Growing Apple Trees in Florida

Northeast Florida gardeners looking to grow apple trees should consider low chill hour varieties, which are specially bred to thrive in warmer climates with mild winters. Unlike traditional apple trees that require long periods of cold weather to produce fruit, low chill varieties such as ‘Anna’, ‘Dorsett Golden’, and ‘Tropic Sweet’ need fewer than 400 chill hours, making them ideal for the region. These apples are not only well-suited to the local environment but also offer delicious fruit in late spring to early summer. Planting these varieties ensures a successful harvest and a beautiful addition to any nursery or home orchard in Northeast Florida.

Anna Apple Tree

Anna Apple

Anna Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Anna is a low-chill apple ideal for warm climates like Florida. It ripens early and produces crisp, sweet fruit with a flavor similar to ‘Red Delicious’.

Fuji Apple Tree

Fuji Apple

Fuji Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Fuji is firm, juicy, and very sweet—great for snacking and holds up well in baking.

Gala Apple Tree

Gala Apple

Gala Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Gala is mildly sweet and crisp, excellent for fresh eating and salads. In warm climates, it can ripen earlier than in traditional apple regions.

Golden Dorsett Apple Tree

Golden Dorsett Apple

Golden Dorsett Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Golden Dorsett is a tropical-friendly apple that bears early and abundantly with sweet, yellow fruit similar to ‘Golden Delicious’.

Granny Smith Apple Tree

Granny Smith Apple

Granny Smith Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Granny Smith is tart, firm, and versatile. In warm climates it can color and sweeten late.

Liberty Apple Tree

Liberty Apple

Liberty Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Liberty is disease-resistant with crisp, tangy flavor. Note: high chill; performance may be limited in much of Florida.

Pink Lady Apple Tree

Pink Lady Apple

Pink Lady Apple is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Pink Lady is tart–sweet and very crisp. Note: it needs more chill than classic Florida low-chill types.