Malus domestica Grafsztynek Inflancki - Native Apple Tree, Common Apple Tree

The 'Grafsztynek Inflancki' Apple Tree is a variety originating from the Baltic countries, highly resistant to cold and less susceptible to diseases, particularly scab and powdery mildew. It produces medium to large-sized fruit, spherical in shape, with a fine, green-yellow epidermis that turns red on the sun-exposed side. Their creamy-white flesh is moderately firm and aromatic, very juicy, and their tangy flavour reveals a hint of raspberry. This apple can be enjoyed raw and is equally suitable for cooking for desserts and preserves. The presence of another pollinating variety nearby is necessary to optimise flower fertilisation and ensure a good harvest.

The Apple Tree belongs to the extensive Rosaceae family, just like most of our other temperate-climate fruit trees (Peach, Pear Tree, Raspberry...). The genus Malus includes around forty species, including the common Apple Tree, Malus domestica (synonyms, Malus communis or Malus pumila), as well as flowering species, such as the stunning Coccinella Courtarou Ornamental Crab Apple. Cultivated for a very long time (the Romans already knew 29 varieties), there are now around 20,000 cultivars. The Malus domestica 'Grafsztynek Inflancki' is a fairly old Baltic variety, highly prized in Poland for its exceptional resistance to cold weather, down to -30°C. It enjoyed its heyday from the 1930s to the 1960s, mainly in amateur gardens. The tree exhibits moderate growth, neither too vigorous nor too fast, making it an excellent choice for gardens with limited space. It will typically reach 4m in height with a spread of 3.5m, featuring a fairly dense, spreading crown with slightly trailing shoots. It begins to bear fruit after just a few years, requiring a little patience. The yield will gradually increase over the years to a rather high abundance. However, this variety can sometimes exhibit a biennial fruit bearing tendency, meaning the harvest yield fluctuates from one year to the next. Like most varieties, its single, pinkish-white blossom is quite ornamental and blooms in April or even May depending on the region. The nearby presence of a pollinating variety such as 'Antonówka Zwykła', 'Ananas Berżenicki', or 'James Grieve' is necessary to enable flower fertilisation and thus fruit formation. The fruits are medium to large and ripen around late August to mid-September. The skin is thin and smooth, with a green-yellow hue that yellows increasingly as it ripens. On the sun-exposed side, the epidermis adorns a striped carmine veil, enhancing the fruit's decorative and attractive appearance. Inside, the flesh is white, slightly pink beneath the epidermis, and of medium firmness. It is moderately aromatic, with a subtle raspberry note, juicy and tangy. This apple can be enjoyed straight from the tree and can also be stored for several weeks. It is also perfect for making juice, desserts, and preserves.

The 'Grafsztynek Inflancki' Apple Tree appeals for its ease of cultivation, as the tree is disease-resistant, hardy in extreme cold, and tolerant of poor soil. Its fruit is suitable for all common uses, and the tree's moderate growth makes it an asset in small gardens. Also consider growing berry bushes to diversify flavours and fruiting periods. Blackcurrant Bushes will provide fruit full of character earlier than your Apple Tree and will pair very well with Raspberry bushes, which have a long harvesting period. For exotic flavours, also plant a Goji with its highly ornamental small red fruits, and for the end of the season, if you have a little more space, you can opt for the Persimmon, with its round fruits as decorative as they are delicious.