Apple enthusiasts experiment with cultivation in Inari and Akujärvi, Finland

Inari resident Irma Turunen wanted to experiment with growing an apple tree in the northern climate, so she planted a sapling in her backyard this summer. Turunen is not worried if the tree does not survive the winter. “If it doesn’t work out, that’s fine. It only cost about sixty euros,” she stated. Her garden is filled with various plants and flowering shrubs, although she has not grown many edible plants. The idea for the apple tree came from a friend whose tree has not yet produced fruit. “Seeing my friend’s apple tree inspired me; I thought I’d like to try one too and see what happens.”

In neighboring Akujärvi, Jarmo Ruuskane has been successfully growing apples for about ten years. He has experimented with several varieties, noting that “rescue” and “dolgo” have thrived in North Lapland’s harsh conditions. He attributes their success to their heritage from the crabapple tree, enabling them to endure the cold winters and short summers. Besides choosing the right variety, Ruuskane emphasizes that the trees’ location—a gentle southern slope basking in sunlight—also plays a vital role. He advises protecting young trees from voles and hares, especially in their first years.

The annual apple yield can vary; while last year’s harvest was good, this year’s looks smaller. Ruuskane encourages other northern residents to try growing anything in their gardens. “When I first got apple trees, I thought if I could just get one apple, I’d be happy,” he laughs.

Reino Iisakki Saijets planted Siberian apple trees as ornamental varieties in Angeli 14 years ago. These trees have flourished, blooming white flowers every four years, and their small, sour apples are popular with local wildlife. According to Yle Saamen, the northernmost apple tree in Finland is believed to be located in Inari.