{"title":"Disease Resistance","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe plants we sell that resist at least one of the diseases that give their kind the most trouble, like apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, powdery mildew, black knot and white pine blister rust. Resistant isn't immune, but it means less spraying, less cleanup and a plant that keeps going through a wet year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore about disease resistance\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMontana is dry and we don't see much disease here. Healthy soil and a living soil food web do most of the work, and a lot of disease is a sign something else is off. Genetics still matter though, especially if you garden somewhere wetter than we do. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/disease-resistance\"\u003edisease resistance charts\u003c\/a\u003e break it down plant by plant, and the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/disease-resistance-research\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e has the university sources behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor apples, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liberty-apple\"\u003eLiberty\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/williams-pride-apple\"\u003eWilliam's Pride\u003c\/a\u003e resist all four of the big ones: scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust and powdery mildew. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/claygate-pearmain-apple\"\u003eClaygate Pearmain\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-easygro-apple\"\u003eNova Easygro\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/st-edmunds-pippin-apple\"\u003eSt. Edmund's Pippin\u003c\/a\u003e resist scab, cedar-apple rust and mildew, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford\u003c\/a\u003e resists scab, cedar-apple rust and fire blight. If you're in a really cold spot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e is hardy to zone 1b and resists fire blight, scab and mildew, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eCentennial\u003c\/a\u003e applecrabs are hardy to zone 2 and both resist fire blight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFire blight is the one that kills pear trees, so it's worth planting around. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harrow-sweet-pear\"\u003eHarrow Sweet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeysweet-pear\"\u003eHoneysweet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp\u003c\/a\u003e all resist it. For stone fruit, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/risingstar-peach\"\u003eRisingstar\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar\u003c\/a\u003e peaches resist bacterial spot and brown rot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e plum resists bacterial spot and black knot, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvan's Bali\u003c\/a\u003e tart cherry resists black knot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the berry patch, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e raspberry resists anthracnose, root rot, rust and spur blight. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/titania-black-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eTitania\u003c\/a\u003e black currant and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/jeanne-gooseberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eJeanne\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/jahns-prairie-gooseberry\"\u003eJahn's Prairie\u003c\/a\u003e gooseberries resist anthracnose, blister rust and powdery mildew. For grapes, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sabrevois-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSabrevois\u003c\/a\u003e resists black rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eItasca\u003c\/a\u003e resists both mildews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat apple trees are resistant to fire blight?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty, William's Pride and Black Oxford apples, Dolgo crabapple and Chestnut and Centennial applecrabs all resist fire blight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the most disease resistant apple for a cold climate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDolgo crabapple is hardy to zone 1b and resists fire blight, scab and powdery mildew. For a full size eating apple, William's Pride resists all four of the big apple diseases and is hardy to zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes disease resistant mean a plant won't get sick?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It means the plant holds up a lot better than most when that disease shows up. Good soil, airflow and siting still matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"alexander-apple","title":"Alexander Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mft-layout{--mft-line:#d9d5cc;--mft-soft:#e8e4dc}\n.mft-layout h3,.mft-layout h4{text-transform:none;letter-spacing:normal}\n.mft-layout .mft-facts{border:1px solid var(--mft-line);border-radius:12px;padding:1.5rem 1.75rem .5rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-facts\u003ep{margin:0 0 1.1rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-facts table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0;border:0}\n.mft-layout .mft-facts th,.mft-layout .mft-facts td{border:0;border-top:1px solid var(--mft-soft);padding:.85rem 0;vertical-align:top;text-align:left;background:none}\n.mft-layout .mft-facts th{width:9rem;padding-right:1.1rem;font-weight:700}\n.mft-layout .mft-story{margin-top:3.5rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-sec{padding:2.25rem 0;border-top:1px solid var(--mft-line)}\n.mft-layout .mft-sec:first-child{padding-top:0;border-top:0}\n.mft-layout .mft-sec:last-child{padding-bottom:0}\n.mft-layout .mft-sec h3{font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.25;font-weight:500;margin:0 0 .75rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-sec\u003e:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.mft-layout .mft-faq{margin-top:3rem;border:1px solid var(--mft-line);border-radius:12px;padding:1.5rem 1.75rem .25rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-faq\u003eh3{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.25;font-weight:500;margin:0 0 1rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-q{border-top:1px solid var(--mft-soft)}\n.mft-layout .mft-q\u003esummary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:1rem;min-height:44px;padding:1rem .25rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-q\u003esummary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.mft-layout .mft-q\u003esummary h4{margin:0;font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.4;font-weight:700}\n.mft-layout .mft-q\u003esummary::after{content:\"\";flex:none;width:18px;height:18px;background:linear-gradient(currentColor,currentColor) center\/100% 