They ripen around the middle of October. Other newer apples growers may want to try are Ruby, Holiday and the various strains of Red Delicious. At present, there is a trend to plant trees on dwarfing rootstock, both in commercial orchards and in backyard planting. Most of the popular varieties, including those mentioned above, are now available on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. Dwarf trees, normally do not get much over 10 to 12 feet tall at maturity, while semi-dwarf trees may grow to be 15 to 18 feet tall.
Dwarf trees begin to bear earlier than the larger, standard trees.
Dwarfing does not affect fruit size or quality. Apples for Specific Use Apples are a favorite fruit of many people for eating out of hand or in fresh salads. The fruit of many apple varieties are also excellent for making a wide variety of cooked products. Apples best suited to particular uses are indicated below. The best cider is usually made from a blend of different varieties of apples.