The varieties grown for BC's commercial production are Red and Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, McIntosh and Spartan. Newer varieties now being widely planted include Jonagold, Braeburn and Fuji. The hot, dry weather is ideal for growing Red and Golden Delicious apples. High sunlight and temperature levels are ideal for apple colouring and yield. The low rainfall level reduces the impact of disease.
Most orchards are on slopes near lakes.
This moderates the temperature and reduces the risk of winter injury and spring frost. Apples are also grown on Vancouver Island, in the Fraser Valley and in Kootenay areas. The total quantity ranges from 136,000 tonnes to 195,000 tonnes. This amounts to more than 1 billion apples. That's about 75 to 100 apples per person per year.