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Variety fit — Alabama

Can I grow Cortland apple in Alabama?

The verdict

Not recommended

  • Your zone 8a is warmer than this variety's range (zones 4–7); it may not receive reliable winter chilling.

Based on Alabama’s main growing area (35045): zone 8a, ~811 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

The numbers

Cortland requirements vs. Alabama climate
Cortland chill requirement800 chill hours
Cortland hardinessUSDA zones 4–7
Alabama average chill (35045)811 hours (547–953 across 10 winters)
Alabama zone (35045)USDA zone 8a
USDA pomological watercolor of Cortland apple
Malus domestica: CortlandUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1930 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Better apple choices for Alabama

These meet Alabama’s chill hours and zone comfortably:

Keep checking

Or the same verdict for another region:

Questions

Can I grow Cortland apple in Alabama?
Probably not — Your zone 8a is warmer than this variety's range (zones 4–7); it may not receive reliable winter chilling.

Sources

  1. [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026