Malus Domestica Ontario Apple

Malus Domestica Ontario or Apple Ontario
If you are looking for a cold-hardy late-harvest apple tree, Malus Domestica Ontario will fit the bill! This heritage cultivar from Canada makes an excellent deciduous ornamental tree with the added bonus of a good crop of delicious fruit.

Malus Domestica Ontario was developed by Charles Arnold in Paris, Ontario, Canada in 1820 as a cross between Wagener and Northern Spy. It has ovoid leaves, medium green and up to 8 cm long, which provide summer shade as the fruits develop. Ontario has exceptionally pretty blossom. The fragrant blossoms, in shades of ivory and pink, put on a good show in April and May, attracting bees and butterflies to their nectar. The apples ripen in late October; they are medium to large-sized, and have distinctive flattened sides, with skins in shades of green, yellow and red. The very juicy flesh is tart, making it perfect for baking, as well as for fresh eating. Low in natural sugars, this is a good treat for diabetics. It is also very high in vitamin C, with 21 mg per 100 grams of fruit. The apples of Malus Domestica Ontario will last in storage until early spring, but need to be handled with care as they can bruise easily.

Height and Spread of Malus Domestica Ontario
Fully hardy in all parts of the UK, Malus Domestica Ontario will grow to a mature height of 3-4 metres and spread of 2-3 metres at a rate of 30-40 cm a year.

How To Care For Malus Domestica Ontario
As with any apple tree, it needs to be pruned in late winter or early spring. It is self-sterile, so needs to be planted with a partner from pollination group B. It is not a good choice for pollinating other varieties. Expect alternating heavy and light crops once every two years. Plant Malus Domestica Ontario in full sun in an exposed or sheltered position in moist but well-drained sand, clay or loam soil with plenty of organic matter added and a neutral pH.

How To Use Malus Domestica Ontario
Malus Domestica Ontario makes an effective ornamental tree in the city or country, with both its spring blossoms and autumn apples to add beauty to your landscape. It can be grown in a container and espaliered to create a privacy screen or made part of an informal country garden, where it can be allowed to grow to its full size.

Malus Domestica Ontario is an exceedingly hardy apple tree which will provide both ornamental qualities as well as crops of good storage dual purpose apples which can be used for fresh eating and cooking! Lots more apple varieties in our Fruit Trees Section.