan hardly needs a description since it is one of the most popular heritage apples in the Midwest. Crisp, slightly striped, but mostly red, juicy and sweet tart. One of the best varieties for pies and sauce. Our strain is highly colored and sizes well for this medium sized apple. Ripens early in the fall. Stores and keeps well.

Pricing


Height

15 Feet

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Spread

15 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 5-7

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Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Red Jonathan is a moderately vigorous tree that will bear early and heavily. Somewhat self-fruitful, but benefits from pollination. Thin heavily for better size. It is very susceptible to fire blight if grown over vigorously.

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A Little History

First described in 1826 by J. Buel of Albany,NY. In Michigan, it is one of the preferred pie apples for the pie industry, and Grandpa both grew lots of Jonathan and sold many Jonathan trees to other apple growers across the state.

Characteristics & Attributes

Bloom Character
Somewhat self-fertile
Thin heavily for size
Mid-season blooming
Fruit Characteristics
Medium size fruit
Growth Rate/Habit
Average vigor
Spreading habit
Very productive
Harvest Period
Early fall
Mid-September
Other Attributes
Keeps well
Long-term keeper
Sweet-tart
Site Requirements
Winter hardy
Skill Required
Easy to grow
Uses
Juice or Cider
Cooking or baking
Good for pies
Good for sauce