28 Apple Tree Varieties to Grow This Season

Apple trees are fantastic to grow at home. Even if you have a small space, you can find plenty of different options. Apple trees are fast-growing, they bear fruit in a couple of years, and can grow easily throughout most of the United States. Then there’s the fruit…

Apple flavors range from sweet to tart and can be prepared in so many creative ways. Pies are just the beginning. Apples are great eaten raw, baked, churned into apple butter, or dried for snacks. You can use them to make apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and, if you’re really adventurous, hard apple cider. The sky is the limit!

Big and small, we’ll take a look at some of the most delicious apple tree varieties you can plant in your yard this season. Depending on the hardiness zone you are growing in, there’s an apple variety that will fit perfectly into your plans. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!

Chill Hours

Chill hours tell you how long a tree needs to be in cold temperatures. If a tree doesn’t experience enough chill hours during the winter, flower buds may be delayed or not open at all. Leaf production can also be delayed, causing growth issues.

Chill hours start accumulating for your apple tree when the temperatures remain between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C). Anything below 32°F (0°C) doesn’t count, and any hours that exceed 60°F (16°C) need to be subtracted from accumulated totals.

Apple trees need hundreds of chill hours each year to break dormancy and regulate growth. Calculating chill hours can be a bit complicated, but you can get a good estimate using this calculator.

Hardiness Zones

Most apple trees thrive in areas with nice, cold winters. Most varieties won’t grow well (and certainly won’t produce fruit) anywhere warmer than USDA zone 8. There are some low-chill apple tree varieties that can grow up to hardiness zone 10, but those options are limited.

Plant in the spring for best results. If you live in a warm climate, it will likely be easier to settle for apples at the local farmer’s market.

Flowering Groups

Did you know that different apple tree varieties will bloom at different times of the year? This is important because most apple trees cannot self-pollinate and need to be near another apple tree to bear fruit. You’ll need to ensure that the trees you choose to plant flower during the same period.

Bloom periods are combined into the following groups:

Be deliberate in your choice of apple tree pairs so that they’re complementary and bloom during the same period of time.

Popular Apple Tree Varieties

In this section, you’ll discover delicious apple tree varieties that fall into all the flowering groups. Pick and choose based on your climate and taste!

Idared

	plant type Flowering Group 1
	height 12-16 feet (dwarf varieties are available)
	hardiness zones 3-8

• Chill Hours: 800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

This apple tree works well for both cooking and eating the fruits fresh off the tree. It’s cold-hardy, and the fruits will generally ripen in mid to late fall. They will need annual pruning, which shouldn’t be as hard compared to other varieties due to their shorter height. Dwarf varieties are also available.

Their fruits can store for several months, making them a great choice for gardeners that need some extra time to plan out what to do with their harvest. They will keep their taste and crispness for several months.

Gravenstein

	plant type Flowering Group 1
	height 15-20 feet
	hardiness zones 2-9

• Chill Hours: 700
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

Ripening in late July, Gravs, as the fruit is affectionately called, are one of the earliest apples on the market each year. Depending on how ripe the fruit is, grav apples are excellent for applesauce, pies, and baked goods. The tart flavor also makes a tasty apple cider.

Harvest fruit in July and August. Of note, these apples don’t keep well, so they are not widely shipped. You’re likely only ever going to taste a ‘Gravenstein’ apple if there is an orchard nearby or if you plant them yourself.

Anna

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 15-20 feet
	hardiness zones 6-9

• Chill Hours: 250-300
• Years to Bear Fruit: Can fruit the first year!

Another southern favorite, ‘Anna’ apple trees are prolific producers and can be easily grown at home. First developed at the Ein Shemer kibbutz in Israel, breeders designed the tree for a low-chill environment, and it will thrive in zones where the temperatures rarely drop below freezing. You’ll find ‘Anna’ apple trees in orchards throughout California, Texas, Florida, and other Gulf states.

Although descended from the ‘Golden Delicious’ apple, ‘Anna’ apples look and taste more like a ‘Granny Smith’ or ‘Honeycrisp’. Sweet and only slightly acidic, these apples are fantastic to eat and are versatile enough for sauces and baked goods. Expect an abundant harvest in June and early July.

