Apple Tree Grafsztynek Czerwony - Malus domestica

The 'Grafsztynek Czerwony' Apple Tree is an old Danish variety well-suited to cool oceanic climates. The tree develops a spherical crown which, in spring, is covered with very beautiful pale pink blossom. Its apples are quite large and adorned with a lovely yellow colour that turns strongly red at ripeness, in October. Their tangy flesh is very juicy, making them ideal for desserts and juices. These apples should be used quickly as they cannot be stored for very long. This variety requires pollination by another variety planted nearby.

The Apple Tree is a major member of the very large Rosaceae family. The genus Malus comprises around forty species, including the Common Apple Tree Malus domestica (synonyms, Malus communis or Malus pumila), as well as the non-fruiting species Ornamental Crabapples. The Romans already knew 29 different fruiting varieties, whereas today, there are approximately 20,000.
The Malus domestica 'Grafsztynek Czerwony' is a mutant of the original 'Grafsztynek' variety, first described in 1858. Originating from Denmark, and possibly also from Schleswig-Holstein (the northernmost German state, bordering with Denmark), this old variety is also known as 'Roter Gravensteiner'. The tree exhibits strong growth and forms a spherical to spreading crown typically reaching 4.5 m in height with a spread of 3.50 m. However, older specimens can approach 6 m in height with a highly ramified silhouette. Thriving in humid climates, it is found in Nordic coastal regions but not inland, as it is not sufficiently hardy for the harsh continental conditions of Eastern Europe. In April-May, it produces very beautiful blossom made of slightly larger single pale pink flowers than those of other varieties. Being self-sterile, it must be planted near a pollinator whose pollen will enable the blossom to be fertilised. Many varieties can serve this role including the 'Klaraapfel', 'Prince d'Oldenbourg', 'Koksa Pomarańczowa', 'Reneta Ananasowa', 'Reneta Baumann', 'Berlepsch', and 'Golden Delicious'. After fertilisation, the blossom gradually transforms into a fruit that ripens late in the season, in the heart of autumn. The initially yellow skin takes on an increasingly visible red blush eventually covering between a quarter and half of the fruit's surface. The apples should be picked at ripeness in October, as even though they are only edible by November, they should not be left on the tree. The large fruit size, especially in the first productive years, makes the apples prone to falling easily if the tree is shaken by autumn winds. The white-yellow flesh is delicious, aromatic, and tangy. This apple can be eaten raw or used for making desserts or juices. It cannot be stored for very long, only until around December, and does not travel well, which is why it is more suited to amateur home than commercial cultivation and consumption.

Appreciated for its taste qualities but only fairly average disease resistance and inability to be stored for long periods, this variety is mainly of interest to enthusiasts who already have an orchard, particularly with a pollinator tree. They could then enrich cross-pollination with a few Pear Trees which also include old varieties, or less common species such as the Mespilus germanica 'Macrocarpa' or German Medlar, a variety with larger fruits than the type species, which are also consumed late in the season after being exposed to frost. In not-too-harsh climates and sufficiently warm summers, you could add to this selection the fruits of the Persimmon, a tree with elegant glossy foliage that takes on superb autumn colours.