Jonathan Apple (Malus domestica ‘Jonathan’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Essential for fruit development and disease resistance

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring
• Requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for best fruit set

Size:

Height: 10 to 15 feet (semi-dwarf). Up to 30 feet (standard size).
Width: 10 to 20 feet spread, depending on rootstock and pruning

Attributes:

• Crisp, tangy-sweet apples with red skin
• Excellent for fresh eating, pies, and cider
• Mid-season ripening (typically September–October)
• Cold hardy in USDA zones 4–7
• Requires annual pruning for shape and productivity
• Susceptible to common apple diseases (e.g., apple scab, fire blight) but manageable with care

Companion:

• Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.0
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells and fruit development
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and airflow
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Thin fruit in early summer to improve size and reduce limb stress