Dorsett Golden

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 15-20 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

• Chill Hours: 100-300 (there is disagreement about this)
• Years to Bear Fruit: Can fruit its first year!

‘Dorsett Golden’ apples are another variety bred for tropical conditions. In fact, growers first brought the tree to the United States after successfully growing it in the Bahamas in 1950.

A descendant of the ‘Golden Delicious’, this apple variety thrives in warm conditions and requires one of the shortest chill hour periods of any apple tree. While experts still seem to disagree on exactly how many chill hours are required, the tree continues to grow and produce fruit even in the hot, muggy climate of southern Florida.

Expect a high yield from the ‘Dorsett Golden’. The fruit is pale green to yellow, resembling ‘Golden Delicious’ but much sweeter and more flavorful. It makes an excellent eating apple but also holds up well in desserts.

If you do use this apple in a pie or sauce, try pairing it with a tart variety to balance out the flavors. Otherwise, your dessert will be extremely sweet!

Ein Shemer

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 12-15 feet
	hardiness zones 4-8

• Chill Hours: 350
• Years to Bear Fruit: 3-5

Breeders developed the ‘Ein Shemer’ cultivar in an Israeli kibbutz to withstand the hot, arid climate of the Middle East. This heat tolerance has made the tree well-suited to most warm climates in the United States, and it’s become somewhat of a darling in the south. While southern Florida may still be a little out of reach for this apple tree to thrive, it’s a good fit in USDA zones 4-8.

‘Ein Shemer’ takes after the classic ‘Golden Delicious’ apple in color and taste. It’s sweet and only semi-acidic, making it a good choice for eating off the tree or use in applesauce. The mild flavor isn’t great on its own in baked goods, but it can be a good mellower when paired with a super tart or sweet variety.

Lodi

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 10-25 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

• Chill Hour: 800-1000
• Years to Bear Fruit: 6-10

This productive apple tree produces sweet-tart light green apples that are perfect for baking and applesauce. The apples won’t keep long on the counter or in the refrigerator, so be sure to freeze them if you can’t use them all right away.

Harvest this fruit in late June or early July. It is one of the earliest apple tree varieties to produce fruits that are mature and large enough to eat.

Liberty

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 12-15 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

• Chill Hours: 800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

‘Liberty’ apples are a product of ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Macoun’ apple breeding. As a result, the flavor of these apples is juicy with a mildly tart taste. It’s excellent for eating, juicing, sauces, and baking.

The ‘Liberty’ apple tree is fairly low-maintenance and resistant to many pests and diseases. It’s especially resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust. Although the tree blooms early, the fruit will be ready to harvest mid-fall when you’re craving all things apple.

McIntosh

	plant type Flowering Group 2
	height 15-20 feet
	hardiness zones 4-7

• Chill Hours: 900
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

I would hazard to say that most of us have eaten and enjoyed a ‘McIntosh’ apple in our lifetimes. Juicy, tart, and delightfully crunchy, this fruit is perfect for eating whole.

The natural tartness also lends itself to desserts, which is why you’ll find many pie recipes calling for these apples. This delicious red fruit is ready for harvest from late August to mid-September.

Arkansas Black

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 12-15 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

• Chill Hours: 800-900
• Years to Bear Fruit: 1 year!

If you’re looking for a unique apple, ‘Arkansas Black’ will be sure to impress! The skin of the fruit is a very dark red that looks almost black. The flavor is juicy, crisp, and sweet with hints of cinnamon.

Sometimes called the “Cabernet of Apples,” ‘Arkansas Black’ is a popular choice for home growers looking for a unique apple variety.

Of note, these apples aren’t meant to be eaten right off the tree; they’ll need a few months to cure first. But once ready, the fruit is delicious eaten fresh and in all types of baked goods. Plan your harvest in November and get ready to make some cider!

Cox’s Orange Pippin

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-8

• Chill Hours: 800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

The ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ is somewhat revered in Great Britain and is a dominant fixture in breeding programs. It’s not hard to understand why. This apple has a unique flavor profile that has inspired a bit of a cult following.

Apple connoisseurs showcase tasting notes almost like fine wine. They note that there is a remarkable range of subtle flavors including pear, melon, orange, and mango.

