Apple tree (Malus domestica) GIGANT

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Gigant'

Romanian variety with extremely large fruits and unique self-thinning capability.

'Gigant' is an exceptional Romanian variety that truly lives up to its name. It produces huge fruits, commonly reaching 500 – 600 g, and in ideal conditions up to 900 g. Besides its impressive size, this variety is prized for a rare cultivation trait – the tree naturally regulates its fruit load (self-thinning), ensuring high quality without the need for manual intervention.

Key Highlights:

• Extreme fruit size: Weight up to 900 g.
• Self-thinning: The tree regulates fruit quantity itself, saving labor.
• Excellent taste: Firm, juicy, and aromatic flesh.
• Attractive appearance with a prominent red blush.
• Universal use (fresh consumption and processing).

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Romania.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium vigor.
• Yield regulation: A unique feature is that the tree naturally sheds excess fruit, so manual thinning is not required.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Extremely large, typically 500 – 600 g, occasionally up to 800 – 900 g.
• Shape and Color: Spherical-flattened to truncated conical. The yellow base color is covered on 90% of the surface by an attractive red color with whitish lenticels.
• Flesh: Creamy, firm, of very high texture quality.
• Taste: Excellent, moderately sweet, slightly acidic, and pleasantly aromatic.
• Usage: Versatile – due to size and taste, perfect for fresh eating as well as processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Cultivation: Due to the self-thinning capability, the variety requires less manual labor during the growing season.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: It is self-sterile. Suitable pollinators include 'Jonathan', 'Pionier', and 'Prima'.

Harvest and Storage

• Storage: Shorter, approximately 30 days after harvest. The variety is intended for quicker consumption.