What Apple Trees Grow Well in Georgia

The apple season in Georgia generally spans mid June through early December. Many different varieties of apples can be grown in Georgia. However, it's best to select the type of trees to propagate based on region of the state because weather conditions and temperature fluctuate, depending on the area. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension addresses this issue by dividing the state into apple zones, then assigning the most suitable varieties to each zone.

Zone 1

Zone 1 is located in the northeast corner of the state and is best suited for conventional varieties of apples. It, along with Zone 2, is the most compatible with apple tree growth because the temperature is cooler. According to the University of Georgia, the best types of apple trees to grow in this apple zone include Ginger Gold, Gala, Mollie's Delicious, Ozark Gold, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Mutzu, Rome Beauty, Stayman, Yates and Granny Smith.

Zone 2

Zone 2 is located in the northwest corner of Georgia and is much like Zone 1 in terms of climate. This means that the varieties of apple trees that can be grown in this zone are the same as Zone 1. They also include Ginger Gold, Gala, Mollie's Delicious, Ozark Gold, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Mutzu, Rome Beauty, Stayman, Yates and Granny Smith.

Zone 3

Zone 3 is a wide strip of land located beneath Zones 1 and 2. It stretches across the entire state and includes Gainesville, Columbus and Macon, Georgia. Fewer varieties of apple trees can be grown in this area than in the first two zones. Ideal types for this apple zone are Ginger Gold, Gala, Mollie's Delicious, Ozark Gold, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Mutzu, Yates and Granny Smith.

Zone 4

Zone 4 includes Augusta, Hazlehurst and Colquitt, Georgia, and is located just below Zone 3. This swath of land can accommodate several types of apple trees but, as the weather is warmer there, this apple zone cannot support the variety offered by the first three areas. Popular apple trees in Zone 4 are Mollie's Delicious, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Yates and Granny Smith.

Zone 5

Zone 5 is the most difficult area in Georgia to grow apple trees and, as a result, is limited to just a couple varieties. This region, located in the southernmost tip of the state, is prone to late frosts that kill many apple flowers and cut down on the harvest. The varieties of apple trees that University of Georgia recommends for this area are Anna and Dorsett Golden.