The Evelina apple variety, known for its juicy taste and attractive color, is increasingly gaining popularity among producers in Alpine regions. Its resistance and long shelf life make it desirable for cultivation in mountain conditions, but the specificities of this area require an adapted approach.
According to agronomists from Tyrol, success in production depends on the proper selection of location and the application of modern agronomic practices. “Evelina is a very rewarding variety, but it is important to plant it on gentle south-facing slopes where it gets enough sunlight. In the Alps, this means avoiding valleys with long shadows and the risk of spring frosts,” says Steiner.
The climatic conditions in the Alps require special attention during the growing season. Cold nights help intensify the color of the fruit, but they can cause damage in the early stages of development. Therefore, producers often use anti-frost systems to protect crops during critical periods. “Sprinkler systems that create a protective ice layer on flowers have proven to be an excellent solution in our region,” emphasizes Steiner.
The terrain in this area is often steep and requires good drainage. The soil is generally poor in organic matter, so regular addition of manure or compost is necessary to improve fertility. “Soil acidity must be controlled because Evelina thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. If the pH value is too low, we add lime,” explains Steiner.
Another challenge in the Alpine region is protection against diseases, especially apple scab. In humid conditions, regular use of biological and chemical treatments helps maintain the health of the crops. In addition, wild animals, such as deer, can damage young trees, making the installation of fences often necessary.
The harvest of Evelina in these conditions usually takes place later than in the plains, which allows the fruits to reach their full flavor potential. The natural cold of the region makes storage easier, but it is important to maintain optimal humidity to prevent fruit from drying out.
“Evelina brings freshness to traditional apple production in the Alps. With the application of modern techniques and knowledge of local conditions, this apple has the potential to become one of the symbols of our region,” concludes Dr. Steiner.
Although relatively new to the market, the Evelina apple variety has already gained significant popularity across Europe. Developed as a mutation of the Pinova variety, Evelina stands out for its high qualities, both in terms of appearance and taste. The fruits of this variety are medium-sized, elongated, and conical, with smooth skin covered in a red-orange hue. The flesh of the apples is firm, juicy, and crisp, with a pleasant sweet-tart flavor.
Experts in fruit growing, such as Dr. Andreas Hiltner, a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Graz, recommend this variety as excellent for cultivation in mountainous areas like the Alps, due to its resistance to diseases and climatic challenges. Dr. Hiltner emphasizes that Evelina has a high potential for adaptation to the specific conditions of high-altitude production, where it is important to use hail protection techniques and adjust the pollination system, as it thrives best in the presence of pollinators like Elstar and Pilot.
Evelina is recognized for its high productivity and resistance to mildew, and it is also a variety that stores well, making it suitable for long-term commercial production. When cultivating this variety in the Alps, experts recommend choosing plots protected from strong winds, as well as using nets for hail protection. In terms of sustainable cultivation, Evelina can be successfully grown in accordance with ecological standards, which further contributes to its growing popularity among producers seeking environmentally friendly production methods.
In addition to the technical aspects of cultivation, Evelina is also commercially very successful. The expansion of plantings and the growth of production have led to this variety being increasingly grown in regions such as Gelderland, Utrecht, and Limburg, and it is estimated that production will continue to grow in the coming years. In the future, Evelina could become a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves across Europe, thanks to its long-term availability and the quality that does not decrease during storage.