Five Popular Apple Tree Varieties for Home Orchards

Genetic engineering expanded apple choices beyond Red Delicious. Five standouts for flavor, growth, and use.

Fuji

• Japan 1962; yellow-green with red streaks.
• White, firm, crunchy, sweet. Best Oct–Nov.
• Early, heavy bearer; good pollinizer. Tolerates poor soil.

Gala

• New Zealand import; yellow with red blush.
• Yellow, juicy, crisp, aromatic. Best fresh (late July).
• Fast, heavy cropper. Not for cooking.

Braeburn

• Gold-to-red; white, crisp, sweet-tart.
• NZ 1940s; Germany's #1 seller.
• Stores well; resists browning. Ripens Oct–Nov.

Red Delicious

• Iconic heart shape; yellow, crisp, sweet, juicy.
• Iowa 1874. Best fresh; great in salads. Mid-late Sept.

Golden Delicious

• Thin skin; white, crisp, sweet, mild. Holds shape cooked.
• Great for salads, baking. Bruises easily. Late Sept.
• Long storage if handled gently.

Choose and Consult

Pick your flavor; verify with local expert for your zone.