{"title":"Best Berries for Pies","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 6 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for pies and baking. Scored on whether the slices hold their shape through the oven and whether the flavor survives the heat and the sugar.\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":"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":"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":"pixwell-gooseberry","title":"Pixwell Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eOne of our favorite cold climate shrubs for the fruit and ease of maintenance, Pixwell produces a medium sized gooseberry that is perfect for pies, jellies, and especially fresh of the shrub on a hot summer day. Pixwell has some tartness and when left on the shrub for longer, the berries turn slightly pink and generate a higher brix (more sugars) to balance the tartness. Can be planted in all parts of Montana. Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSelf-fertile but plant two different varieties for larger fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?action=edit\u0026amp;redlink=1\u0026amp;title=User%3AJonline\" target=\"\"\u003eJonline\u003c\/a\u003e through CC 2.0.\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":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42547513491522,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pixwell-gooseberry-on-bush.webp?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"serviceberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Serviceberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eA climate-adapted, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance tree, Serviceberry produces tasty berries while supporting native insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal for Montana Growers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis tree is a go-to for Montana growers, as it requires very little care and will thrive in every part of the state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardy and Resilient\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThese Serviceberries are 2-3 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Wikimedia User: Meggar.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535403651138,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/serviceberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"invicta-gooseberry","title":"Invicta Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvicta Gooseberry (often sold as Malling Invicta) is a European gooseberry selected for high productivity, large green fruit, and strong disease resistance—especially against powdery mildew. From the research available, it traces back to breeding work in England (East Malling), where it entered cultivation as part of modern gooseberry improvement efforts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom published germplasm and pomology references, Invicta is described as coming from East Malling breeding in England and is associated with a multi-parent background that includes classic gooseberry lines such as Resistenta, Whinham’s Industry, and Keepsake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvicta is known for very high yields of large fruit (which is large for a gooseberry!) and a flavor that works well both fresh and processed. We've had consistent crops every year in Missoula. It's excellent when fully ripe and the fruit come on around Mid-July here in Missoula. It also excels for pies, jams, sauces, and other cooked uses where gooseberries really shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an “absolute extreme winter low” figure for what Invicta has survived down to, the most explicit cultivar-specific claim we found repeatedly in nursery cultivar specs is that Invicta is hardy to about \u003cstrong\u003e−40°F\u003c\/strong\u003e, which corresponds to a solid \u003cstrong\u003eZone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e shrub in practical planning terms. That said, it may be even hardier than this, but we don't exactly know. Invicta will therefore work in most of Western Montana. As it goes for the Eastern part of the state, it is likely that Invicta would survive most areas, 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\u003eInvicta is vigorous and thorny, and it’s often recommended for training\/trellising and regular pruning to keep picking manageable and improve airflow. Its heavy bearing tendency and mildew resistance are big reasons it became so widely planted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShrubs are 6-18\"\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":"6-18\" 3rd Year Plants","offer_id":42547486720066,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/invicta-gooseberry-on-bush.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"success-serviceberry","title":"Success Serviceberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess serviceberry is a named cultivar of saskatoon or Western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), grown for its edible berries and multi-season landscape interest. Like other serviceberries, it has fragrant white flowers in spring, dark purplish fruit in summer, and attractive foliage in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess is a named selection of Amelanchier alnifolia, one of the earliest commercially marketed serviceberry cultivars. It has been identified in nursery inventories for many decades as a longstanding fruit cultivar of Western serviceberry, chosen for larger fruit size and quality compared with wild selections. Serviceberry itself is native to western and northern North America, with a natural range from Alaska across much of western Canada into the west and north-central United States. Success does not have formal published parentage and is understood as a named horticultural selection rather than a hybrid with documented parents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess produces dark purplish berries that are eaten fresh and used in jams, pies, syrups, and other culinary applications similar to blueberries or other small fruits. Serviceberry fruit are pomes that ripen in summer and are used wherever saskatoon or juneberry fruit are enjoyed, reflecting the common use of \u003cem\u003eAmelanchier\u003c\/em\u003e fruit by growers and foragers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a rounded, upright habit. The white flowers appear in spring, followed by fruit in early to mid-summer. Mature size varies by site and training, but it typically forms a shrub of several feet tall and wide under standard conditions for serviceberries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Success on its own roots. A practical spacing range is about 4–6 feet between plants, allowing room for mature shrub spread and good air movement. For dense plantings or hedgerows, closer spacing around 4 feet can encourage a continuous row, while slightly wider spacing up to 6 feet makes pruning and harvest easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess is considered self-fertile and can set fruit on its own, but, as with other serviceberry cultivars, fruit set and yields are typically improved when more than one genetically distinct Amelanchier is nearby, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/products\/serviceberry-bundle-of-5?variant=42535403651138\"\u003ewhich we have here.\u003c\/a\u003e You can plant those with Success, which is grown from cuttings and not from seed (unlike our wild serviceberry), and will cross pollenize better with each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a cultivar of \u003cem\u003eAmelanchier alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e, Success shares the species’ reputation for strong cold tolerance. Western serviceberries are commonly grown in northern continental climates and are generally considered suitable for Zone 3 and similar cold conditions, with winter survival dependent on site and acclimation. So they should easily be able to survive down to -40F, however, there is a decent chance they could survive in zone 2 if planted in a good spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServiceberries are among the earliest orchard-worthy edible shrubs to bloom in spring, providing important early nectar for pollinators. They also offer ornamental value with white spring flowers and colorful fall foliage. While generally low-maintenance compared with many tree fruits, serviceberries can experience diseases such as rusts or leaf spots in humid conditions; good airflow and pruning hygiene help minimize these issues. When ripe fruit are available, wildlife — birds and mammals — also use serviceberries as a food source.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42505020407874,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/success-serviceberry-fruit.jpg?v=1789021109"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-berries-for-pies.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}