Apple Trees for the Low Desert

Apple trees can indeed be grown to thrive in the Low Desert community. The University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has an entire list of fruit trees that can grow well in the Low Desert, or the Deserts of California regional areas. These particular varieties are highlighted for their ease of growth and taste of fruit, and all are self-fruiting (which means no additional trees for pollination are needed, they can fruit on their own).

Chilling Requirements under 400 Hours

For apple tree varieties that will need under 400 hours of chilling time there are the Anna, Beverly Hills, Ein Shemer, and the Golden Dorsett varieties. Anna apple trees are sweet and crisp, and are designed for cooking or eating fresh. They keep up to two months in the refrigerator for storing. The Beverly Hills apple tree has pale yellow apples and a slightly tart taste to them. The Ein Shemer variety is a sweet yellow apple that produces abundant amounts of fruit. The Golden Dorsett apple tree variety has a red-green fruit and it is typically used for cooing or eating fresh. It is a good all-purpose apple.

Chilling Requirements over 400 Hours

For apple trees in the Low Desert that need over 400 hours of chilling requirement time there are the Fuji, the Gala, and the Gordon. The Fuji apples, brought over to the USA from Japan, are a sweet and crisp apple. They need 600 hours of chilling. Gala apples are a tart and sweet blend with red-orange skins. They have a medium size and a firm juicy texture when eaten. They will need 500 to 600 hours of chilling. Gordon apple tree varieties have red-green skins and a need for 400 hours of chilling.

Chilling Requirements Calculations

The University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences believes to calculate chill hours precisely to count the amount of hours that are between 32 and 45 degrees F in the time between November 1st and February 15th. While there are many differing opinions on this, for the matter of this article, it was the one used. Calculations can be taken at the site where the fruit trees will be planted for best planting and growth of the tree.

Apple trees can work well in the Low Desert areas, when the proper varieties are selected. Some need pollinators and some are self-fruiting, however the varieties listed in this article are all self-fruiting for ease of gardening. Other selections can be selected, if desired.