The first requirement is that you have a sunny spot to plant your apple trees (you always need two for pollination, more about that below). All apple trees without exception need full sun. 

Taste

The quality of the fruit—taste, color, and to a certain extent the size—ranks high on the list of criteria. Also, think about whether you’d like a baking or snacking apple, or an all-purpose apple that is good for baking and snacking, which is often the best option for home gardeners with limited space.

Growing Zone and Chill Days

Finding the right apple tree for your climate is crucial. Some varieties are especially suitable for cold climates and others for warm climates. All apple trees require a certain number of “chill hours” every year—temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the reason why most apple trees don’t grow above USDA zone 8. Be aware that the number of chill hours varies greatly depending on the source, it is not consistent and there is no standard so before purchasing a tree, make sure to check the number of chill hours the nursery lists for the tree, providing first-hand and usually the most reliable information about that particular apple tree. 

Pollination

With very few exceptions, you need two apple trees of different varieties, or an ornamental crabapple tree, to produce fruit. Also, and this is very important, the two varieties need to bloom during the same time so pollination can take place. When you purchase a tree, the nursery should tell you which type of second apple tree is required.  Some varieties are labeled as partially self-pollinating but to ensure a good crop, a second apple tree is almost always recommended. 

Harvest Time

Harvest time is another important criterion. The first apple varieties ripen as early as mid-summer the late varieties in October. If you are taking a vacation every year around Labor Day, pick an apple tree with a late harvest. 

Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases

Apple trees, as are all fruit trees, are notoriously prone to pests and disease. Look for a variety that offers a certain degree of resistance or at least reduced susceptibility to serious diseases such as fire blight and apple scab. 

Rootstock Types and Height

The height of an apple tree depends on the type of rootstock, and that also determines how many years it takes for the tree to produce apples. The size of the tree determines the planting distance (dwarf types need to be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart). The type of rootstock does not have any impact on the fruit size and quality.  There are six different types of rootstocks for apples:

Dwarfing (M9): 6 to 8 ft. tall, 2 to 3 years until fruit bearingSemi-dwarfing (M.26) 8 to 10 ft. tall, 2 to 3 years until fruit bearingVery dwarfing (M27) 4 to 6 ft. tall, 2 years until fruit bearingSemi-vigorous (MM106): 10 to 13 ft. tall, 3 to 4 years until fruit bearingVigorous (MM111), 13 to 15 ft. tall, 4 to 5 years until fruit bearingVery vigorous (M25): More than 15 ft. tall, 5 to 6 years until fruit bearing 

For most home gardens, dwarfing types are best whereas orchards often grow semi-vigorous types. Many apple varieties are available in at least one or two different sizes.  Here are 15 varieties of apple trees suitable to be grown in home gardens. Harvest dates vary considerably with weather and location. Some nurseries sell the tree as self-fertile, however, to ensure a good crop, it is recommended to plant the tree within 50 feet of a Dorsett Golden for pollination.

Harvest: June and JulyUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9 (USDA)Chill hours: 200-300

Harvest: OctoberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 700

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-6 (USDA)Chill hours: 800-1000

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 800

Harvest: Mid-June to early JulyUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)Chill hours: 350

Harvest: June and JulyUSDA Hardiness Zones: 8-9 (USDA)Chill hours: 200-400

Harvest: OctoberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 200-400

Harvest: August through SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 500

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)Chill hours: 700

Harvest: OctoberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)Chill hours: 400

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 800-1000

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 700-1000

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 700-800

Harvest: OctoberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)Chill hours: 500-600

 

Harvest: SeptemberUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-6 (USDA)Chill hours: 1100-1400