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Apples
Apple trees are well known by many people around the country and particularly those in the northeast. There are hundreds of different cultivars that come in all different sizes. Dwarf, semi dwarf, mini dwarf and full size are available for many types. Compared to other fruit trees it is hard to get high quality fruit from apple trees. With careful management or chemical spraying high quality fruit can be obtained. Pruning may be necessary to produce a more productive structure in larger cultivars where less pruning is required on smaller cultivars. Apples are very attractive when blooming. Apples may pose some problems. Yellow jackets, deer and other woodland animals are attracted to the apples that fall on the ground. Also the fruit litter may pose inconvenience to people when around the tree. Apples may be kept with out preservation for many months as long as they are kept cool and dry.
Environmental Characteristics:
Full sun, well drained slightly
acidic soil.Hardiness zone- 4-9
Life Expectancy: 60+ years
depending on cultivar
Size: Varies greatly with
cultivar
First Fruit in 2-3 years
Yields
Mini Dwarf- 10-20 Lbs. Full Size- Up
to 100+ Lbs
Most apples raised in Virginia are raised in the western mountain region where night time temperatures are between 40 and 60 degrees. Virginia ranks 6th in the nation in apple production.
Apple flowers usually will not set fruit when pollinated with pollen of the same variety. At least two apple varieties growing in fairly close proximity (no further than 100 feet apart) will ensure good fruit set.
The following varieties are grown commercially in Virginia, mostly in the western mountains:
| Variety | Variety |
| Lodi | Earlycrisp |
| Ginger Gold | Redfree |
| Gala | JonaGold |
| Red Delicious | Gold Delicious |
| Empire | Rhome |
| Winesap | York |
| Fuji | Arkansas Black |
Reference(s):