I am planning an orchard and would love to add some apples to it. I am located very close to the coast in zone 8b in Port st. joe FL. You state that most if not all apples can be grown in the tropics. Are there any problems that I should be aware of? Chill hours? Fire blight? Bloom Time? I would like to start with about 10 trees and add on as I get more experienced. My other question is what 10 apple varieties would you select that taste good (sweet and crisp) that would be easy for new southern apple grower. Also the area where I will be planting has a high water table around 1-2 feet at times I was thinking of going with m.111 for rootstock does this sound good to you? macmanmatty
Chill hours and wind protection of young trees are your biggest concerns, really. You'll also want to make sure that the soils you're planting in are not at all saline - this tends to stunt the growth of the trees and can affect fruit set and flavour. Look for tropical-adapted apple stock in your local nurseries and ask after the rootstock that they're using; they know best what does and doesn't work in your area. The easiest and tastiest apples I've ever grown are both Canadian heritage cultivars, 'Jonagold' and 'Snow' - with care to thinning, they're fist-sized fruits with a good crunch and crispy, not mealy, flesh. They seem to be doing well in Ecuador (zone 11-12) and they tend to take their rest period during the rainy season. I have absolutely no idea what's available in Florida.
If you check with the U of Florida extension folks they should be able to help you out. There are some orchards down there. This web link should help you out. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG073 Cheers and good luck with the orchard.
