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') is actually called 'Schöner aus Boskoop' and is a classic winter apple. Here in Germany, the apple is often also found under the name 'Boskop', with just one "o". It belongs to the reindeer group and has long been a classic variety among the old cultivated apples (Malus domestica). No wonder, because cultivation is easy and 'Boskoop' is a treat for fans of sour apples in particular. In this article you will find out what special features you should consider when growing Boskoop apple trees.
Apple variety 'Boskoop': profile
| Synonyms | 'Schöner aus Boskoop', 'Boskop', 'Reinette Monstruese', 'Reinette Belle de Boskoop' |
| Fruit | large; yellow ground colour, reddish on the sunny side |
| Flavour | juicy, intense, sour |
| Yield | medium high and swaying; late onset |
| Harvest time | Mid October to November |
| Maturity for pleasure | December to April |
| Shelf Life | very good; Can be stored until April |
| Growth | very strong |
| Climate | low claim; also thrives in cold and foggy climates and at high altitudes; not sure hardy |
| Diseases and Pests | less susceptible: canker, apple scab, tanning; Susceptible: Copper Spray, Core Rot, Fire Blight |
Where does the Boskoop apple tree come from?
'Boskoop' was created as a chance seedling in 1856 in the Netherlands, in Boskoop to be precise. 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 'Red Boskoop'. ThisSame as the 'Beauty from Boskoop' in all characteristics, only the shell is colored differently than the original form.
What is the taste of Boskoop apples?
What is impressive about the 'Boskoops' apples is their sheer size: they can weigh up to 200 grams. They are rounded in shape, but can sometimes be irregularly edged. The basic color of the apples is yellow, only the sunlit side turns reddish. Therefore they are sometimes also called 'Green Boskoop'. The skin of the fruit is usually covered with a scaly web, which makes it rough and dull, but does not detract from the good taste of the apples. The flesh is initially firm and juicy, later becoming tender. The apples have a typically sour taste and an intense aroma.
Planting and caring for a Boskoop apple tree: What do you have to consider?
The Boskoop apple tree differs from other apple varieties in a number of ways. The following section explains what is important when choosing a location and what is important when it comes to maintenance.
The 'Boskoop' likes to be planted in a light spot. If it is too shady for him, this affects the yield. A humid location is ideal, for example near a body of water. The Boskoop apple tree feels most at home in warm, favorable locations. It can also be grown in cooler areas, but there it needs a location that is as sheltered as possible from the wind. This apple variety also places special demands on the soil. This should be permeable and moist. The 'Boskoop' feels particularly comfortable on calcareous and heavy soil. Too many nutrients will only damage yields, so moderately nutrient-rich soil is recommended.
Which location suits the Boskoop apple tree?
- Sunny to semi-shady
- Humidity
- Sheltered from the wind in cool locations
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Calcy and Heavy
- Moderately nutritious
We have summarized how to properly plant an apple tree in our special article.
The 'Boskoop' is extremely sensitive to drought. You should therefore ensure that you water your plants regularly, especially on hot and dry summer days. A layer of mulch around the tree pit can help retain moisture in the soil for longer. In order to keep the soil sufficiently basic, a lime application in autumn is necessary once a year. Likes too much fertilizerthe 'Boskoop' does not - it should therefore only be fertilized moderately. Fertilization is no longer necessary in the first year after planting. In the following years you can fertilize once in the spring with compost or a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect. However, mineral fertilizers are not recommended, as they can easily lead to over-fertilization. It is therefore better to use our Plantura organic universal fertilizer with organic long-term effect, which gently and sustainably supplies the tree with all the important nutrients.
As with all apple trees, an annual pruning is also recommended for the 'Boskoop'. In addition, the apple tree needs pollinators in its vicinity in order to bear fruit. These should be apple trees that flower 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
- Lime once a year
- Fertilize moderately
- Regular pruning
- Pollinators are needed nearby that flower at the same time
Click here for more apple tree care tips and tricks.
When are Boskoop apples harvest time?
Boskoop apples are harvested from mid-October to November. It is important not to pick the apples too early, as this will significantly reduce their shelf life.
You can tell ripe Boskoop apples by this:
- Discoloration of the skin
- Easy pickability
- Handle comes off easily when twisted
- The apple seeds are brown
Use and Storage
Anyone who likes particularly sour apples can enjoy the 'Boskoop' apples immediately after the harvest. As a typical winter apple, the 'Boskoop' must first be stored for some time before it develops its full flavor. The after-ripening lasts from December to April. It is best to store the apples in a single layer in boxes in a dark place at 3 to 4 °C and high humidity. This means that the apples can be stored until April. Due to their high acidity, the 'Boskoop' apples are ideal for baking and preserving. You can find even more tips for the correct harvest and storage of apples here.
A good addition to the 'Boskoop' is the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' apple variety. This is also robust and undemanding, but has a sweeter taste and is therefore ideal for direct consumption.