How do Boskoop apples taste? And when is the apple variety harvest time? We answer your questions about Boskoop apple trees.
the Apple variety ‘Boskoop’ (Malus ‘Boskoop’) actually means ‘Beautiful from Boskoop’ and is a classic winter apple. Here in Germany you can often find apples under the name ‘Boskop’, with just an "o". It belongs to the group of Renetten and has long been a classic variety among the old cultivated apples (Malus domestica). No wonder, because the cultivation is easy and especially for fans of sour Apples the ‘Boskoop’ is a pleasure. In this article you will find out which special features you should pay attention to when growing Boskoop apple trees.
contents
- Apple variety ‘Boskoop’: fact sheet
- Where does the Boskoop apple tree come from?
- What is the taste of Boskoop apples?
- Planting and caring for the Boskoop apple tree: what do you have to consider?
- When are Boskoop apples harvest time?
- Use and storage
Apple variety ‘Boskoop’: fact sheet
| Synonyms | 'Beautiful from Boskoop', 'Boskop', 'Reinette Monstruese', 'Reinette Belle de Boskoop' |
| fruit | great; yellow basic color, colored reddish on the sunny side |
| taste | juicy, intense, sour |
| Yield | medium high and fluctuating; starting late |
| Harvest time | Mid-October to November |
| Ripe for enjoyment | December to April |
| Shelf life | very good; storable until April |
| growth | very strong |
| climate | low demand; Also thrives in cold and foggy climates and at high altitudes; not sure frost hardy |
| Diseases and pests | less susceptible: cancer, apple scab, tanning; susceptible to: copper spray, core rot, fire blight |
Where does the Boskoop apple tree come from?
The ‘Boskoop’ arose as a chance seedling, in 1856 in the Netherlands, more precisely in Boskoop. A century later, the ‘Boskoop’ was already a widespread standard apple variety in the Netherlands and also in Germany. Here it is mainly grown on Lake Constance, in the Rhineland and on the Lower Elbe. In 1923 a bud mutation was discovered in the Rhineland: the so-called ‘Rote Boskoop’. This resembles the ‘beautiful from Boskoop’ in all features, only the shell is colored differently than the original shape.
What is the taste of Boskoop apples?
What is impressive about the ‘Boskoop’ apples is their sheer size: They can weigh up to 200 grams. They are rounded in shape, but can sometimes be irregularly angular. The basic color of the apples is yellow, only the sunlit side turns reddish. That is why they are sometimes also called Green Boskoop ’. The skin of the fruit is usually covered with a scabbed net, which makes it rough and dull, but does not detract from the good taste of the apples. The flesh is firm and juicy at first, later it becomes tender. The apples have a typically sour taste and an intense aroma.
Planting and caring for the Boskoop apple tree: what do you have to consider?
The Boskoop apple tree differs from other apple varieties in some ways. In the following section you will find out what is important when choosing a location and what is important when it comes to maintenance.
The ‘Boskoop’ would like to be planted in a bright location. If it is too shady for him, this affects the yield. A humid location, for example near a body of water, is ideal. The Boskoop apple tree feels most comfortable in warm, favorable locations. It can also be grown in cooler areas, but there it needs a location that is as sheltered from the wind as possible. This apple variety also makes special demands on the soil. This should be permeable and moist. The ‘Boskoop’ is particularly comfortable on calcareous and heavy soils. Too many nutrients only damage the yield, so soil that is only moderately nutrient-rich is recommended.
Which location suits the Boskoop apple tree?
- Sunny to partially shaded
- Humidity
- Sheltered from the wind in cool locations
- Moist, well drained soil
- Calcareous and heavy
- Moderately nutritious
Like you one Plant the apple tree correctly, we have summarized for you in our special article.
The ‘Boskoop’ is extremely sensitive to drought. Therefore, you should pay attention to regular watering, especially on hot and dry summer days. A layer of mulch around the tree grate can help so that moisture is retained in the soil longer. In order to keep the soil sufficiently alkaline, it is necessary to add lime once a year in autumn. The ‘Boskoop’ does not like too much fertilizer - it should therefore only be fertilized moderately. No fertilization is necessary in the first year after planting. In the following years you can fertilize once in spring with compost or a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect. Mineral fertilizers are not recommended, however, as they can easily lead to over-fertilization. So better take ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer with organic long-term effect that gently and sustainably supplies the tree with all the important nutrients.
As with all apple trees, annual pruning is also recommended for the ‘Boskoop’. In addition, the apple tree needs pollinators in its vicinity in order to be able to produce fruit. That should be apple trees that bloom at the same time, such as ‘Cox orange' or 'James Grieve‘.
What are the special features of caring for the Boskoop apple tree?
- Sensitive to drought
- Liming once a year
- Fertilize moderately
- Regular pruning
- Pollinators are needed nearby, blooming at the same time
More tips and tricks for Care of apple trees You will find here.
When are Boskoop apples harvest time?
Boskoop apples are harvested from mid-October through November. It is important not to pick the apples too early, as this significantly reduces the shelf life.
This is how you can recognize ripe Boskoop apples:
- Discoloration of the skin
- Easy to pick
- Handle loosens easily when turning
- The apple pits are brown
Use and storage
Those who particularly like sour apples can enjoy the ‘Boskoops’ apples right after the harvest. As a typical winter apple, the ‘Boskoop’ must first be stored for some time before it unfolds its full taste. Post-ripening lasts from December to April. It is best to store the apples in single layers in boxes in a dark place at 3 to 4 ° C and high humidity. So the apples can be stored until April. Due to their high acid content, the ‘Boskoop’ apples are ideal for baking and preserving. Even more tips for the right one Harvesting and storage of apples You will find here.
A good addition to the ‘Boskoop’ is the apple variety ‘Beautiful from Wiltshire‘. This is also robust and undemanding, but has a sweeter taste and is therefore ideal for direct consumption.
