Apples are the most accommodating and long lived of fruit trees, and they cope with our wet climate quite well. There are many varieties of apple trees to choose from, each with its own characteristics. January is the best month to plant bare root trees, so take the time now to research the best varieties and choose an apple tree or three.
An important consideration in selecting your trees is ripening period. For a balanced harvest, I recommend at least three apple trees: one each of the best tasting early, mid-, and late season varieties. This guarantees better pollination and extended fruit production, rather than a glut of apples ripening all in one short timeframe.
Next, are the apples you are considering self-fruitful or self-sterile? In our area there are usually more than enough trees around for pollination of self-sterile trees but be aware of this difference. Your apple trees will likely produce more fruit if there are other apples nearby.
Select the rootstock that will work best for you. I have never planted anything but dwarf apple trees, though most nurseries provide a choice of dwarf, semi-dwarf or standard-sized trees. For pruning trees, thinning fruit and keeping an eye out for insect pests and disease problems, trees under 8 feet tall are far easier to work with than full-sized ones. (Read more about pruning on page TK.)
An apple’s flavor is, of course, a major consideration. My preferred apple varieties for fresh eating are firm, juicy, and highly flavored (sweet and tart). Highly flavored apples are usually the best for culinary uses. Here are some apples that I think are worth planting:
The Gravenstein apple has long been considered the best early apple in the Pacific Northwest and I agree. It is highly flavored and has a crisp, juicy texture. Its only weakness is that it gets soft quickly, so it doesn’t store well.
Most apple varieties ripen during midseason, so there is a lot to choose from for your second apple. One of the best is Ribston Pippin, an heirloom English apple that has stood the test of time. I think it is the best tasting apple for the North Coast. My second choice is a modern commercial apple, Jonagold. Of all the varieties that I grow, it is the most pest/disease resistant, and it has consistent fruit production and great flavor.
There is only one late apple that I would consider for Humboldt, and that is Waltana, which I mentioned in a recent column about apple chutney (“Humboldt Apple Chutney,” Oct. 31, 2024). A genuine Humboldt County apple, it was developed in Ettersburg. Waltana’s flesh is very crisp, firm and juicy. It keeps well in storage, and it is excellent for both fresh eating and culinary purposes.
Finally, what about the effects of North Coast winter rains on your fruit trees? Apple trees are very tolerant of wet feet, but there is a disease called scab (caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis) that can affect both their fruit and leaves. Select varieties with at least moderate scab resistance or manage your trees to minimize their chances of becoming infected.
Pete Haggard (he/him) taught Extension courses on Orchard Management at CalPoly Humboldt for many years. He writes with editorial assistance from Jane Monroe (she/her), whose favorite apple is the Waltana. Pete and Jane are the coauthors of the upcoming book ReWilding: How to Create a Pacific Northwest Native Garden.
This article appears in Sanctuary in the Storm.