Apple Tree Cukrówka Litewska - Malus domestica

The 'Cukrówka Litewska' Apple Tree is a very hardy, old variety from the Baltic countries, with fruit appearing early in the season. This summer apple tree produces a beautiful spring blossom, brightening the garden and highlighting the tree. The fruit can sometimes be picked as early as August, or in September. The apples have a lovely pale yellow colour, turning red on the sun-exposed side. They should be eaten quickly as they do not store very well. The tree is vigorous but requires the presence of another apple variety to act as a pollinator.

Apple Trees are members of the large Rosaceae family. There are around 40 species within the Malus genus, including both fruit-bearing varieties like the common Apple Tree or Malus domestica (synonyms, Malus communis or Malus pumila), and ornamental ones (such as the stunning flowering Crab Apples). While the Romans knew of 29 varieties, today their number is estimated at around 20,000 worldwide.
The Malus 'Cukrówka Litewska' originates from Lithuania and its discovery or cultivation (a small mystery surrounds its origin) dates back to the 19th century. This variety is particularly hardy. The tree is quite vigorous, typically reaching a height of 4.50 m with a spread of 3.50 m, though it can grow up to 6 m with age. In spring, it blooms abundantly with small, single, mainly white flowers with a slight pink tint, featuring a decorative golden centre. Though not fragrant, they are ornamental and attract pollinating insects. The tree is self-sterile and therefore requires a nearby pollinator. The famous 'Reine des Reinettes' Apple Tree  can fulfil this role, ensuring a good harvest. The fruit is variable in shape, though mostly spherical and slightly flattened. The epidermis has a beautiful yellow colour which gradually becomes marbled with red on the sun-exposed side as the fruit ripens. The thin skin protects a white, very sweet and notably non-sour-tasting flesh, making it ideal for those sensitive to acidity. This is a dessert apple, best eaten straight after picking in September (or August depending on the year and region), and it does not store well.

The 'Cukrówka Litewska' is prized in Eastern Europe for its hardiness and abundant yield, athough it is subject to biennial bearing. A high-yield year will thus be followed by a low-production year as the plant essentially rests after the effort of the previous year. Plant it alongside later varieties such as the 'Api étoilé' Apple Tree , whose curiously ribbed fruit is harvested in November-December and stores until May the following year. You can also plant other species nearby, such as Pear Trees or a Mirabelle Plum Tree, with its uniquely delicious yellow fruit. Also consider small fruit-yielding bushes like a Blackcurrant Bush or a Perpetual Raspberry 'September' bush, which produces fruit from July to October.