I've grown Redfree. I thought it was pretty ho-hum and took it out. As I recall, it reminded me too much of a Gala, which I'm not fond of.

See the current 2013 apple report thread for negatives on HGG. Mine is probably getting topworked this winter.

Scott

Yeah, seems like most reviews on Redfree rank it as pretty mediocre with mild flavor.

I was pretty hopeful about Hudson's GG. I don't have another russet apple, and this one seemed promising. Mixed reviews on FB resistance, too.

I've got Sundance, HGG, and Sansa, with the first two described in the other thread. Sansa was just planted last fall.

I will give you two positives about the HGG:
1.) The leaves seem healthier than many of my other apple trees (all un-sprayed). Neither Sansa, or Sundance are unhealthy, but HGG's leaves are in the best condition and have a darker green color.

2.) HGG makes a very pretty apple, if it doesn't crack and/or rot. Here's the one I got off my tree this year, which has a very nice bumpy surface. But, even this one had a bit of rot at the top, which you can just see in the pic.

Thanks, bob. I found the other thread after I had posted this one, and realized a couple of the varieties had been discussed there. I appreciate the additional info on HGG. I have read that splitting is less of a problem after the first two or three years. I wasn't aware until recently that splitting could even be a problem with apples.

Rob, if you want a russet I would get Pomme Gris. It is bulletproof and very tasty. HGG is a different flavor profile and I personally like the Pomme Gris taste better.

Scott

I have experience with Red Free as owned by two other people. It is an early apple, and as early apple go, it is good. Health wise it is a strong tree. My current attitude is that you should be picking peaches in the summer, apples in the fall.