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Trajan
type: Dessert
synonyms: Marketed as Polka, Ballerina Polka, Scarlet Spire, Scarletspire
summary: An excellent fresh eating apple and its columnar growth habit make it a perfect tree for limited space. One of six columnar cultivars developed at the East Malling Research Station in Kent (U.K.). These include Maypole, Telamon, Tuscan, Trajan, Charlotte and Obelisk.
identification: The fruit is medium in size, round and conic in shape, sometimes asymmetric. There may be some faint ribbing at the basin. The skin is smooth and not greasy. The base colour is greenish-yellow which is blushed red on the sun exposed surface and marked with abundant, prominent tan lenticels. A large patch of russet is usually present at the stem cavity. The calyx is small and partly open, set in a shallow, narrow basin. The stem is short, moderately stout and set in a deep and narrow cavity.
characteristics: The flesh is white. Firm and crisp. Juicy, sweet with good sweet-tart balance.
origins: This is another of the Ballerina/Colonnade series of columnar apple trees developed under the direction of Ken Tobutt at The Kent Incorporated Society for Promoting Experiments in Horticulture's East Malling Research Station in Maidstone, Kent (U.K.). It was created in 1976 by pollinating blossoms of Golden Delicious with pollen from Wijcik Spur McIntosh . Introduced at the 1984 National Fruit Trials, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, Kent. Initially designated SA 252-107, it was renamed Trajan in 1989 and offered on the market under the names Polka and Scarlet Spire.
cultivation: Moderately vigorous tree with an upright, columnar growth habit. Bearing true to its Wijcik McIntosh genetics, the tree develops spurs along its main trunk, producing a columnar bearing growth. Typical of columnar trees, the fruit naturally develops on spurs close to the main stem making it ideal for small gardens and even patio pots, but has a relatively short lifespan of a little more than 12 years. Some side branching off the main stem can occur, but it is generally caused as a result of damage to a fruiting spur and can be trimmed away. Foliage grows dense along the pole of the tree. Shelter is essential in windy locations since high wind can damage the terminal buds, causing secondary branching. Trees can be planted about one metre apart. Does well on MM106 rootstock.
cold storage: Keeps up to two months.
vulnerabilities: Slightly susceptible to scab, fire blight, powdery mildew and cedar apple rust.
harvest: Ready for harvest late in the fourth period.
pollination group: B
pollination peak: 5
ploidism: Diploid. Self sterile.
cold storage weeks: 8
harvest period: 4
hardiness: 4
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