Apple Starcats

Obtained from: Bolero ' x ' Elstar '

Synonyms: starkats, starkets

Apple Starcats (Malus domestica Starcats) – a new apple cultivar from a German breeder at Geisenheim University, Dr. Helmut Jakob. His series of columnar apple cultivars CATS is characterized by early fruiting, consistently high yields, high resistance to most diseases, as well as frost hardiness.

It is a low, medium-growing tree, reaching 2-3 m in height. Branches are short, emerging from the trunk at almost right angles.

Blooms late, in May. Flowers numerous, white, large.

Begins fruiting early; in the second year after planting 2-3 kg of apples can be harvested from a tree. At 4-5 years – 14-16 kg per tree. Produces a stable and high yield annually. Fruits are medium-sized, up to 180 g, round, slightly flattened on the sides, bright red with stripes. Externally the fruits resemble those of the Elstar variety. Skin is firm, glossy. Flesh juicy, crisp, firm, with a pleasant sweet-tart flavor. Ripens in early September, and remains on the tree for a long time. Fruit transportability is high. In the refrigerator they store for several months.

Best pollinators: Greencats, Redcats.

Hardiness zone 5b (down to -35-40 °C)

Site: prefers sunny spots or light partial shade. Requires a pollinator. In areas with 600 mm of precipitation, high yields can be harvested annually without using an irrigation system. Recommended groundwater depth – at least 0.8 m.

Planting: planting is best done in spring. When planting, apply nitrogen fertilizers at 100 kg/ha.

Care: consists of regular weed removal. For commercial production, in autumn apply organic fertilizers 40-80 t/ha, phosphorus and potassium mineral fertilizers - P100-300K100-400.

Pruning: does not require pruning.

Diseases and pests: high resistance to scab, canker and powdery mildew; not affected by fire blight.

Use: table cultivar. The tree is suitable for container growing. Thanks to high frost hardiness and disease resistance, this cultivar can be used in an organic garden.