Apple Orchard

U-Pick experiences

Heritage Fruit

Family owned and operated

Located at 1711 Highway 78 Julian, Ca. 92036

Only Apple Orchard in Historic Downtown Julian California

  • Apple U-Picks

    Come enjoy fall in Julian! Our intimate apple orchard in historic downtown Julian is the perfect place to bring the family and pick heritage apples. Season starts end of September and goes through beginning of November.

  • Rainer Cherries

    Cherries mean summer! Cherry season is short but oh so sweet. Typically running from mid-June to first part of July.

  • Flower Experiences

    Enjoy a floral class for the season! Join our email list below to get the latest information on upcoming events.

The trees are HEAVY with ripe, juicy apples for the 2024 season! We simply cannot wait to warmly welcome you to the orchard this fall. The orchard is the only orchard in historic downtown Julian! Walking distance from Main Street. This is truly an exciting transition year for both Mesa Blooms and Ranchita del Reo. Our families have shared a deep and enduring bond since I was just a child, and it feels absolutely wonderful to be together again in this beautiful way. When the amazing opportunity arose for my family to expand into the orchard, we eagerly jumped all in with immense enthusiasm! The potential for not only expanding our variety and enriching experiences of flowers is tremendously exciting, but also for enhancing my knowledge and creativity is an adventure I truly cannot wait to explore in the future!

The orchard is located at 1711 Hwy 78 in Julian, across from the high school and county library, in downtown Julian.

Season will start OCTOBER 4th, 2024, and runs through November 10th

**** SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE****

This is a working orchard, please dress accordingly. Close toed shoes are highly suggested. Ground is rough from roots, squirrels and irrigation, so watch your step.

Open for walk-ins

Hours of operation are Friday to Sunday 9am- 4pm (or until the days ripe apples run out).

Cost: $20 per person gets you a 1/4 peck bag and admission to the orchard. Kids under 1 free. Kid bag $10 (for kids 1-9 years old) NO ADMISSION without purchase of a bag.

CASH AND VENMO ACCEPTED ONLY ** NO CREDIT CARDS**

NO REFUNDS ON ORCHARD ADMISSIONS

Parking on site and across the street at the High School & County Library.

** NO PETS PERMITTED ON PREMISE** due to agriculture and food regulation.

We reserve the right to ask any persons or family to leave if not following the rules or found destroying property.

For more detailed information regarding our orchard as well as our sister orchard, we invite you to visit Ranchita del Reo’s official site. There, you can explore the unique features and offerings of both locations in greater depth.

Our Apple Varieties

Hawkeye Reds

Hawkeye is celebrated as the original Red Delicious, the very one that truly earned its distinguished name. This authentic and genuine original strain of the world's most widely grown apple variety has never been bettered or improved upon, particularly regarding eating quality, making it superior in flavor compared to all other Red Delicious strains available today. The Hawkeye apple is not only sweet and juicy, but it also boasts a tender, pleasing texture that makes it a delightful choice for any apple lover.

Northwest Greening

This particular apple variety is widely believed to be a delightful cross between the well-known Golden Russet and the Alexander varieties. The apples themselves are typically quite large, often reaching an impressive size comparable to that of a softball. Initially, they start off with a vibrant green color, but as they ripen, they can develop a slight yellow hue along with a lovely red blush that adds to their visual appeal. The flesh of the apple is a beautiful yellow shade, characterized by its coarse-grained texture, firm consistency, and delightful crispness. It is not only juicy but also offers a balanced flavor profile that combines a slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness, making it an excellent choice for eating fresh straight from the tree as well as for various baking applications and cider.

Red Flesh Apples

Red-fleshed apples are visually appealing and nutritious. They contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that give them their red color. Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and potassium, they are a great addition to a healthy diet. Their flavor is tangy and slightly tart, with berry or grape notes. These apples offer several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and improving heart health. The fiber helps digestion and promotes fullness, making them good for weight management. In the kitchen, red-fleshed apples are versatile and can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, such as salads, pies, sauces, and jams.

Kingston Black

The Kingston Black apple is classed as a "bittersharp" in the standard classification of cider apples, which means it is characterized by being high in both tannin and acid content. This unique combination lends itself well to creating complex and flavorful ciders. The fruit of the Kingston Black is small and round in shape, featuring a striking yellow skin adorned with red streaks on the shaded side of the fruit, or it may appear dark red with deep purple streaks on the side that receives the most sunlight, often accompanied by charming patches of grey russetting.

