{"title":"Best Berries for Fresh Eating","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 12 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for eating out of hand. Scored on flavor, texture and how well the fruit holds its quality, drawing on published tastings, extension trials and the historical pomologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"anne-yellow-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Anne Yellow Raspberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis sunshine-colored raspberry is unlike any other. With hints of apricot and peach, these large, sweet, firm berries are perfect for tarts, jams, and salads—and they freeze well too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEverbearing \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAnne raspberries produce fruit their first year. They’re everbearing, meaning you’ll get a summer crop in July on their floricanes, followed by a second crop on their fall primocanes from September through frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Reliable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSelf-pollinating and cold hardy to Zone 3, Anne won’t let you down. We don’t yet have experience growing them in Zone 2, but if you’re in an area that sees -30°F to -40°F, give it a shot! One of our favorites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBig Plants with Big Roots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is the biggest size we’ve grown yet. These aren’t cell packs or tissue culture starts—they’re divisions from large mother plants, cut and then grown on their own for two years. The result? Very large root systems, ready to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472433123394,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/anne-yellow-raspberry-on-cane.webp?v=1789019154"},{"product_id":"black-velvey-gooseberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Black Velvet Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBlack Velvet is a hybrid of gooseberry and Worcesterberry, described as having medium, dark red, sweet, high-quality fruit with a superb, almost blueberry-like flavor. This is our first year growing it, so if you’re in a colder climate than Zone 4, we recommend sticking with other varieties for now, as we don’t have personal cold hardiness data yet for Montana. However, we suspect it should be hardy to at least Zone 4, given half of its gooseberry parentage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Age\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Black Velvet Gooseberries are the large grade and are currently in 1-gallon pots, but will be bare rooted for Spring 2027. They are 3 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide; New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars, which does not include this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42498924314690,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-velvet-gooseberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019220"},{"product_id":"captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Captivator Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSimilar to Hinnomaki Red in terms of their pretty red berries, Captivator is slightly more tart than Hinnomaki Red. We’ve noticed that they are “jammier” than Hinnomaki, in that when you eat the berries, it’s like eating a berry of jam. It has a nice, unique flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to -40°F or more, Captivator is perfect for cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, which prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Hampshire, where ‘Captivator’ is on the state’s approved rust-resistant cultivar list but still requires a permit from the Division of Forests \u0026amp; Lands before planting; Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships); and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434696258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/captivator-gooseberry-on-bush.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"cavendish-bundle-of-25-kcd3x","title":"Cavendish Strawberry (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCavendish has performed very well and overwintered successfully in Montana. One of the hardiest of strawberries, it has done particularly well in Cut Bank—one of the coldest, windiest, and driest places in Montana, where our family homesteaded (spending the first year in a sod house!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWinter Care Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhile these strawberries are quite hardy, it's still a good idea to mulch over them in the fall. Expect them to thrive in areas where other strawberries have difficulty overwintering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMedium to Large Berries with Great Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe berries are medium to large in size, offering a great sweet\/tart (more subacid) fruity flavor. Solid Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfect for Mid-Summer Harvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are great mid-summer strawberries. If you have the space, plant with \u003cstrong\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/strong\u003e for better pollination. While not absolutely required to get a yield, planting strawberries in pairs has been shown to increase production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434761794,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/cavendish-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"hinnomakired","title":"Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHinnomaki Red is an introduction from Finland with outstanding flavor and high yields—our favorite of all the gooseberries we’ve tried. The small to medium bushes are upright and seem to possess a fair degree of disease resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdaptability in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for all parts of Montana’s climate, Hinnomaki Red is similar to most gooseberries in that they take very little to maintain—one of the few plants where we can honestly say the only time we spend on them is harvesting the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese have withstood -35°F in Kalispell without showing any signs of damage and even blossomed the following year. They can likely tolerate temperatures much lower. Hardy to -40°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of darkone through CC 2.5.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide; New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars, which does not include this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42499224109122,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hinnomaki-red-gooseberry-fruit.webp?