Bonza was discovered as a chance seedling growing near Batlow, in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. Unusually for an Australian apple, Bonza is a high-chill variety - perhaps reflecting its place of origin.
It is now grown on a small scale in the Batlow area. This area receives high rainfall (50" a year) which makes scab a problem but Bonza has natural resistance.
It is a good pollinator for Delicious and Red Delicious.
USDA identification images for Bonza
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 21 Feb 2024Hi, can I get Bonza Apples in Sydney?
- 28 Apr 2022Nice accurate write up of Bonza. Also a reliable bearing variety, not an overly vigorous grower. My grandfather discovered Bonza in Batlow. I grow apples chemical free in Batlow and sell my apples at Canberra Region Farmers Markets at Mitchell. My business is called Bonza Apple Shop
Tree register
Australia
- Hayden in Winslow, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
- Merla in Orange, NSW
- Phil Crooker in Bridgewater, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Spring blossom records for this variety
2017 season
- April 2017 - tree owned by Merla in Orange, Australia
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Unknown - chance seedling
- Originates from: Batlow, New South Wales, Australia
- Introduced: 1950s
- Developed by: Ben Atkinson
Identification
- Country of origin: Australia
- Fruit colour: Red / Green
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-2 months
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Cooking result: Keeps shape
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
Growing
- Flowering group: 3
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Fruit bearing: Tip-bearer
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Warm climates
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Bonza:
Australia
Victoria
- Heritage Fruits Society, Fairfield
- Petty's Orchard, Templestowe