Columnar apple tree (Malus domestica) ILMA

Columnar Apple (Malus domestica) 'Ilma'

A Swedish columnar variety with excellent flavour and very long storability.

'Ilma' is a Swedish autumn to early winter columnar apple variety, valued for its compact and decorative growth, excellent flavour, and very long storability. It is also characterized by its resistance to frost and diseases and is low-maintenance.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Compact and decorative growth.
• Excellent flavour and very long storability of fruits.
• Resistance to frost and diseases.
• Low maintenance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Sweden
• Breeder: Information not available.
• Institution: Information not available.
• Crossing: Information not available.
• Registration: Information not available.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Less vigorous, grows to a height of 2 – 2.5 m.
• Crown: Narrow, columnar to pyramidal, dense, with a diameter of around 0.5 m.
• Leaves: Bright green.
• Flowering: The flowers are light pink to purple.
• Pollination: It is partially self-fertile.

Fruit

• Similarity: The fruits are similar to the 'Champion' variety.
• Size: Medium to large.
• Shape and colour: Oblong, round-conical. The colour is red-pink.
• Flesh: Juicy.
• Flavour: Excellent, sweet-tart, aromatic.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Resistant.
• Disease resistance: Resistant, especially to scab.
• Requirements: Low maintenance.

Cultivation Recommendations

• For a higher yield, it is recommended to plant another apple variety nearby.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: In September to October.
• Storability: Very long, until January to April.
• Yield: Good and annual.
• Entry into bearing: Early, 2nd to 3rd year after planting.