Novajo Apple

A premium Jonagold mutation discovered in Belgium

Origin & discovery

Novajo was discovered as a natural “bud sport” mutation on a Jonagold tree and then propagated by grafting.

The Belgian story

Novajo was discovered by H. Veulemans in Glabbeek, Belgium in 1985. The selection was made because the mutated branch produced apples with a stronger, earlier and more attractive red coloration than standard Jonagold.

What is a bud sport?
A spontaneous genetic change affecting one branch. Growers keep it by grafting that branch.
Landscape or orchard in Flemish Brabant (Glabbeek region)
Optional: add a regional photo (Glabbeek / Flemish Brabant / Haspengouw fruit region).
1943
Jonagold is introduced (Golden Delicious × Jonathan).
1985
Novajo discovered as a Jonagold colour mutant in Glabbeek (BE) by H. Veulemans.
Today
Selected for high colour, market appeal and storage under modern techniques.

Fruit profile

Large fruit, firm flesh, classic Jonagold sweetness with balanced acidity.

Close-up of Novajo apple showing dark red blush
Optional: fruit close-up (colour and lenticels visible).
SizeLarge to very large
SkinDark red blush on a green/yellow background
FleshCreamy white to yellow-white, firm and juicy
FlavourSweet with balanced acidity (classic Jonagold style)
ColouringHigh colour; often colours earlier than standard Jonagold

Note: the exact colour intensity can depend on orchard site, pruning, crop load, and temperature differences.

Tree & cultivation

Vigour changes over time; mid-season bloom; requires pollinators.

Growth & productivity

  • Vigour: strong in early years, then more moderate with a spreading habit.
  • Productivity: early and regular with good yields.
  • Bloom: mid-season.
Pollination note
Novajo (like Jonagold) is triploid and has low-quality pollen, so orchard designs usually require compatible pollinator trees.
Novajo apple tree structure in an orchard row
Optional: show tree form, branch angles, orchard system (spindle / tall spindle / etc.).

Harvest & storage

Late September to late October harvest window; storage depends on technique.

Picking periodEnd of September → end of October (site dependent)
Storage (typical trade claim)Often marketed as keeping to June
Storage (CA / modern storage)Can be available up to end of July in some supply chains

Storage outcomes depend on maturity at harvest, cooling speed, CA settings, and supply chain handling.

Orchard in late season (harvest time) with apple bins
Optional: harvest photo (bins, picking, orchard rows).

Novajo vs standard Jonagold

The main differentiator is colour intensity and market appearance.

Side-by-side comparison of Jonagold and Novajo apples
Optional: comparison photo (Jonagold vs Novajo).
  • More intense red blush and often earlier colouring
  • Stronger shelf appeal in modern fruit retail
  • Classic Jonagold eating quality: sweet, aromatic, balanced acidity
  • Good long storage potential (depending on technique)

Photo gallery

Publicly available photos of Novajo, shown with credits to the original sources.

Novajo apples on the tree (Carolus Trees)
Photo: Carolus Trees (Novajo). Source page link.
Novajo apples on branch (Szkolki / Jankowski&Syn)
Photo: Szkolki (Jankowski&Syn) — Novajo®. Source page link.
Novajo close-up (Szkolki / Jankowski&Syn)
Photo: Szkolki (Jankowski&Syn) — Novajo®. Source page link.
Jonagold-Novajo (Willy De Nolf plantguide)
Photo: Willy De Nolf — Plantguide entry. Source page link.
Novajo apples cluster (Szkolki / Jankowski&Syn)
Photo: Szkolki (Jankowski&Syn) — Novajo®. Source page link.

Licensing note: these images remain copyrighted by their owners. If you plan commercial re-use, request permission or replace them with your own photos.

Sources

Publicly available reference pages used for the facts above.

Note: horticultural details (e.g., storage to June/July) vary by storage method (regular cold vs CA) and region.