[Darth Reardon]

You asked about buying seeds, and this article is about saving seeds, but there is information on shelf life that you may find useful:

http://www.southernexposure.com/growing-guides/saving-seeds-home-use.pdf

There is a bunch of good stuff on that site if you poke around a little.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Darth
Several weeks ago, I read that the Israelis had developed apple varieties that didn't need a "lengthy chill period" , or freeze to set fruit.
I am unaware if they are available here in the States, yet.
I don't recall if they gave a varietal name, or not , but its offering hope for those who see no freezing temperatures.