Jonathan Apple Tree

Malus 'Jonathan'

Nature Hills Nursery

Tree

Hardy in zones 4-8 with reliable crops in cold climates where late frosts can threaten other varieties
Crisp, tangy-sweet fruit ripens mid-fall and excels for fresh eating, baking, cider, and long-term storage
Fragrant white spring blossoms attract bees and beneficial pollinators to your home orchard
American heirloom discovered in 1826, prized for disease resistance and dependable annual harvests

$102⁶⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container | 3-4 ft

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production and flavor development. Trees in partial shade produce fewer apples with diminished sweetness.

Soil: Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air and water collect. If you have heavy clay, amend with compost and plant on a slight mound to improve drainage around the roots.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Mature trees need about one inch of water per week during the growing season, especially from fruit set through harvest. Consistent moisture prevents fruit drop and bitter pit, but avoid waterlogged soil which invites root rot.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant, before buds swell. Remove crossing branches, water sprouts, and any dead or diseased wood to maintain an open vase or central leader shape. Good air circulation through the canopy reduces disease pressure and allows sunlight to reach developing fruit.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before bud break, following package rates based on trunk diameter. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after June, as this promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit and can reduce winter hardiness.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Jonathan Apple (Malus 'Jonathan') is a true piece of American orchard history. Discovered in 1826 on a farm in Woodstock, New York, this heirloom variety earned a devoted following for its perfect balance of tart and sweet and has remained a backyard favorite for nearly two centuries.

The Fruit

Medium-sized Jonathan apples develop a brilliant red blush over a yellow-green base, often with subtle striping that deepens as nights turn cool. The crisp white flesh delivers a distinctive tangy bite that mellows into honeyed sweetness. This flavor complexity makes Jonathan one of the finest dual-purpose apples you can grow. Eat them fresh out of hand, slice them into salads, or bake them into pies where they hold their shape beautifully. Jonathan also produces exceptional cider with a bright, aromatic character.

Harvest arrives in late September through early October in most regions. The fruit stores well in a cool basement or refrigerator for two to three months, allowing you to enjoy homegrown apples well into winter.

Spring Display

Before the fruit comes the show. Jonathan covers itself in fragrant white blossoms tinged with pink in mid to late spring. The flowers draw honeybees, native bees, and other pollinators essential to fruit set. While Jonathan produces some fruit on its own, planting a compatible pollinator like Golden Delicious, Gala, or Granny Smith within 50 feet dramatically increases your harvest.

In the Landscape

Expect your Jonathan to reach 12 to 15 feet tall and wide at maturity, a manageable size for most home orchards. The rounded canopy provides light shade and seasonal interest from spring blossoms through colorful fall fruit. Plant where you can appreciate the spring fragrance and easily access branches for harvest.

A Proven Performer

Jonathan earned its reputation through generations of reliable performance. It tolerates cold winters better than many apple varieties and resists some common diseases that plague home orchardists. The tree bears young, often producing its first crop within three to four years of planting.

If you want an apple with genuine flavor, historic pedigree, and proven performance in the home orchard, Jonathan belongs on your shortlist.

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jonathan Apple need a pollinator?

Jonathan is partially self-fertile but produces significantly larger crops with a compatible pollinator nearby. Good partners include Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith planted within 50 feet.

When do Jonathan Apples ripen?

Expect harvest in late September to early October in most growing zones. The fruit is ready when the background color shifts from green to yellow and apples detach easily with a gentle upward twist.

How long until my Jonathan Apple Tree produces fruit?

Most trees begin bearing light crops in three to four years after planting. Full production typically develops by year five to seven as the tree matures.

Is Jonathan Apple good for baking?

Absolutely. Jonathan is considered one of the best baking apples because slices hold their shape in pies and crisps while delivering that signature sweet-tart flavor. It also makes outstanding applesauce and cider.

How big will a Jonathan Apple Tree get?

Mature trees reach 12 to 15 feet tall with a similar spread, making them easy to manage for pruning and harvest without heavy equipment.

Jonathan Apple Tree