Based on an article I read in Capitol Press, plus my own experience, I assume that a Gravenstein is not necessarily a Gravenstein...
What I mean is - are there MANY varieties of popular apples so that traits of each are really quite different? I assume yes...for example, the Gravenstein belonging to my dad fruits about 2 months later than mine does, and the apples aren't the same either. His are longer-lasting, harder, more flavorful, better cooking apples. My Grav tree produces larger apples that are softer and keep less well. They seem a little sweeter and a nicer eating apple, but not as good for pies.
My question: why are varieties of the "same" apple SO VERY different? It seems wrong to even call them by the same name. Comments?
A person shopping for a Gravenstein tree really needs to know variety as well as "Gravenstein" don't they? Sheeeesh! 
Excellent question and example. As far as Gravenstein’s, I’ve got the old ones, like you described; my uncle’s got the ‘newest’ cultivar, a bloated version of the former. …mine came with the place, but if I had to find another from a nursery …I don’t know where I’d look? And our “Scion Exchange†isn’t much better… I believe anything marked “Gravenstein†goes into the same can…
The more recent a (new) release, like a Braeburn, the closer it will resemble others, store-bought or tree grown. The further an apple from the ‘original tree,’ like a Red Delicious, the more strains or sports are available and the more difficult to match or find the one you want…
What to do? Secure a scion (cutting) from your dad’s tree and graft it to a small rootstock then wait for a tree of the same. Or, graft over several limbs of your newer version with scions from his tree – same thing. We’ve got upcoming classes (in your backyard 
" title="Wink" /> ) at which, with help or not, you could bring your own scions and make your own tree, or bring the scions to our ‘Scion Exchange,’ purchase the appropriate rootstock and have one of us put it together for you. Heck – stand in my line 
Here’s the dates:
Grafting Workshops Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 8:45 AM at the Clackamas Community College
Two beginning classes and one intermediate class. Registration is through the college. The classes reach capacity quickly, so registration the morning of the class is unlikely. First class begins at 8:45 AM. You will go home with a new tree that you grafted.
Fruit Propagation Fair (Scion Exchange)Saturday, March 19, 2011 - 11 AM to 5 PM at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds
Various sized rootstocks will be available for purchase, hundreds of different scions (cuttings) will be given away for apples, pears, and stone fruit. There will also be plants to purchase: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, grafted fruit trees, and lots of other things for the avid backyard gardener-orchardist.
…PS, I agree with the two months difference being off; Gravenstein’s are one of the earliest apples, and also need pollen from two (non-triploid) apple varieties blooming at the same time to pollinate them… but your point regarding the varying cultivars remains a good one. And - if you secure some scions - get em now!
Thank you for the clear, interesting answers to my query about wildly-varying varieties in apples. I had not considered that Dad's and my tree might not both be Gravenstein. But it will be easy to get scion wood from his tree, it hasn't been pruned yet and there is enough wood there to start a plantation.
I hope to be able to attend the grafting workshop. I have (inexpertly) grafted apple before, in a desperate attempt to preserve an old farm apple that we loved and nobody could identify. I was successful, and hope somebody in HOS might recognize the apple next August, when it ripens. But I have nearly everything yet to learn about grafting, and a hundred questions at least.
Thanks again for the information.
" title="Crying or Very sad" /> ). And the Braeburn apples it produces are exactly like the ones in the store. Or would be if I sprayed well enough.Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
John S
1 Guest(s)