1.5px no-repeat,linear-gradient(currentColor,currentColor) center\/1.5px 100% no-repeat;transition:transform .2s}\n.mft-layout .mft-q[open]\u003esummary::after{transform:rotate(45deg)}\n.mft-layout .mft-q\u003esummary:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #4a5f37;outline-offset:2px}\n.mft-layout .mft-a{padding:0 2.5rem 1rem .25rem}\n.mft-layout .mft-a p{margin:0}\n@media (max-width:600px){.mft-layout .mft-facts,.mft-layout .mft-faq{padding-left:1rem;padding-right:1rem}.mft-layout .mft-facts th{width:6.5rem}.mft-layout .mft-a{padding-right:.25rem}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-layout\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alexander Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 27 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#alexander-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cortland\"\u003eCortland Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 27 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Spy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-story\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mft-sec\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Origins of ‘Alexander’\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alexander’ likely originated in Ukraine sometime during the 1700s, where it was thought to have been known as Aporta. The name Alexander was later attributed to the apple in honor of Russia's Emperor Alexander I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mft-sec\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eArrival in America\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early 1800s, as pioneers migrated to the colder, harsher regions of the western United States, many European cultivars and their American seedlings struggled to survive the extreme winters of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern New England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecognizing the need for more cold-hardy varieties, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society partnered with the London Horticultural Society to import four Russian cultivars:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Tetovsky'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Red Astrachan'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Duchess of Oldenburg'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Alexander'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese varieties have since spread across Montana. While 'Alexander' is found in lower numbers than 'Duchess', it can still be spotted from the Bitterroot and Flathead areas to valleys throughout Eastern Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1906, the Montana State Board of Horticulture declared that ‘Alexander’ was a cultivar “successful in nearly every part of Montana.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mft-sec\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Usage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alexander’ is a large dessert apple and tastes great fresh off the tree. However, it does not store well and tends to become mealy quickly, making it better suited for sauce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe apples produce a rich, lemony-flavored applesauce that’s both intense and pleasantly tangy. Though not widely known for it, ‘Alexander’ also has the potential to make a great cider—something we have yet to try ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mft-sec\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate ‘Alexander’ hardy to -40°F. Some reports have it surviving down to -50°F, but we're conservatively listing it at -40°F until we get more winter survival data from really cold areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Alexander Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\" open\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes Alexander Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Alexander Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Alexander Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe rate Alexander Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Alexander Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#alexander-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Alexander Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 27 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Alexander Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe graft Alexander Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Spy 227.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Alexander Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Alexander Apple are sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs Alexander Apple disease resistant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor some diseases, yes. It's resistant to apple scab and powdery mildew. It's very prone to fire blight. Nobody has published solid data on it for cedar-apple rust yet, so we list that as unknown. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-disease-resistance-chart#alexander-apple\"\u003eapple disease resistance chart\u003c\/a\u003e has every rating, the notes and the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"mft-q\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Alexander Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"mft-a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Alexander Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42498751430722,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124728586306,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/alexander-apple-fruit.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"annapolis-strawberry-bundle-of-25","title":"Annapolis Strawberry (Bundle of 25) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annapolis Strawberry is a strawberry plant rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jun 11 to Jun 23 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (450 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#annapolis-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Strawberries set fruit on their own; a second variety is optional. Annapolis pairs naturally with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ac-wendy-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eAC Wendy\u003c\/a\u003e. