Looking to add another tree or two this spring. What are the best tasting or best growing disease resistant varieties you have tried? I’m considering sweet sixteen, sundance, Suncrisp, alkmene, Sansa, and crimson topaz. Anyone have experience with these? Can anyone suggest other varieties?
(Already have Williams pride, Liberty, and some heirlooms)
I live in zone 5, near Chicago. We have all the major diseases here but cedar Apple rust is especially bad.
I am growing Topaz. I don't know if its the same as crimson Topaz. Probably my favorite apple for eating and doesn't seem to have any problems. Alkmene just started fruiting this year and seems fine. Liberty is super solid. Gold Rush only gets mild dust on it some times, is by far my best keeper and is probably my #1 overall apple. Northern Spy has been tragically slow to fruit but is now very sold. Gravensteiin has also been a great one this way for me.
John S
PDX OR
Thanks for sharing. That’s helpful.
Yeah liberty and wp are super solid even is the swamps of northern Illinois.
Curious if alkmene could take our heat.
I would love a Goldrush, but my neighbor has one and it’s absolutely covered in rust. Of course, I don’t think he sprays at all.
I had a branch of Pristine. I was wonderful, but this year I didnt thin. It overbore and broke off. They are very early, and delicious, and are a PRI apple. i grafted Priscilla onto my Jonared. Ate the first apple today. Also delicious. No disease even though the Jonareds look like they have rust. Also a PRI apple.
I have Winecrisp but the first apple is still on the tree. No disease so far on that either.
Liberty is wonderful. No issues, and delicious.
I dont spray my apple trees.
PRI disease resistant apple program
Since they are bred at Purdue, Rutgers, and Illinois, I bet they are ideal for your area.
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
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