I grow Milo Gibson with a conventional spray program although I miss a few sprays at the orchard where it’s planted. I’m still getting to know the variety, but it seems to have some scab susceptibility. I don’t think rootstock choice affects disease resistance. If you’re not going to spray, the best thing you can do is focus on pruning for maximum sunlight and airflow penetration.
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I bought a 1/2 peck of ‘Crimson Topaz’ from Champlain Orchards a couple of weeks ago, and was somewhat impressed by the flavor. There’s almost a jackfruit or bubble gum quality to them that is noticeable but not overbearing. Pretty good apples for March too.
I bought some Calville Blanc d’ Hiver around New Years and indeed @alan, they got pretty soft even sitting in the 35 degree mudroom for a few weeks. My daughter and I made a pie with them finally though and it was excellent. Great flavor and they did hold their shape even though soft and borderline mealy.
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You never really know with the heirlooms unit you try. Golden russet takes some FB strikes here but seem resilient. BTW there are two types of golden russet. I’m sure mine is the American type. It’s very similar to Roxbury. Another flavor bomb that doesn’t have to many issues for me here is Bogo Belle de Boskoop. More of a cooker because of their size.
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I have not had a Spigold. I can’t think of a Golden D Cross that doesn’t have good flavor. I have never had a great apple off Northern Spy here. It might not like our summers.
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Sorry that you have not had a good Northern Spy apple. It is one of the best apples I have in my orchard. I am in SW Ohio. We still get a lot of hot and humid days here and it still does well here.
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Worth a try to find out, Mike. Spigold is one of our favorites here; it’s a big apple that’s much better than you expect it to be. Don’t know how well it keeps, as we just Hoover them all up.
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My eyes lit up first time I ate one of my Spigolds; could not imagine an apple tasting any better. It’s worth the wait!
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