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"honeyberry-bundle-of-4","title":"Honeyberry (Bundle of 4)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince we tried a fresh Aurora Honeyberry during Montana State’s Western Ag. Research Center taste testing in July of 2019, we knew we had to grow it. Aurora consistently produces large berries, is easy to harvest, and demonstrates excellent flavor. Aurora is hardy to below -50°F. That said, a friend grows them in the Yukon, where temperatures dip below -65°F! He’s not so sure of the variety, but the point is, they’re tough and very well may grow in such extremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur pollenizer for the Aurora is Tundra, which we have found to be extremely reliable. The flavor is almost as good as Aurora, although the berry size is slightly smaller and the berries are a hint more tart. They are however, precocious and hardy. Easily hardy to at least -50F, which we must depend on in cold climates if we want Aurora to survive and do well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBundle \u0026amp; Planting Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries come in a bundle of 4, 3 Aurora and 1 pollenizer, Tundra. They must be planted together for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries are currently our larger grade and going on their fourth year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3 Year Old Larger Grade: 3 Aurora and 1 Tundra","offer_id":42611829145666,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeyberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"huckleberry-bundle-of-3-ggy79","title":"Huckleberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"98\" data-start=\"84\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"487\" data-start=\"99\"\u003eWe’ve been growing huckleberries for several years now, and while there are a few things to keep in mind, they can thrive outside of their native habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"489\"\u003eKey Growing Tips for Huckleberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"530\"\u003eFirstly, like their blueberry cousins, huckleberries do not like alkaline soil. Secondly, they have mycelium (soil fungi) dependencies, and when these needs are not met, they suffer. They also do not like direct sunlight, so it's important to amend the soil with some forest duff where huckleberries thrive (see the photo where there is moss, etc., in the pot we grow them in). Periodically adding elemental sulfur and ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight will also help them flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1048\" data-start=\"1028\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"1136\" data-start=\"1049\"\u003eHardy to Zone 3 (-40°F or more), huckleberries can handle some of the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499234922562,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/huckleberry-fruit-and-leaves.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"jeanne-gooseberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Jeanne Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeanne is a late-ripening, dark red dessert gooseberry with an unknown European pedigree. The genotype has been observed for 24 years at the USDA National Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon. Its origin prior to Corvallis is undocumented. Jeanne was named in honor of the late Ms. Cheryl Jeanne Gunning, who worked in the tissue culture laboratory of the NCGR from 1981 to 1985.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh Yield \u0026amp; Organic-Friendly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe yield from ‘Jeanne’ is higher than many other gooseberry plants. When the USDA released it in 2005, they noted, \"We expect that this cultivar will be good for organic production because of its pest resistance and very good fruit quality.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to sub -40°F temperatures, Jeanne is a great choice for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Jeanne Gooseberry plants have a nice root system (lots of fine root hairs) and are, on average, 1-2 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide; New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars, which does not include this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437448770,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jeanne-gooseberry-on-bush.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"jahns-prairie-gooseberry","title":"Jahn's Prairie Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNOTE: One of our newer gooseberries so this information is all second hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJahn’s Prairie Gooseberry is a cold-climate gooseberry selection collected from the wild in Alberta, Canada (often attributed to Otto L. Jahn). It’s widely described as a vigorous, upright, high-yielding plant with very good disease resistance, making it a dependable choice for growers who want a tough, productive gooseberry without fuss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJahn’s Prairie produces large, reddish-pink to dark pink berries with a sweet-tart flavor. From what is commonly reported, it’s good fresh when fully ripe and especially well suited for pies, jams, sauces, and other preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are generally described as compact to moderately sized, often around 2–4 feet tall and about as wide, with an upright habit compared to many gooseberries. A practical spacing is about 3–4 feet between plants (wider if you want easier picking access and airflow). Thorns are present, so spacing that allows you to work around the shrub comfortably is worthwhile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross multiple nursery and grower references, the most specific and repeatedly stated mid-winter minimum is that Jahn’s Prairie (and gooseberries generally) are hardy to about −40°F. This aligns with consistent Zone 3 placement. In other words, based on the most explicit claims available online, −40°F is the best-supported “survive down to” figure for mid-winter extremes. That said, it may be even hardier than this, but we don't exactly know. Jahn's Prairie will therefore work in most of Western Montana. As it goes for the Eastern part of the state, it is likely that Jahn's Prairie would survive most areas (certainly near Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys), but still plant in areas free of frost pooling (up on a bench and certainly out of depressions or lower elevation sites on your property).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJahn’s Prairie is frequently highlighted for strong no-spray viability, good mildew resistance, and reliable annual crops. It also tolerates partial shade better than many fruiting shrubs, though best yields still come with good light and decent airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrubs are currently 1-2 ft. tall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, which prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Hampshire, where ‘Jahns Prairie’ is on the state’s approved rust-resistant cultivar list but still requires a permit from the Division of Forests \u0026amp; Lands before planting; Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships); and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547487637570,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jahns-prairie-gooseberry-on-bush.