Anna Apple

The Anna apple has done something that was once thought nearly impossible—it has allowed gardeners in the Deep South to grow crisp, flavorful apples without enduring long, cold winters. For decades, apples were considered a crop for northern climates, requiring hundreds of hours of winter chilling before they would bloom properly. The introduction of the Anna apple changed that perception forever. Today it remains one of the most dependable and widely planted low-chill apple varieties available.

Developed in Israel during the 1950s by breeder Abba Stein, Anna was specifically selected for regions with mild winters. Its ability to produce reliable crops with relatively few chill hours has made it a favorite throughout the southern United States, from Texas and Louisiana to Florida and coastal areas of the Southeast. For many gardeners, Anna serves as the gateway into growing apples where they were once considered impractical.

The tree is vigorous, attractive, and productive. Spring arrives with a beautiful display of white blossoms that are often tinged with soft pink, providing both ornamental value and an important source of nectar for pollinating insects. Under good growing conditions, the tree establishes quickly and often begins bearing fruit at a young age.

Anna apples are medium to large with a bright red blush over a yellow background. Their flesh is crisp, juicy, and pleasantly sweet with just enough acidity to keep the flavor lively and refreshing. Fresh from the tree, they offer a classic apple taste that appeals to both children and adults.

One of Anna's greatest advantages is its exceptionally early harvest season. In much of the South, ripe apples can be picked as early as late June or early July—weeks before many traditional apple varieties begin producing. This early maturity helps avoid some of the disease and insect pressures that become more severe later in the summer.

Anna is best enjoyed fresh but also performs well in applesauce, salads, and light baking. Because it ripens so early, it provides the satisfaction of harvesting homegrown apples at a time when most orchards are still waiting for their crops to mature.

For Southern orchardists, few apple trees have earned a stronger reputation. Its dependable production, excellent flavor, and adaptation to warm climates have made Anna one of the true foundation varieties for backyard orchards across the South.

The Anna apple tree an exceptionally low chilling requirement. self-fruitful, but better production if pollinated by Dorsett Golden; bears late June. Trees produce when 2-3 years old, and apples store well. Fruit is crisp, tart, sweet with light greenish-yellow skin with red blush. Great for fresh eating, pies, or canning. 200-300 chill hours; USDA Zones 6-9. We grow Anna apple in our own personal apple orchard.