The Pinova winter apple is low in allergens and therefore particularly interesting for allergy sufferers. It is also easy to grow in the garden.
The apple variety, which is protected under plant variety protection, was first bred in 1986. It can be grown privately without any problems, provided that the right care is taken and that the ideal conditions are met.
The Pinova apple originated in Dresden, where it was bred by crossing the varieties Golden Delicious and Clivia. It has been under EU variety protection since 1996. This means that an apple tree of the variety can be cultivated privately without any problems, but must be registered for commercial use, as the purchase of a license is required. Its problem-free cultivation is particularly advantageous, as the tree is very undemanding in terms of soil or location. Still, there are a few tips to keep in mind when growing and caring for them.
Short profile of the Pinova apple
| Winter apple Pinova (Malus 'Pinova' ®) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | Tree, bushy structure with good branching |
| Growth: | 250 - 400 cm |
| Growth: | 250 - 400 cm |
| Fruits: | Medium sized rounded shape that are yellow in color and develop red skin |
| Harvest: | October to early November, relatively high yield |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal, loose garden soil |
| Special Features: | The apples are well tolerated and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers. In addition, the fruit has a slightly sour taste, which remains aromatic and sometimes convinces with a certain sweetness. |
The fruits of the Pinova tree
Pinova apples have a sweet and sour taste, are medium-sized and full of vitamin C. The initially yellow apple develops a reddish overcolor over time, which gradually spreads over the apple. It is often used in the kitchen for baking. Because of its taste and the vitamins it contains, it is also a popular table apple.
Nutritional values of the winter applePinova (100 grams): • Calorific value: approx. 52 kcal• Water: 85 g
• Carbohydrates: 11.4 g
• - of which sugar: 10.4 g
• - of which fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Crude protein: 0.3 g
• Vitamin B1: 35 µg
• Vitamin B2: 30 µg
• Vitamin B5: 100 micrograms• Vitamin B6: 100 µg
• Vitamin C: 12 mg
• Potassium: 120 mg
• Phosphorus: 12 mg• Calcium: 5 mg
• Magnesium: 2 mg
• Iron: 0.17 mg
• Niacin: 300 µg
• Zinc: 100 µg
• Copper: 50 µg
• Manganese: 50 mcg
Tip: The nutritional values of the Pinova apple also depend in part on the varieties from which it was grown.
Soil and Location
Pinova trees are best planted in soil that is relatively moist and warm. Depending on the substrate on which it is planted, the fruits develop a different sweetness. The tree can develop its full potential in a place that is warm and receives a lot of sun. However, a proper wine-growing climate is not required.
Watering and fertilizing
As for watering, it is especially important as the tree grows and takes root. During this time he should always get enough water. Once it blooms, it will be watered additionally, just like when it is particularly dry.
Whether it needs to be fertilized or not depends on the soil conditions. It is always advisable to follow the instructions of the grower from whom you received the tree. However, it doesn't hurt to incorporate mature compost into the substrate when planting.
It is significant that the tree grows slowly. However, once it has reached the necessary height, it will develop sufficient fruit wood on which the fruit can later form.
Do you need regular pruning?
Because the Pinova apple is designed to produce a lot of fruit, it needs regular pruning. The dreaded alternation, which causes a particularly high yield in one year and a lower yield in other apple trees in the next, does not exist with this variety.
In order to keep the yield reasonably in check, it is necessary to thin out the tree regularly. This can be done manually, chemically or by machine. You can also follow other care tips:
- If the fruit load becomes too heavy, the fruits are selected and snapped off.
- The best time for thinning is the end of June.
- Ideally use long, thin scissors for this.
- The cut will be like thismade it so that only a single apple is left hanging per fruit curtain.
- If the fruits are too close together, they will also be thinned out. Ideally, those that hang unfavorably are removed.
- There should be a minimum distance of 30 centimeters between two fruits.
- Also count up to 30 leaves per fruit.
As a rule, the tree requires basic thinning and then regular checks and selective thinning are sufficient.
It is also important that the branches are kept relatively short so that they do not hang down under the weight of the fruit or even break off. In rare cases it happens (especially in the case of monoculture husbandry) that the trees do not develop as richly as far as their branches are concerned. In this case you can usually do without a cut.
When exactly is a Pinova apple ripe?
The time of harvest is decisive for the taste of the Pinova apple. If harvested too early, it can be too tart. If you're late, it'll be too cute. Therefore, the following tips should ideally be observed:
- It can be picked as soon as it easily detaches from the tree and usually when one or the other apple has already fallen on the ground.
- You can tell when the fruit is right for picking by lifting the fruit and turning it gently. Ripe apples usually detach themselves.
- This is usually the middle of October.
- The so-called maturity comes later with storage.
- The Pinova apples can be stored for a longer period of time just like all other apples. A cool room is ideal for this, provided the apples are in an airy box.
- The so-called ripeness for consumption can coincide with the ripeness for picking, but this is often not the case until November.
Diseases and Pests
Depending on which varieties the Pinova apple is composed of, it is more or less susceptible to diseases. Powdery mildew comes to the fore. Trees that have grown on the wrong soil are often affected. This is usually not well supplied with nutrients. In the same way, this disease can develop if fertilization is applied too one-sidedly.
If the tree is affected by powdery mildew, it is advisable to act quickly. As a first measure, all affected buds are cut off and destroyed to rule out reinfection. Thereafter, checks are carried out at regular intervalsand cut off affected areas.
It's always a good idea to use one that doesn't harm the beneficials in the area when dealing with an appropriate pesticide. For example, sulfur dioxide is very effective at fighting mildew, but it also kills any insects and beneficial insects in the area. But there are also some preparations like this one that promise good results and are not dangerous for beneficial insects.
The Pinova apple has proven to be very resistant to pests and is largely spared by them.