Rome Beauties

Rome Beauty apples are large, attractive, and eye-catching bright red apples that are renowned for their refreshing flavor profile, which strikes a delightful balance between sweet and tangy. The flesh of these apples can vary, ranging from a bright white to a creamy white or even a soft pale yellow, adding to their visual appeal. While they are undeniably delicious when enjoyed straight from the tree, Rome Beauties are especially well-suited for baking, as they not only taste fantastic but also maintain their shape exceptionally well throughout the cooking process. Continue reading to delve deeper into the fascinating process of growing Rome Beauty apple trees and discover tips for a successful harvest..

White Winter Pearmain

Also known by several charming names such as the Winter White Pearmain, Winter Queening, Winter Quoining, Cambellite, Campbellite, and Griffin’s Pearmain, Winter Pearmain apples are highly regarded as one of the oldest English apple varieties still in existence today. They are particularly prized as a choice dessert apple among the rich selection of heirloom varieties. These apples are pleasantly aromatic and have been ranked from very good to best for dessert purposes. Their flavor is akin to the popular Mutsu apple, but they come in a smaller, harder, and less visually appealing package.

Macoun

Best known for their exceptional qualities as a fresh eating apple, Macoun apples truly are a joy to indulge in. Every year, apple lovers eagerly anticipate their arrival each fall, counting down the days until the fruit reaches its peak ripeness and is ready for harvest. Delightful and satisfying as an eating apple, these little gems boast a stunning dark red skin adorned with a purply blush, while the firm, snow-white flesh offers a perfectly balanced bite that dances between sweet and tart, complemented by light floral undertones. The Macoun variety is a remarkable cross between the beloved McIntosh and the deep-flavored Jersey Black cultivars. The Jersey Black, known for its distinct dessert qualities, contributes its very dark, nearly black skin to the Macoun, resulting in a beautiful purplish tint that enhances its visual appeal.

Ambrosia

Ambrosia apples are widely recognized for their delightful taste that is reminiscent of sweet honey. They possess a mildly aromatic quality, yet their overall flavor profile is pleasantly straightforward and uncomplicated. When you sink your teeth into a perfectly ripe Ambrosia apple, you will experience floral notes that are strikingly similar to those found in wildflower honey. These apples are exceptionally low in acid content, resulting in a flavor that is devoid of any tartness or tanginess, and instead, offers a mellow and indulgently sweet experience.

There is something universally enjoyable about biting into a fresh and crisp apple, and Ambrosia apples are no exception. They have a firm texture that is quite comparable to a Golden Delicious apple, yet they are surprisingly juicier, which enhances the overall snacking experience. With their very thin skin, there is no need to go through the trouble of peeling these apples before enjoying them. Ambrosia apples maintain their crunchy and refreshing texture for an extended period, especially when stored in the refrigerator. However, it is important to remember not to leave them out at room temperature for several days, as any apple, regardless of type, tends to become soft and mealy simply from sitting on the countertop.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious is a large, yellowish-green skinned cultivar that is renowned for its exceptionally sweet flavor profile and delightful taste. However, due to its delicate nature, it is prone to bruising and shriveling, which necessitates careful handling and proper storage to maintain its quality. This apple variety is a favorite among many for eating plain, as well as being a fantastic choice for use in a variety of dishes such as fresh salads, homemade apple sauce, and rich apple butter.

Winesap

The Winesap fruit is characterized by its small to medium size and features a striking deep, cherry red skin that catches the eye. Inside, it boasts a crisp, yellow flesh that offers a delightful contrast to its exterior. Its versatility makes it an all-purpose choice, as it is perfect for fresh eating, crafting delicious cider, making flavorful apple butter, and baking mouth-watering pies. Additionally, it bears a resemblance to other well-known cultivars such as 'Arkansas Black', 'Arkansas', and 'Paragon', further enhancing its appeal among apple enthusiasts.

Red Jonaprince

Red Jonaprince is a delightful cultivar of the popular Jonagold apple, distinguished by its nearly solid and striking red color that ranges from bright to a deep, dark red. Its skin is smooth and features brownish-yellow lenticels, also known as pores, which add to its unique appearance. The shape of this medium-sized apple is notably wider than it is high, giving it a pleasing look and feel in the hand. Red Jonaprince is not only visually appealing but also an aromatic variety, boasting creamy-colored flesh that is exceptionally juicy and firm. Its flavor profile presents a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a perfect choice for both eating fresh and using in various culinary delights.

EverCrisp

EverCrisp® is an exceptionally sweet and wonderfully juicy apple – a truly yummy fruit that boasts a powerful, satisfying crunch – elegantly combining the best features of MAIA-1’s renowned parent varieties, Honeycrisp and Fuji. The EverCrisp® name perfectly encapsulates its delightful qualities. This durable apple arrives late in the apple season and stores exceptionally well – it maintains its remarkable sweetness and firmness like no other variety on the market. That unique combination makes EverCrisp® the perfect treat for a festive holiday celebration, and the ideal snack choice.