Apple (Malus domestica) FLORINA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Florina' 

French scab-resistant winter variety with attractive purple-red fruits.

'Florina' (also marketed as 'Querina') is a well-known French winter apple variety. It is the result of breeding focused on disease resistance. It features genetic resistance to scab, making it ideal for organic growing without chemical sprays. The fruits are sweet, aromatic, and have a long storage life.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Resistance to Scab and tolerance to Powdery Mildew.
• Sweet, aromatic taste with low acidity.
• Attractive fruits with purple-red blush and waxy bloom.
• Good frost resistance (suitable for higher altitudes).
• Long storage life (until March).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: France (INRA, Angers)
• Parentage: Complex cross involving 'Jonathan', 'Golden Delicious', 'Rome Beauty', and Malus floribunda.
• Registration: Released in 1977.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium strong.
• Crown: Spreading to slightly weeping, requires summer pruning for light penetration.
• Yield: Very good, but requires fruit thinning to avoid alternate bearing and small fruits.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium to large (110 – 140 g).
• Shape: Conical to round, ribbed.
• Color: Green-yellow base, covered with intense purple-red to pink color (often striped). Fruits have a typical waxy bloom.
• Flesh: White to creamy, crisp, moderately juicy.
• Taste: Sweet, finely aromatic, with low acidity.
• Usage: Fresh consumption, storage, cooking.

Resistance and Requirements

• Diseases: Resistant to Scab (Vf gene) and tolerant to Powdery Mildew. Does not require chemical protection against fungal diseases.
• Frost: Frost hardy, suitable for medium and higher altitudes (though thrives better in warmer areas).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Suitable pollinators: 'Golden Delicious', 'Idared', 'Pinova', 'Fuji', 'Elstar', 'Granny Smith'. It is a good pollinator itself.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late September to early October.
• Consumption maturity: November to March.
• Storage: Very good, lasts in the cellar until spring.