The prairies generally and the chinook belt of Alberta specifically have always been a tough place to grow fruit. Thankfully, plant breeders have been working on this problem for over 100 years and their and many nursery people's efforts have yielded good results.
One of the strongest supporters and tireless workers in this field has been the University of Saskatchewan. Their agricultural research into prairie fruit production is a decades old program. For plenty of good information see www.fruit.usask.ca.
There are many, many apples and fruit varieties sold, some good, some not. As with all Trees in this area the test of time is indisputable. Like the latest fashion varieties drifting along the cat walk, many will never be seen again. If you find an apple or fruit variety you like, please do a little reading; you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Eating apples:
The first 4 are excellent, followed by good runners-up.
- Norkent, semi-dwarf Tree, matures late August
- Haralson, green with red fruit, late September
- Fall Red, large apples
- September Ruby, bright red, mid September
- From University of Saskatchewan, Prairie Sensation, Autumn Delight, Misty Rose
- Harcourt, green red, mid September
- Norland, green with red stripes, late August
- Carroll, sweet, mid September
Apricot varieties:
- Westcot
- Brookcot
Saskatoon varieties:
- Parkhill
- Smoky
- Thiessen
Dwarf sour cherries:
- Carmine Jewel,
- Juliet
- A little taller is the champ, the Evans
Black Currant:
- Ben
Red Currant:
- Red Lake
- Honey Red
Plums:
- Patterson Pride
- Brookgold
Pears :
- John
- Thomas
- Ure
From my research, these are the cream. I haven't grown them all, but I want to. Another interesting link is The Urban Farmer
All of these plants except the Currants, are susceptible to either Fire Blight or Pseudomonas ; watch carefully and often.
