Malus domestica 'Jonathan'

Jonathan Apple

Malus domestica ‘Jonathan’ is a fruit tree grown for its medium-sized bright red apples with crisp, juicy flesh and a rich sweet-tart flavor. This deciduous apple tree has a rounded to slightly spreading habit, fragrant white to pink-tinged spring blossoms, and dependable fall fruit that is excellent for fresh eating, baking, sauce, and cider. ‘Jonathan’ is an old heirloom apple valued for its flavor, productivity, and use as a parent in many later apple cultivars.

Type: Fruit tree
Mature Size: 15–20' wide x 15–20' high
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Rounded, slightly spreading
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil / moderate, consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators attracted to spring flowers.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for home orchards and edible landscapes. Fruit typically ripens in early to mid fall and is known for its balanced sweet-sharp flavor. ‘Jonathan’ is a good pollinator for many other apples but produces best with another compatible apple variety nearby for cross-pollination and heavier fruit set.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods. Prune annually in late winter to maintain structure and fruiting wood, and thin heavy crops to improve fruit size and reduce branch stress.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Brown

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No