Apple Tree Gloster - Malus domestica

Malus domestica 'Gloster' is a very hardy variety with late flowering. It forms a vigorous tree with an upright habit, high productivity, and quick fruiting. The large, conical apples develop smooth, thick, and shiny skin that is greenish-yellow, turning dark red over almost the entire surface when ripe. Its creamy-white flesh is moderately firm, juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic. From mid-October, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting and can be stored for 6 months in a cool place. It has a high sugar content, making it a very pleasant apple to eat. Excellent for pies, compotes, or pan-frying, 'Gloster' is also perfect in savoury recipes. It is a partially self-fertile variety that pollinates fairly well, but the presence of other apple varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production. It is an excellent pollinator for other apple trees.

Malus domestica, scientifically also known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the common or domestic apple tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times, and is native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. Malus domestica 'Gloster', also known as 'Gloster 69', was obtained in 1951 in Hamburg, Germany. It was the result of crossbreeding 'Weisser Winterglockenapfel' (Bell Apple) and 'Richared Delicious'. It was marketed in 1967.

'Gloster' is a well-branched tree with a semi-erect habit, becoming trailing under the weight of the fruits as it ages. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espalier forms. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -30°C (-22°F). Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. The leaves have deeply toothed edges. The late flowering usually occurs in May, which protects it from frost (but the flowers will be destroyed by temperatures of -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F)). It is therefore suitable for cultivation in all regions. It is a partially self-fertile variety. Varieties such as 'Akane', 'Cox's Orange', 'Elstar', 'Golden Delicious', and 'Granny Smith', as well as 'Idared', 'Jonathan', 'King of the Pippins', 'Winter Banana', or any other late-flowering variety, are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as 'Perpetu Evereste' and 'John Downie' flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

'Gloster' is a vigorous variety with quick fruiting, which begins in early to mid-October. The apples can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with pork, or in salads. They are rich in carbohydrates and fructose, and are invigorating and rehydrating. They boast a high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until March. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

'Gloster' is resistant to powdery mildew, but it is susceptible to scab and codling moth, and susceptible to fire blight and canker.

Apple trees are some of the most popular fruit trees for our gardens. There is such a wide range of apple trees that it is easy to find the right one for you.