At Attracted 2 Apples, we specialize in producing high quality fresh eating apples. The variety names will be new to most Albertans, since most of us are used to eating apples from BC and Washington. The varieties we grow were developed specifically for prairie growing conditions; many of the varieties are still not available to tree nurseries. We are the only Orchard in Alberta to specialize in the new varieties recently released from the University of Saskatchewan. The apples varieties from the U of S are the latest generation of apples, these apples were bred specifically for flavour, sweetness and texture.
During the U of S apple breeding program, the University kept track of the different varieties by assigning a series of numbers to each variety. The variety "Prairie Sensation" was assigned the number code 18 10 32, which means this tree was located in was in block 18, row 10, tree 32. Some of the varieties grown at Attracted 2 Apples have not been released to the public yet. We have used names picked by growers in Saskatchewan or in a few cases picked our own names.
Released in 2008. Best known variety produced by the U of S and for good reason. Balance and complexity of flavors makes this apple appeal to very wide audience. It is one of the larger apples, it tastes great eaten fresh like all the Attracted 2 Apples varieties, cooks well, juices well and stores well. The only downside with this variety is that with its light skin, hail marks are highly visible.
We have observed that the tree has moderate vigor, a good growth habit and it sets a lower but reasonable number of apples each spring (less thinning required).
Usually ripe about the second week of September.
Released in 2008. This apple is in the top three of the informal taste tests we have done over the past 3 years. Slightly sweeter than most apples we grow. Medium in size, flesh is often slightly pinkish.
Growth habit is slightly leggy, low to moderate vigor and it sets a reasonable number of apples each spring.
Usually ripe about the second week of September.
Released in 2008. One of the sweetest apples we grow, my wife Lynn's favorite. Medium in size.
Growth habit is very good, moderate to high vigor and it sets a variable number of apples each spring.
Usually ripe mid to late September.
The most recent release from U of S, 2010. Slightly tarter apple, pleasent flavor complexity. Medium in size.
Growth habit is good, moderate vigor and it sets a reasonable number of apples each spring. This variety is the least hardy apple we grow, you will notice trees missing in the row.
Usually ripe mid to late September.
A favorite at our orchard, a variety we named ourselves. This variety started producing one to two year before the other varieties and is warmly remembered by friends we have given apples to. Great apples for baking. Dark red color.
Growth habit is good, vigor is high and it sets a prolific number of apples each spring. Lots of labour thinning the apples on this tree but we get a reliable bountiful harvest each year. I wish I had planted more of this variety.
Usually ripe early September and is still just as good late into September.
Not sure where the name originally came from for this variety, Bernie Nikolai mentioned the name so we continue to use the name. This the largest apple we grow, it is a Westland cross. Flavor is variable from year to year, 2011 and 2012 it was wonderfull, in 2013 was dry in August and it did not seem to ripen properly.
Growth habit is challenging, very leggy, vigor is high and it sets significant numbers of apples each spring. My son really likes this variety so I think I will have to keep it for a while.
Usually ripe early September.
Tastes a lot like a Mac. Small in size.
Less hardy than many of the other varieties.
Very sour until late September then suddenly the starchs turn to sugar and it is very good.
The pocket gophers killed most of the trees so we only have few.
One of the non U of S apple varieties we have snuck into the orchard since we like it so much. A very crisp texture, great fresh eating apple but mediocre cooking apple. Stores well.
Growth habit is very upright, vigor is moderate to high.
Usually ripe early September.
Another non U of S apple variety. Basic red colored apple.
Usually ripe mid September.
Finally have a few for evaluation in 2017. For those that like an apple that is tart. Has promise as a cider apple because of its high tannin content.
Not sufficient production to date to comment.
Another non U of S variety. We removed this variety from the orchard in 2014, it was not hardy enough for outside the city. Highly recommend this variety for growing in the city, it does not seem to be bothered by apple maggot as much as the other varieties for some reason.