Malus domestica 'PANENSKÉ ČESKÉ' apple tree - late
size/type
small tree,small tree
usual height
3-4m
usual width
3-4m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
flowers
showy
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Panenské české (Virgin Czech) is an old Czech apple tree variety dated before 1800. It produces small to mid-sized fruit with immensely beautiful skin – deep maroon with ruby red highlights (or the other way round). The flesh perfectly contrasts with the skin colour as it is almost white. The taste is full, well-balanced sweet and sour, and very juicy. It can be harvested from October for maturing 4-6 weeks later in cold storage in order to let the sugars develop, or eaten fresh off the tree if picked up in November, though still quite sharp, and stores well until March. It is very resistant to powdery mildew and reasonably resistant to scab. When fruits are formed the trees will appreciate rainfall or extra watering.
Apple trees will grow in almost any well-drained soil but for best results provide them with deep, fertile soil and keep it moist at least 6 months after transplanting, and in early summer when fruit is formed. Panenské české sets fruit later than most modern varieties but offers a high and regular yield once it does. Being self-sterile it needs another pollinator for heavy crop, such as Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Golden Reinette, Granny Smith, Melrose, Opal, Pinova, Rajka, Rubinola, Spartan, Starking, and Topaz. Pruning can be done in frost-free periods of winter but it benefits from being left to its own devices. Very hardy to abt. -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for all regions including colder ones.
Last update 10-11-2020