The tree itself is cold-hardy and pest-resistant. Fruit is ready to harvest around late September and is excellent for cider, juice, and drying. ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ apples won’t store as long as other apple tree varieties, so plan to use them up soon after picking them.

Fuji

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 8-10 feet (dwarf); 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf)
	hardiness zones 6-9

• Chill Hours: 200-400
• Years to Bear Fruit: 3-5

If you have a sweet tooth, ‘Fuji’ apples are a great choice. Fujis have a higher sugar content than most other apples, with a sweet flavor similar to apple juice. The fruit is wonderful to eat on its own, but plan to pair it with a tart variety if you want to make a pie or sauce. Otherwise, the sweetness will be overpowering.

Fujis are a little fussy when it comes to water and do not tolerate drought conditions. Be sure to install an irrigation system or tree bag for young trees. Plan to harvest apples from September through October.

Granny Smith

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 12-15 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

• Chill Hours: 400
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

If you love crisp apples that have a mix of sweetness and tartness, ‘Granny Smith’ is for you! This green apple is delicious when eaten fresh, dried for snacks, baked in desserts, and brewed into cider. Plan to harvest the fruit in September and October.

This tree stands out because it grows well in warmer climates, like the southern states, compared to many other apple tree varieties. Even better, ‘Granny Smith’ trees resist diseases like cedar apple rust and fire blight.

Jazz

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-9

• Chill Hours: 500-600 
• Years to Bear Fruit: 4-5

In the debate between heirlooms vs. modern horticulture, there are true believers on both sides. I tend to think there is value on both sides, especially when it comes to flavor. ‘Jazz’ apples are a great example of this!

Although ‘Jazz’ is a cross between ‘Braeburn’ and ‘Gala’ apples, its flavor is unique. Sporting an excellent sweet-tart, crisp flavor, the fruit has a distinctive floral pear note. Reviewers liken it to a “sensory explosion,” making ‘Jazz’ a sought-after variety. The fruit is excellent to eat but makes a delicious cider and sauce as well.

Although ‘Jazz’ apple trees aren’t available to home growers, you may be able to find a local orchard that grows them. Since becoming commercially available in the late 1990s, ‘Jazz’ is becoming a popular choice with orchard growers. Growers harvest apples from October through April.

We can’t include growing information on ‘Jazz’ since Enza, its parent company, only releases this to pre-selected growers. But we wanted to include this apple because of its unique flavor!

Macoun

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-8

• Chill Hours: 600
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

Pronounced “Mac-Cowan” (not “Ma-Coon”), this is a favorite in New England. The apples are crisp and juicy and have a nice balance between sweet and tart. Sadly, they don’t hold up well once harvested, so be sure to enjoy them within a week of picking. Most enjoy these apples fresh, but they’re also great in salads and desserts.

‘Macoun’ trees are cold hardy and have good disease resistance to fire blight and cedar apple rust. They’re quite susceptible to scab, especially if you live in an area with very wet spring seasons.

Like ‘Red Delicious’, ‘Macoun’ is a biennial fruit bearer, meaning you can expect one great harvest year followed by a low yield the next. Plan to harvest this fast-fruiting crop between October and November.

Pink Lady

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 20-25 feet (standard); 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf)
	hardiness zones 6-9

• Chill Hours: 300-600
• Years to Bear Fruit: 3-4

‘Pink Lady’ apples, or ‘Cripps Pink’ apples, are a popular variety found in most grocery stores. The name is fitting since the fruit sports a lovely pink blush over a yellow-green base. Your first bite will be slightly tart and finish with a nice sweetness. ‘Pink Lady’ is an excellent eating apple.

The tree itself is a little high maintenance and is prone to fire blight. But it is an excellent choice for those who live in hotter climates in the United States.

This native of Australia will do well in regions like the American southwest. Be sure to set up an irrigation system or tree bag for young trees since the ‘Pink Lady’ is not drought-tolerant.

Sweet Sixteen

	plant type Flowering Group 3
	height 20-30 feet
	hardiness zones 3-6

• Chill Hours: 1100-1400
• Years to Bear Fruit: 5-8 years

The University of Minnesota developed ‘Sweet Sixteen’ apples by breeding ‘Northern Spy’ and ‘Frostbite’ apples. The result was a cold-hardy tree that flowered earlier in the year.

