Hello! First time posting.
I purchased a home on 1.3 acres this summer and am planning my orchard. I’m in the midlands of South Carolina (Zone 8B) and I have generally sandy soil. I’m told we get a little over 1000 chill hours annually.
I’ve picked out varieties for several kinds of fruit, but I’m posting specifically to get feedback on my selection of apples and pears. My goal is to be able to produce my own ciders and perries using fruit from the backyard.
While we do have commercial cideries within the state, they exclusively use dessert apples and produce generally disappointing cider. In addition to a few others primarily for fresh eating, I’ve selected the following varieties for cider/perry:
Apple (on MM 111)
Amére de Berthcourt
Black Twig
Dabinett
Foxwhelp
Frequin Rouge (on MM 106)
Harrison
Hewes Virginia Crab
Medaille d’Or (on MM 106)
Winesap
Pear (on OHxF 87)
Butt
Hendre Huffcapp
Thorn
Yellow Huffcapp
There’s little information on how these fare in warmer climates, especially the bittersweets of European origin. Has anyone tried these varieties in the South? Is it worth a go, or am I doomed from the start? Thanks!