Types of Apples to Plant in Northern North Carolina

Gala

• "Gala" apples became popular in grocery stores because they store well for up to six months. They are best used as a dessert apple rather than for cooking. "Gala" apple trees grow well in USDA zones 4 through 8. Apple varieties are separated into one of six flowering groups that describe how early or late in the season their blooms appear, and "Gala" apple trees are in flowering group 4. "Galas" have a well-balanced flavor, both sweet and tart. Some trees produce completely red fruit, but others have a crop with red stripes over a yellow background.

Grimes Golden

• The "Grimes Golden" is an antique apple discovered in 1804. It is the parent apple of the better known "Golden Delicious," but the "Grimes" is considered to have better flavor though it has uneven production from year to year. The best-flavored "Grimes Golden" apples come from the mid-Atlantic states like North Carolina. The "Grimes" grows well in plant hardiness zones 6 through 8 and is a self-fertile variety that flowers in group 3.

Jonagold

• "Jonagold" is a large apple with dominant red stripes on a yellow background. "Jonagold" apples are aromatic and very juicy when ripe. Good for both eating and cooking, the apples on a single tree don't all ripen at the same time, allowing the home gardener to slowly harvest the tree for around two weeks. "Jonagold" grows in USDA zones 4 through 8, but is a triploid variety so its late-season blossoms in flowering group 5 cannot pollinate other trees.

Newtown Pippin

• "Newtown Pippin" was discovered in the late 17th century. It was grown by Thomas Jefferson at his home in Albemarle County, Virginia, hence the alternative name, "Albemarle Pippin." "Newtown Pippin" trees set a heavy crop of yellow, moderately acidic apples that sometimes have a reddish blush. "Newtown Pippins" improve their flavor while in storage, peaking in January or February, long after their October harvest. They grow in USDA zones 5 through 8 and bloom in flowering group 3.