Apple Giant Antonovka
Notify MeMalus domestica Giant Antonovka is a robust, heritage apple variety valued for its large, pale yellow fruit and strong, tangy flavour. Known for its excellent cooking qualities, this cultivar holds its shape well when baked and makes beautifully flavoured sauces and preserves. The crisp, juicy flesh is also pleasant for fresh eating once fully ripe. Harvested in early to mid-Autumn, it stores well and improves in flavour over time.
Ideal for traditional, orchard-style, or self-sufficient gardens, especially in cooler regions thanks to its cold hardiness and vigorous growth.
Thrives in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture. Plant near a compatible mid- to late-season pollinator for optimal fruiting.
Mature size: A strong grower, reaching 4–5 metres high and wide as a standard tree, or smaller when grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstock.
Trimming: Prune in late winter while dormant to maintain a strong, open structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Open up the canopy to improve light penetration and air circulation, which enhances fruit quality and reduces disease risk.
Deadheading: Not applicable for apple trees.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and retain moisture, keeping the mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
Watering: Water deeply during dry periods, particularly in summer and while the tree is establishing. Consistent moisture is important during flowering and fruit development, but avoid waterlogging.
Pest Control: Watch for codling moth, aphids, and apple sawfly. Use pheromone traps to monitor moth activity and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests appear. Encourage beneficial insects and maintain good garden hygiene.
Disease Management: 'Giant Antonovka' is generally hardy and disease-resistant, but still monitor for apple scab and powdery mildew. Signs include leaf spots, fruit blemishes, or powdery growth on new shoots. Prune to improve airflow, remove fallen debris, and apply fungicide if necessary.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
