I planted Anna and Dorsett apples this fall because they were the only verities recommended for our low chill gulf coast climate. I like almost all apples except the granny smith. My favorite is Delicious and I especially like Gala. I have never tasted the Anna and Dorsett and would like your opinions about their taste.
I am tempted to plant a couple of Gala apples but I think that I would be wasting my time. On the other hand Benny has successfully produced Cherries that should not grow in his area. If you grow Anna and Dorsett I would appreciate your opinion on these varieties.
Karl

I have tried the Anna, but not the Dorsett to my knowledge. We gave my father-in-law one for his small farm in lower Alabama. To me the apple is best when it is still a little green-- sour but firm. When it gets ripe it is too soft for me.

If you haven't tried a Fuji-- you should--they are my favorite--sweet firm and juicy.

Skeet

Skeeter
Are you growing the Fuji in Pensacola? You have similar climate, so it should grow here. I looked up the chill hours and am finding anywhere from 100 to 400. Anything else about the Fuji that I should know?
Karl

You can grow more apples in Florida than others made you to believe. Navigate this site of growing apples in the city:

http://www.kuffelcreek.com/growingapples.htm

Also, I have a free version of their book. Send me email if interested and I can email them to you. But the file is huge, your email service may reject it.

Thanks Joe. I will send my address to you.
karl

Hi Karl,
I don't have a Fuji tree, we did have a Tropical Beauty I think I got at K-mart. The tree got to be pretty big (15-20 ft) and very productive, but it got the blight and died. Again the apples were best picked green --they were pretty good in pies.

If fuji will grow here, I might have to boot out some more azeleas and make some room for it. We just buy them at the store-- I like mine cold.

Skeet

Skeeter
I know what you mean about the azaleas. I got off on this apple thing to keep my mind off of planting more citrus. Looks like the Fuji apples need about 4-5 years to produce fruit, but it has not discouraged me yet.
Karl

Karl,
Here is a description of Fuji I found (Tom's Picks)-- I think I will be getting one!

Fuji – Imported from Japan in the 1960’s Fuji is a cross between Ralls Janet and Delicious. Once thought to require high chill, Fuji has proven itself as a reliable producer throughout the low-chill southwest. We now rate it at less than 500 chill hours and for all practical purposes it should be considered in the 200 to 400 hour range. Fuji’s exterior color is a lackluster yellowish green with a blush of orange. Its interior color is a creamy orange yellow with a wonderful crispy, crunchy sweet flavor so don’t let its dull exterior fool you. Fuji has fast become one of the most popular apples varieties in the world. Fuji is self-fruitful and is also a recommended pollinator for other mid season apple varieties. Its ripening in the southwest is from late August through October. Fuji is also an excellent keeper and can maintain good quality for more than six months.