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"sophia-groundcover-raspberry","title":"Sophia Groundcover Raspberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia groundcover raspberry is a low-growing, spreading arctic raspberry hybrid grown as an edible groundcover. Unlike traditional raspberries that produce tall canes, this plant forms a dense creeping mat of foliage while producing fragrant flowers and small edible berries. It is valued for ornamental use, extreme cold tolerance, and aromatic fruit, and is commonly used in edible landscapes, orchard understories, and groundcover plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a thornless, herbaceous bramble that remains very low to the ground, typically reaching about 3–5 inches tall at peak growth, and spreads by rhizomes to form a continuous mat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia is a cultivated arctic raspberry hybrid developed in Sweden through breeding work at the Balsgård Fruit Breeding Institute. It was selected by Swedish breeder Dr. Gunny Larsson as part of efforts to improve vigor, fruit quality, productivity, and winter hardiness compared to wild arctic raspberry plants. Sophia was reportedly one of her preferred selections for flavor, plant vigor, fruit quality, and cold tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant belongs to a group of arctic raspberry hybrids derived from Rubus arcticus and related breeding material commonly referred to as Rubus × stellarcticus. Cultivars such as Sophia, Beta, Anna, and Valentina emerged from this breeding work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild arctic raspberry is native to northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and northern North America, where it evolved under extremely cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia produces small red aggregate berries with strong aroma and a sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is smaller than commercial raspberries and is typically produced in modest quantities, but it is valued for its concentrated fragrance and distinctive taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries can be eaten fresh and used in preserves, desserts, and flavoring applications. Fruit typically ripens in mid-summer following spring flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our observation, the berries are small and somewhat similar in size and texture to a blackberry, with a pleasant sweet-tart balance. We tried them for the first time during summer 2023. They berries were ripe in Missoula around July 10th, and stay on the plant ready to eat for several weeks thereafter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia is a low-growing perennial bramble that spreads by underground rhizomes and forms a dense groundcover. Plants typically reach about 3–5 inches tall and gradually expand outward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt produces trifoliate leaves and pink to lavender-pink flowers in late spring followed by summer fruit. Unlike standard raspberries, it does not produce tall canes or thorns. Foliage may develop red coloration in fall in colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are typically spaced about 12–24 inches apart depending on how quickly groundcover establishment is desired. Closer spacing results in faster coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia is not reliably self-fertile and produces best when planted with another compatible arctic raspberry cultivar for cross-pollination. Flowers are insect-pollinated, primarily by bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArctic raspberry hybrids are extremely cold tolerant. Sophia has been reported in breeding and nursery records as capable of surviving temperatures below −55°F and is considered suitable for extremely cold climates, including zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSophia combines ornamental and edible qualities, producing attractive flowers, dense groundcover growth, and aromatic fruit. It performs best in cool climates with well-drained soils and consistent moisture and is typically grown more for flavor quality and groundcover function than for large harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42482856689730,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sophia-groundcover-raspberry-fruit.jpg?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"cold-climate-blueberry-bundle-bundle-of-3","title":"Cold Climate Blueberry Bundle (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBundle Composition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 'Cold Climate Blueberry Bundles' consist of 2 Chippewa and 1 other pollenizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollenizer Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pollenizer is a mix of either Polaris, St. Cloud, or Brunswick. Chippewa, Polaris and St. Cloud are all half-high (roughly chest height), as they are a cross between low-bush and highbush. The Brunswick is slightly smaller but only because this is a lowbush blueberry, and won't achieve the same height as the half-high blueberries, but also serves as a great pollenizer for the Chippewa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of hardiness, these blueberries are all hardy to -40F, and should be good for the warmer valleys in Western Montana (and eastern Montana such as valley near Billings), as well as areas that are up and out of the frost. Curious if these can survive -45F or more but they very well may. However, we are being a little cautious without knowing for sure. These are zone 3 blueberries and would be experimental in zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAge \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are all going on their fourth year, are very well rooted, and will potentially bear the year of planting or the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Large Size: 1 Polaris 1 St. Cloud and 1 Chippewa","offer_id":43081162817602,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chippewa-blueberry-fruit.jpg?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"pink-champagne-currant-bundle-of-3","title":"Pink Champagne Currant (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Champagne is a pink-fruited red currant grown for translucent, sweet-tart clusters that are excellent for fresh eating and preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s typically presented in the nursery trade as a named cultivar selection. Detailed breeding pedigree is not consistently published in higher-quality primary sources, so it’s best treated as a cultivar of red currant rather than a documented cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh eating when fully ripe, jelly, jam, syrups, baking, and desserts. Tried it for the first time at Dan Getman's orchard off of Flathead Lake. One of the sweetest of all currants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact shrub commonly around the 3–5 ft class. Space about 4–5 ft apart for easy picking and airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally self-fertile. A second currant can increase yield, but it’s not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommonly listed around Zone 3–7. Zone 3 corresponds roughly to −40°F to −30°F on the USDA scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eCurrants and gooseberries (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide; New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars, which does not include this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547390447682,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pink-champagne-currant-fruit.jpg?v=1789020828"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-berries-for-fresh-eating.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}