Q. I am new to this
climate and want to plant two apple trees in my yard; one for eating and one for
cider. Do you have any experience growing Dabinett apple trees or other apples
indicated for USDA zones 4 – 6 in this climate?
I ask because I want apples that produce the right kind of fruit.
climate and want to plant two apple trees in my yard; one for eating and one for
cider. Do you have any experience growing Dabinett apple trees or other apples
indicated for USDA zones 4 – 6 in this climate?
I ask because I want apples that produce the right kind of fruit.
A. All apple tree varieties
will grow here. Many will even produce fruit here. But there are only a few that
will produce high quality fruit here. There is a concept in wine production
called “terrior”.
will grow here. Many will even produce fruit here. But there are only a few that
will produce high quality fruit here. There is a concept in wine production
called “terrior”.
Picking the right terrior
is the reason why some wine grapes are better suited to specific agroclimatic
regions than others. For instance, in Las Vegas we focus on the “warm climate
reds” and a few warm whites, with cool season wine grapes not producing the
right balance of acids and sugars. Of these “warm climate reds”, it is still
too hot for the best quality.
is the reason why some wine grapes are better suited to specific agroclimatic
regions than others. For instance, in Las Vegas we focus on the “warm climate
reds” and a few warm whites, with cool season wine grapes not producing the
right balance of acids and sugars. Of these “warm climate reds”, it is still
too hot for the best quality.
The same concept, terrior, applies to fruit quality and
apples. First off, our hot desert location is not the best for apples to begin
with. It is better suited to apricots, peaches, plums and their relatives.
However, it is BEST suited to pomegranates, figs and dates.
apples. First off, our hot desert location is not the best for apples to begin
with. It is better suited to apricots, peaches, plums and their relatives.
However, it is BEST suited to pomegranates, figs and dates.
There are only a handful of apples I would recommend for
this climate regarding flavor. Some produce here better than others and still
others produce better fruit than most. I would recommend finding an apple that
grows well here AND produces quality fruit that you like.
this climate regarding flavor. Some produce here better than others and still
others produce better fruit than most. I would recommend finding an apple that
grows well here AND produces quality fruit that you like.
Otherwise, what you are doing is experimental and chances
are most will not produce the fruit quality you would like. There is a
possibility some might but chances might be slim.
are most will not produce the fruit quality you would like. There is a
possibility some might but chances might be slim.
Regarding Dabinett, an English variety, you are taking a
risk. Don’t get me wrong. I love this kind of risk but be aware of the downside
in trying. Be aware of, particularly with apples, it may take 3 to 4 years
before you get decent fruit.
risk. Don’t get me wrong. I love this kind of risk but be aware of the downside
in trying. Be aware of, particularly with apples, it may take 3 to 4 years
before you get decent fruit.