Apple trees are a gorgeous ornamental tree for any yard. In the Springtime, these trees bloom with brilliant white flowers extending from their branches. Depending on the variety, they are ready to be harvested in Summer or Fall. In Winter, deciduous trees lose their leaves and go dormant, meaning they do not need additional water during that time. Because apple trees are not bothered by many pests, you can grow them organically with ease and without chemical pesticides.
Not all apples are created equal, and some are better than others when it comes to different needs. Learn about the apples that we grow here at Paradise Nursery and how you can incorporate them into your yard and household.
Fuji
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Flavor: Sweet
Harvest Time: Summer-Fall
Fujis are the most popular eating apples in America and an excellent choice for a backyard apple tree! These easy to grow trees produce sizeable fruit and are sweet and juicy with a crisp bite. Although Fuji apples brown easily, they have a long shelf life compared to other varieties.
Uses: Eat fresh, dried, and use to cook and bake. Excellent for apple sauce or to add to salads or slaws. Great for juicing.
⇥ Check out our Apple Slaw recipe.
Gala
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Flavor: Sweet
Harvest Time: Summer
The Gala Apple tree is beautiful and very popular for its snack-size fruits with a crisp texture and a sweet, juicy, and delicious flavor. The skin is a lighter-hued red with yellow undertones. The Gala Apple is a great early season variety that stores much better than other varieties.
Uses: Like the Fuji apple, Gala’s are ideal for eating right from the tree. Gala Apples are eaten fresh, dried, and baked.
Pink Lady
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Flavor: Sweet-Tart
Harvest Time: Fall
The Pink Lady is a delicious apple tree from West Australia that does well in hot summer climates. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor and is crisp when ripe. Its flesh does not brown quickly like in other varieties. Pink Lady’s are the leading heart-health apple as they are rich in flavonoids, which regulates blood pressure and protects against heart disease.
Uses: A go-to baking apple and are great for snacking, salads, and sauces.
Granny Smith
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Flavor: Very Tart
Harvest Time: Fall
The Granny Smith is the number one go-to baking apple. It produces the famous tart green fruits used in apple pies, apple sauce, and of course, caramel apples. Granny Smith Apple trees thrive in hot climates and require long Summers. With a longer bloom period, not only will you be able to enjoy the impressive blossoms for longer but the fruit will last nearly six months on the tree.
Uses: Eat fresh, dried, and use to cook and bake. The Granny Smith is an excellent addition to a cheeseboard or in savory dishes. The bright green skin provides an ornamental look to any dish. It is also ideal for pies, jams, and ciders.
Low-Chill Varieties
Two unique apple varieties that grow well in a low-chill, warm climate areas such as Southern California and even Florida include the Beverly Hills Apple and the Anna Apple. If you live somewhere you think Apples don’t typically grow; then these two varieties could be a perfect option for your home garden.
Beverly Hills
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
Flavor: Slightly Tart
Harvest Time: Summer-Fall
The Beverly Hills Apple is a favorite Summer apple in Southern California. This apple tree is a fast grower and begins producing fruit at a young age. With a similar look and taste to the McIntosh, this apple is great for eating fresh, baking, or in sauces.
Anna
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
Flavor: Sweet
Harvest Time: Summer
The Anna Apple tree is a prolific producer in mild Winter climates and grows large fruit with a crisp, juicy, and an exceptionally sweet taste. Anna Apples can be eaten fresh, dried, or used for cooking and baking.
Read more
Learn about the best Orange Trees to grow in California and Their Differences.
Learn more about the best Fruit Trees for Southern California.
