Apple Varieties Grown in Victoria
Victoria’s temperate climate supports a wide range of apple varieties. Key varieties include:
- Fuji – Sweet, crisp, long-keeping; late season (Mar–Apr); needs 600–1,000 chill hours.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) – Sweet-tart, firm, aromatic; late season (Apr–May); 1,200–1,500 chill hours; sunny conditions for colour.
- Gala / Royal Gala – Sweet, aromatic; mid-season (Feb–Mar); 700–900 chill hours; moderate temperatures; requires thinning.
- Granny Smith – Tart, firm, long storage; late season (Mar–May); 800–1,200 chill hours; tolerates warmer climates.
- Sundowner – Sweet-tart, crisp; mid-late season (Mar); moderate chill; sunny conditions.
- Jonagold – Sweet-tart, large fruit; mid-season (Feb–Mar); 900–1,200 chill hours; requires thinning.
- Jazz – Sweet-tart, very crisp; mid-late season (Mar–Apr); moderate chill hours; sunny conditions for colour and sugar development.
- Smitten – Sweet, juicy, aromatic; mid-late season (Mar); moderate chill hours; good for fresh eating; needs thinning for optimal size.
- Red Delicious / Cripps Red – Sweet, firm; early–mid season; moderate chill; requires good sun exposure.
Growing Conditions:
Apples thrive in areas with cool winters and warm, frost-free springs and summers. Most varieties require 600–1,500 chill hours to break dormancy. Trees need full sun for colour and sugar development and prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soils with regular irrigation during fruit development. Pruning and training are important to maintain tree structure, manage crop load, and ensure sunlight reaches the canopy. Effective pest and disease management is essential, as apple trees are susceptible to codling moth, aphids, apple scab, and powdery mildew.
For more consumer information, please visit the Aussie Apples Website https://www.aussieapples.com.au/
