Apple variety Askold, also known as Prelude, is a winter variety developed by the Ukrainian Institute of Fruit Growing. This variety was obtained by crossing hybrid form 25/2-D (Aport Alexander x Jonathan) with the New Zealand variety Kidds Orange Red. The tree grows rapidly and forms a medium-sized, compact, and somewhat open pyramid-shaped crown that requires professional shaping to maintain its inverted pyramid form. The apple tree blooms intensively and for a prolonged period during mid-late season, with the best pollinators being varieties Aidared, Ekaterina, Liberty, and Rubinovoe Duki.
Fruit production begins as early as the 3rd-4th year after planting, and on medium-height rootstocks, 8-year-old trees yield 20-30 kg, while 10-12-year-old trees produce about 60 kg. The fruits are large, weighing 170-210 grams, with a flat-round shape, ribbed surface, greenish-yellow color with a dense pinkish-red blush covering almost the entire surface. The flesh is creamy, firm, fine-grained, juicy, and aromatic, with an excellent sweet-tart flavor. Harvesting occurs at the end of September to early October, and consumer ripeness lasts from November to December. Apples store well in refrigerators for 6-7 months, and under proper conditions, may remain fresh until late spring.
The variety is distinguished by high winter hardiness and resistance to scab, making it reliable for cultivation across various climatic zones in Ukraine. However, the variety is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially during active growth stages, requiring timely preventive measures. To prevent fruit overloading, it is recommended to remove excess fruits during their formation. Apples of the Askold variety are versatile: they are excellent for fresh consumption and widely used in juice production due to their rich flavor and good transportability.
