North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Tom Olenio <tolenio@sentex.net>]

 
Kieran and Donna wrote:
<snip> Also find some local orchards and ask what does well in your area commercially, and taste some of the fruit. <snip>

Hello,

This is an old drum, but I will beat it again anyway for new members...

When selecting varieties know your ultimate goal.  If you are going commercial, large scale use commercial varieties.  Are you looking to satisfy a more local, fussy customer, not happy with common commercial varieties?  Are these trees for cider production or possibly for your own enjoyment?  Do you have an organic leaning, is disease resitance important?  Is taste, size, and texture more important qualities to you?

When you know your goal, the selection becomes easier.

Always keep in mind that commercial varieties satisfy commercial selection criteria (cost of production, eye appeal, and shipability weigh heavily), this may not be your criteria for choosing one variety over another.

Later,
Tom

--
Thomas Olenio
Ontario, Canada
Hardiness Zone 5b