Unfortunately, the university neglected to patent the new cultivar, so it’s never been commercially produced. There wasn’t any money in it. With that said, the unique flavor has drawn small producers with diverse orchards and the home gardener. You can sometimes find these beauties at local farmers’ markets if you get lucky.

The flavor of ‘Sweet Sixteen’ is pretty remarkable. When you look at tasting notes, you would be forgiven for mistaking them for wine! People often taste notes of cherry lifesavers, licorice, bourbon, and vanilla, but all agree that there is an almost overwhelming sweetness.

This intense flavor makes the apple a fan favorite to eat fresh, but it would need to be tempered in a dessert. You could try to pair it with a super tart variety like ‘Early Harvest’, ‘Gravenstein’, or ‘Granny Smith’ for pies, sauce, or cider.

Braeburn

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 5-8

• Chill Hours: 700
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-4 years

‘Braeburn’ apples are one of the most popular varieties for the home gardener. The same is true of commercial growers. In fact, ‘Braeburn’ trees account for 40% of apple production in New Zealand. In the US, it’s now solidly in the top five.

It’s easy to see why. The fruit itself is crisp and provides the perfect “apple flavor.” Sweet, but not sugary, many growers claim that ‘Braeburn’ makes traditional ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Delicious’ apples seem one-dimensional. You’ll have to decide for yourself!

‘Braeburn’ trees are fairly low-maintenance, cold-hardy, and tolerate warmer climates. Depending on where the tree is grown, you’ll notice distinct flavor changes.

If you choose to grow this tree at home, you’ll delight in its high yields and quick growth. But if you live in an area that is prone to drought, plan to set up an irrigation system or tree bag. ‘Braeburn’ trees are not drought-tolerant.

Empire

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-7

• Chill Hours: 200-800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

‘Empire’ apples are a cross between ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Red Delicious’. As a result, you can expect tempered sweetness with a hint of tartness and a nice crisp texture. This apple is excellent for eating, cut up in salads, or shredded in quick breads. Since the flavor profile is more middle-of-the-road, I’d recommend other apples for pie or sauce.

The ‘Empire’ tree is cold hardy and resistant to common diseases like fire blight and cedar apple rust. To avoid getting tiny apples, prune the tree regularly.

Gala

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 18-25 feet (standard); 12-18 feet (semi-dwarf); 10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-10

• Chill Hours: ~500
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

There aren’t many trees that can keep you in apples for most of the year. But this southern gem is one of them. Harvest fruit in the fall, but enjoy crisp apples for months to come. ‘Gala’, unlike many of its cousins, stores remarkably well without losing its crisp texture.

‘Gala’ apples are sweet and excellent for baked goods, applesauce, or dried apple snacks.

Golden Delicious

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 4-9

• Chill Hours: 800-1,500
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

‘Golden Delicious’ apples are well known for their sweet, juicy flavor with a hint of spice. While used mostly for eating, the apples make a great addition to pies, sauces, or preserves.

Since the flavor is milder than other apple tree varieties, it’s great to pair it with a nice tart apple like ‘Early Harvest’, ‘Gravenstein’, or ‘Granny Smith’ for pies, sauce, or cider.

The ‘Golden Delicious’ tree is both cold and heat tolerant. Even better, it’s a dependable pollinator companion for other trees in flowering group four. Fruit will be ready to harvest in late September and stores well for three to six months in the refrigerator.

Honeycrisp

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 8-10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 3-6

• Chill Hours: 800-1,000
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-4

‘Honeycrisp’ apples are a huge favorite in my home. The flavor is bright and sweet, and the texture is crisp. There is no better combination! The apples are excellent for eating, dried for snacks, and in desserts. I tend to pair ‘Honeycrisp’ with a tart apple variety for pies and sauce to balance out the flavors.

‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees are cold-hardy and will thrive in locations with chilly winters. Sadly, they won’t grow well in southern climates since they’re prone to fungal diseases and fire blight. Expect to harvest from August to September.

Jonafree

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 12-15 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

• Chill Hours:
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

Breeders developed ‘Jonafree’ from the ‘Jonathan’ cultivar in a cooperative breeding program between Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Stations. Their goal was to develop a tree that was a vigorous producer but more resistant to apple scab, mildew, rust, and blight than other ‘Jonathan’ varieties.

