ATTN: Native Hunter

[1100LT20]

I’m located in zone 9, New Roads, LA to be exact. I want to plant 3 apple trees, what would you recommend and where to order from. Thanks.

 

[Native Hunter]

I’m located in zone 9, New Roads, LA to be exact. I want to plant 3 apple trees, what would you recommend and where to order from. Thanks.

You are much further South than I am. and my experience is growing in what used to be Zone 6B and is now 7A. I know what works well here, and I have a lot of feedback from some folks in the North on what works well there, but I have little experience in apples as far South as you are.

My first thought is that you should call David at Century Farm Orchards in Virginia. You can find him on the Internet. He has been in business for many years, and I expect that he has a vast amount of feedback on apple varieties in your Zone. He also sells trees on the MM111 rootstock, which I highly recommend. That rootstock anchors like concrete and gives a tree which is approaching full sized. Some other rootstocks don't anchor well, and you can end up with leaning or even downed trees.

You might also talk with Ryan at Blue Hill. Most of his experience is in the North, but he likely has some feedback from people he has sold to in your Zone. He uses Dolgo rootstock which is also a good one. I have a lot of his young trees planted here, and I am starting to see good results.

When you talk to these people tell them what you want in an apple - drop time, disease resistance, cooking, fresh eating, tartness, sweetness, wildlife value, etc, are some of the things you should discuss. One of the most important things is discussing whether or not you plan on spraying. I only go with highly disease resistant varieties that don't need spraying, but you could be different.

Good luck

 

[1100LT20]

Thanks again. I’ll contact them.