I have exactly one Reinette Simirenko fruit, and it is my first time growing this apple and my first time growing a green apple. Every day I admire it, wondering when it will be ready to pick.
From Pomiferous: “Predominantly green, sometimes with faint, pale green streaks, infrequently blush pale pink on the sun exposed face.”
The harvest period calculator on Pomiferous suggests that I should’ve picked it in July or August depending on the reference variety I plug in. Is Reinette Simirenko a summer apple? In my notes I wrote that it was a late season apple, but perhaps I got something mixed up.
In Ukraine, where the Reinette Simirenko presumably originated, it is considered a winter apple. It is typically picked by late October to early November in regions with a climate similar to the Northeastern US.
The variety stores well and improves significantly during storage. It’s usually consumed after 2–3 months of storage, as it can be quite dense and tart when eaten fresh from the tree.
Please keep an eye on your Reinette Simirenko apple and report back!
I have a Reinette Simirenko tree myself — grafted it last spring (2024) onto G.890 using scion wood from a GF member. The tree is growing well, and I’m hoping it will set an apple or two next year.
Sources from Ukraine report that Reinette Simirenko is highly susceptible to apple scab, so that’s something to keep in mind when growing this variety.
Sad to report that I accidentally twisted the apple off the stem in an attempt to examine it. Looks like something took a bite and decided it wasn’t tasty enough to keep going? It’s in the fridge now but I’m not sure it will last 2-3 months. I might have to sample it “green”. Fingers crossed I’ll have more to taste next year.
Update: We tasted Reinette Simirenko yesterday. Didn’t think to take any pics, but I checked the seeds and they were brown which leads me to assume the apple was sufficiently ripe for picking.
Impression: Tart, but not overpoweringly so, and limey. We’re very pleased with this apple and fingers crossed will have more to enjoy next year.
Btw, here is the response I got from Fedco when I contacted them directly:
Thank you for reaching out. These apples can be ready as early as mid October. I have included and article here for more information on how to tell if your apples are ready to harvest. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
