Apple tree (Malus domestica) KOVALENKOVSKOJE

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Kovalenkovskoye'

A Belarusian variety with extra-sweet fruits and no acidity.

'Kovalenkovskoye', also known as 'Red Sweet', is a very popular Belarusian variety and a dream come true for all lovers of sweet apples. Its greatest asset is its large, attractive red fruits with white, juicy, and crisp flesh that is absolutely sweet, without any trace of acidity—even when unripe. In addition to its unique flavor, it is also noted for its high frost hardiness, early entry into bearing, and high, regular yields.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Absolutely sweet taste: Ideal for children and anyone who dislikes sour apples.
• Large and attractive fruits: Uniform fruits (150–180 g) with a rich, dark red color.
• High frost hardiness: Reliable even in colder climates.
• Early, high, and regular productivity: Delivers an abundant harvest every year, starting from the 2nd-3rd year.
• Versatile use: Excellent for fresh consumption and all types of processing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Belarus
• Origin: A seedling from open pollination of the ‘Lafram’ variety
• Year of registration: 1999 (Belarus)

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is medium-strong, forming a dense, spherical crown that requires regular thinning and pruning. It is cross-pollinated and needs another apple variety blooming at the same time nearby to ensure a harvest.

Fruit

• Size: Large (150–180 g).
• Skin: Smooth, almost entirely covered with a rich dark red blush.
• Flesh: White, medium-firm, juicy, and crisp.
• Taste: Absolutely sweet, aromatic, without any acidity.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: The variety is highly frost-hardy.
• Diseases: It has medium resistance; in years with high disease pressure, it can be slightly susceptible to scab.

Growing Recommendations

• Suitability: An ideal dessert variety for anyone seeking exclusively sweet apples.
• Pollination: As it is cross-pollinated, it requires another apple tree as a pollinator.
• Pruning: The dense crown requires regular thinning and pruning.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late August to mid-September (ripens progressively).
• Harvest characteristics: The fruits do not drop from the tree.
• Storability: Good; can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2 months.