Apple tree (Malus domestica) KRISTA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Krista'

A proven Estonian variety with attractive fruits and high productivity.

'Krista' is a high-quality and widely grown Estonian autumn apple variety, prized for its reliability, early entry into bearing, and high, annual productivity. The tree has medium vigor and good resistance to frost and diseases. The fruits are medium to large and very attractive—almost entirely covered in a bright red color. The flesh is white, firm, and has a pleasant, sweet-tart taste. Thanks to its firmness and good transportability, it is a popular commercial and home garden variety.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and annual productivity: Delivers a reliable crop of 20–30 kg per tree.
• Very attractive, marketable fruits.
• Good sweet-tart taste and firm flesh.
• Good frost hardiness and disease resistance.
• Good storability until the end of February.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Estonia
• Breeder: Kalju Kask
• Institution: Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences
• Year of registration: 2007

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is of medium vigor. The branches are strongly attached to the trunk at a good angle. It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium to large, with a weight of 100–200 g.
• Shape: Globular to broadly globular.
• Color: The whitish-yellow base color is mostly covered by a bright red color.
• Flesh: White, firm.
• Taste: Good, sweet-tart.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: Good.
• Disease resistance: Good.

Growing Recommendations

• Suitability: Widely grown in Estonia as both a commercial and home garden variety.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: First half of September. If harvesting is delayed, the fruits may drop from the tree.
• Storability: Under good conditions, it can be stored until the end of February.
• Transportability: The fruits transport well.