I currently have a group of 4 trees, Anna, Dorsett Golden, Mutsu and Tropical Beauty. The last one there was listed on a CRFG chapter site as “mid-season” and that’s why I originally got it but in my yard it’s definitely very late, certainly as late as Mutsu, maybe later.
Sigh…well, I’ve added a few branches of Hawaii (also late…) and last year a few of White Winter Pearmain. No fruit on that last one yet. Our local scion exchange is coming up this weekend and I’d like to look for something that will do well here and help fill the long gap between the two really early apples and the two really late ones :oops:
I’m actually not that happy with the Dorsett Golden. The apples are weak flavored and kind of sour (but not in a nice, tart way). Considering where they come from perhaps they want more heat to develop good flavor than I can supply here at the time they develop. So I’m thinking of stubbing a couple of branches for the next few years and adding on something else. I just really need one branch for pollinating the Anna.
I’m looking for suggestions for mid-season apples that might do well here. Nothing too exotic, something dependable that I might actually find at the scion exchange and something that’s worth growing.
Gravenstein for late July - early August (note that it’s a triploid with sterile pollen).
Honeycrisp for early - mid August.
Gala for mid - late August.
Jonagold for mid - late September.
If you can grow Mutsu, I assume you are not limited to low-chill types so there are a great many varieties I assume you can grow. Ashmead’s Kernel is also a highly flavored apple that might fall in the season you are reaching for.
If I was you I’d be more interested in filling in my lack of late season- long storage apples- the ones that tend to be the staples of my own apple diet. I would love to taste some Granny Smiths ripened in your long season. I’m told it is a completely different apple as grown in Australia compared to my northeast location and also Washington state.
CA is also great for Pink Lady- but maybe you are seeking more unusual varieties. I grow apples based only on taste and enjoy a mix of modern and heirloom types- but the last ones I harvest (those that keep well) are the ones I eat most of.
I agree with Stan on Honeycrisp for the mid-season. This apple seems to do well everywhere except perhaps the Deep South (assuming you can stave off fireblight and watercore). My favorite for the mid-season.
@applenut is in SoCal and has had some success with Honeycrisp grafted onto 111 rootstocks. Those rootstocks are rugged and have strong anchorage which is helpful for a myriad of reasons: