Assortment
Collina
Parentage
Priscilla x Elstar.
Breeder
M. Vandewall, Dorpsstraat 140, 6251 ND Eckelrade, Nederland, 043-4081841, email: M.vandewall@planet.nl.
Growth
between moderate and strong; implant of branches is quite sharp; well feathered in the nursery; very suitable for high density plantings.
Blossom
end of April - early May; large flowers; little susceptible to spring frosts; all the usual ornamental Malus varieties like Golden Hornet, Golden Gem and Professor Sprenger are good pollinators.
Productivity
average, in early years slightly irregular; first 3 years an average production of 6 kg / tree.
Picking season
end July - early August; precursors should be picked some days earlier.
Shape
medium large fruit, shape of apples is slightly heterogeneous; yellow-green background with an orange-red striped blush (40 - 60%).
Quality
crispy and juicy taste, very recognizable flavor which becomes stronger as fruit ripens; the flesh colors brown quickly; fruit doesn't brouze easily; average weight of apples is about 140 grams (7 apples / kilo).
Preservation
the shelf life is about a week and if picked at the exact harvesting time probably longer; storage in an ordinary cold store for 4 - 6 weeks doesn't give any problems at all.
Comments
Collina is an extremely early summer apple, high scab tolerant (Vf) and little susceptable to mildew and cancer.