Family Apple Tree (Malus domestica) ROBERTS + AUKSIS + MERRIGOLD 26/25

Family Apple Tree (3 in 1): Roberts + Auksis + Merrigold

A unique fruit-harvest combination bringing three exceptional Baltic varieties on a single trunk. Enjoy sequential ripening from crunchy summer red apples to the fragrant gold of autumn.

1. Apple 'Roberts' (Early Summer Variety)

A large, purple-red summer apple with excellent crunchiness and full resistance to apple scab.

The fruit season on this tree is spectacularly opened by the Latvian variety 'Roberts' (2009). It impresses with visually highly attractive, almost entirely dark red fruits. It forms a strong, healthy tree that is absolutely ideal for organic, chemical-free growing.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Gorgeous color: Dark purple-red covers almost the entire fruit.
• High resistance: Reliably immune to apple scab (Vf/Rvi6 gene).
• Firm texture: Crunchy and juicy flesh, best enjoyed straight off the tree.
• Early harvest: One of the first high-quality summer apples of the season.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Large to very large fruits with a firm skin and strong waxy bloom. Yellowish flesh has a pinkish tint under the skin.
• Flavor: Sweet-sour, harmonious, and highly aromatic.
• Harvest Time: Mid-August (around the same time as 'Discovery').
• Storability: Short shelf life, meant for quick consumption (approx. 2 months in the fridge).

2. Apple 'Auksis' (Long-storing Autumn Variety)

The most beloved apple in the Baltics! A gold-medal variety with tender, juicy flesh that lasts in the cellar until late winter.

In September, the Lithuanian legend 'Auksis' (crossed from 'McIntosh' x 'Gravensteiner') takes the lead. It is characterized by beautifully colored fruits and high-quality, sweet-sour flesh. In the Baltics, it is the most popular variety, serving as the benchmark of quality for modern breeding.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Long storability: Apples remain in superb condition in a good cellar until January/February.
• Acclaimed taste: Excellent, sweet-sour, very juicy flesh (won gold in Erfurt in 1965).
• Easy cultivation: Resistant to scab, powdery mildew, and bark diseases, ideal for organic growing.
• Pollination: The variety is self-incompatible, and the presence of the other varieties on this tree ensures perfect pollination.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Large fruits (120 – 130 g) of light yellow color with a carmine-red blush.
• Harvest Time: Early September.
• Yield: High, annual, and with an early onset of bearing (3rd to 4th year).

3. Apple 'Merrigold' (Autumn Variety)

An old Latvian variety with pale yellow fruits, delicious pulp, and stable yield that holds firmly on the tree.

In mid-September, the Latvian autumn variety 'Merrigold' ripens. It delights any grower seeking reliability, as the fruits hold excellently on the branches even in stronger winds. It offers a great, balanced sweet-sour taste.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Flavor and aroma: Juicy, fine-grained flesh with a very pleasant scent.
• No fruit drop: Ripe apples hold reliably on the branches until harvest.
• Winter hardiness: Good resistance to winter frosts.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Medium to large, slightly oblong fruits of bright yellow color with a thin waxy bloom.
• Harvest Time: Ripens in mid-September.
• Resilience: Disease resistance is medium, so regular pruning to keep the canopy open is recommended.