Red Jonathan Apple Tree

Red Jonathan is a red-skinned sport of Jonathan, not the same selection as the ordinary Jonathan apple. New South Wales agriculture guidance describes the sport as similar to Jonathan, with a solid red surface that can cover the whole fruit; it notes some flavor difference from the parent type. ## Fruit and pollination The Jonathan profile lists a crisp, juicy, sweet fruit with a tang and an early-to-midseason bloom. It names Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Delicious as pollination partners; bloom overlap should be checked in the local climate. Its Southern Hemisphere harvest dates do not translate directly to North American seasons. The [New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development profile](https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pomes/apples/varieties/jonathan) distinguishes the red sport from ordinary Jonathan. ## Site and tree care Choose full sun and well-drained soil for reliable apple production. Keep the existing tree-size expectation tied to its rootstock and training rather than treating a cultivar as a single fixed size. [Iowa State Extension’s home orchard guide](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-apples-home-garden) covers site selection, drainage, pollination, and pruning. ## Maintenance Water deeply during establishment and extended dry spells. Prune during dormancy to maintain a sturdy, open framework, removing damaged or crossing branches. Thin crowded fruit when crops are heavy, and remove fallen fruit and leaves during seasonal cleanup. Monitor for apple pests and diseases, especially where mildew pressure is common.