The result was the ‘Jonafree’ apple tree, a high-producing, slightly smaller apple than its parent tree. It’s well-suited for most climates in the United States and holds up well against most common apple diseases.

The fruit of the ‘Jonafree’ tree is nicely balanced between sweet and tart and is incredibly juicy. The apples are really tasty right off the tree and have a nice firm texture that makes them suitable for baking and desserts.

Jonagold

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 8-10 feet (dwarf); 10-15 feet (semi-dwarf)
	hardiness zones 3-8

• Chill Hours: 800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 3-6 years

The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station developed ‘Jonagold’ apples in the 1940s. This hybrid between ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ is widely grown commercially throughout the United States but has also gained large popularity throughout western Europe. This cold-weather variety is a prolific producer and the apples hold up well after harvesting.

A look at the parents tells a lot about the flavor profile of this apple. ‘Jonagold’ gets its large size from ‘Jonathan’ and its tangy sweetness from ‘Golden Delicious’. This juicy apple is delicious when eaten fresh and tastes great in sauces, quick breads, and pies.

Red Delicious

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 20-25 feet (standard); 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 5-8

• Chill Hours: 700-800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 6-10 years (standard); 4-6 years (semi-dwarf); 3-4 years (dwarf)

‘Red Delicious’ apples are another well-known variety thanks to their long shelf life. You can find this apple readily in grocery stores around the country because it stays crisp and juicy for three to six months if stored properly. The apples are mildly sweet, making them excellent for eating and baking.

The ‘Red Delicious’ apple tree is a biennial bearer, meaning the tree will bear fruit heavily one year but not the next. If you want to avoid low-yield years, plant trees a year apart so you always have one tree in maximum yield mode. Expect to harvest fruit from mid-September through mid-October.

Winesap

	plant type Flowering Group 4
	height 20-25 feet (standard); 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf); 10 feet (dwarf)
	hardiness zones 5-8

• Chill Hours: 800
• Years to Bear Fruit: 6-10 years (standard); 4-6 years (semi-dwarf); 3-4 years (dwarf)

‘Winesap’ apples have a distinctive flavor that resembles spiced wine more than a sweet apple. This makes it an excellent apple to include in cider, apple cider donuts, sauces, and preserves.

‘Winesap’ apple trees grow well in both northern and southern climates. This heirloom variety is cold-hardy and sports unique pink flowers that resemble cherry trees more than apple trees. Fruit is typically ready to harvest around mid-October and will stay fresh and crisp for six months if refrigerated.

Northern Spy

	plant type Flowering Group 5
	height 20-25 feet
	hardiness zones 3-7

• Chill Hours: 1,000
• Years to Bear Fruit: 2-5

As the name implies, ‘Northern Spy’ apples are an excellent option for northern growers. The fruit is sweet and is known to be excellent in desserts and sauces. It’s also popular for making cider and apple cider donuts. Apples will store for three months if refrigerated.

‘Northern Spy’ trees are late bloomers to avoid late-season frost that can kill tender blooms. As a result, plan to harvest a little later in the fall as well. The tree is cold hardy, semi-resistant to rust, but highly susceptible to fire blight.

Jonalicious

	plant type Flowering Group 5
	height 30 Feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

• Chill Hours: 400
• Years to Bear Fruit: 3-5

‘Jonalicious’ apples are specialty apples that come from crossing the ‘Jonathan’ apple and ‘Red Delicious’ varieties. They are easy to grow and flower in late spring. Originating in Abilene, Texas, these sweet apples are hardy in hardiness zones 5-8.

‘Jonalicious’ apples stay good for around four months after harvesting. They are quick growers and resist both disease and pests.

Court Pendu Plat

	plant type Flowering Group 6
	height 18 Feet
	hardiness zones 4-8

• Chill Hours: 500
• Years to Bear Fruit:3-5

‘Court Pendu Plat’ apples are primarily used as a cider apple and are not typically eaten off the tree like other varieties on this list. In fact, most apples in flowering group six are used for their cider-making abilities rather than for growing fruit that you’ll pick off and store for the season. When eating, cut them with a knife due to their firm texture.

‘Court Pendu Plat’ has been around for centuries, tracing heritage back to France. This apple tree resists most pests and diseases and is cold-hardy.