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#strawberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jun 11 to Jun 23 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAnnapolis strawberry has attractive, light-colored, high-quality berries that maintain their large size through several pickings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eVigorous and Reliable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA vigorous and winter-hardy variety, Annapolis offers consistent performance year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIt also shows resistance to red stele and is hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Annapolis Strawberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Annapolis Strawberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Annapolis Strawberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Strawberries set fruit on their own; a second variety is optional. Annapolis pairs naturally with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ac-wendy-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eAC Wendy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Annapolis Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Annapolis Strawberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Annapolis Strawberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. A northern June-bearer that expects a full winter. Too little cold means weak plants and fewer runners. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#annapolis-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Annapolis Strawberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jun 11 to Jun 23 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Annapolis Strawberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Annapolis Strawberry are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Annapolis Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Annapolis Strawberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Annapolis Strawberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472433090626,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/annapolis-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"anne-yellow-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Anne Yellow Raspberry (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Anne Yellow Raspberry is a raspberry plant rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (300 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#anne-yellow-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 7 of 7 (very late), late spring to early summer here. Anne sets fruit on its own. It blooms in late summer on new canes, after the summer raspberries have finished. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/raspberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eRaspberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Anne Yellow Raspberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Anne Yellow Raspberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Anne Yellow Raspberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Anne sets fruit on its own. It blooms in late summer on new canes, after the summer raspberries have finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Anne Yellow Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Anne Yellow Raspberry hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Anne Yellow Raspberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 300 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. The fall crop on new canes needs little winter chill. The early summer crop on overwintered canes needs a full northern winter. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#anne-yellow-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Anne Yellow Raspberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Anne Yellow Raspberry are fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Anne Yellow Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Anne Yellow Raspberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Anne Yellow Raspberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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":"arkansas-black","title":"Arkansas Black Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arkansas Black Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our trees came through -38°F in Corvallis, Montana in January 2024. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (500 to 800). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#arkansas-black\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. Some sources call it a triploid, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree until that's settled. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 71 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter storage (9\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), hard cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eArkansas Black: A Striking, Hardy Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eArkansas Black produces a medium-sized fruit with dark red skin, so dark it’s nearly black. The flesh is firm, white, juicy, and crisp, offering a well-balanced, pleasant flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating and also makes great juice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStorage and Shelf Life\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eArkansas Black is a heavy-bearing, vigorous tree and a solid zone 3 for us. The apples are known for their excellent storage capabilities. In our experience, the apples retained their firmness 3–4 months after harvest, though they did lose some tartness over time. Despite that, they remained fairly sweet and very edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAnother strong point for Arkansas Black is its resistance to cedar-apple rust, along with some resistance to scab and fireblight, a big plus for growers in areas prone to these common apple diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArkansas Black is a solid zone 3 for us, and here is why. Our trees at Canyon View Nursery in Corvallis, Montana came through -38°F the night of January 12, 2024, when an arctic air mass poured south out of Canada into the Bitterroot. That kind of cold is the hardest test a tree gets. It moves in as a whole air mass on the wind, so there is no layer of warmer air overhead and slope and air drainage can't spare a tree the way they do on a still, clear night. Coming through that is why we moved it from 3b to a full zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWe have grafted this onto B118 for Spring 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eNote: Arkansas Black is not recommended for planting in Eastern Montana, Alaska, or any region where winter temperatures regularly drop below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Arkansas black apple” by Calstanhope, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Arkansas_black_apple.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Starr-160103-3379-Malus pumila-Arkansas Black fruit-Piiholo-Maui (26673327260)” by Forest and Kim Starr, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr-160103-3379-Malus_pumila-Arkansas_Black_fruit-Piiholo-Maui_(26673327260).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/us\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0 us\u003c\/a\u003e; “Starr-160103-3382-Malus pumila-Arkansas Black fruit with bite-Piiholo-Maui (26946830615)” by Forest and Kim Starr, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr-160103-3382-Malus_pumila-Arkansas_Black_fruit_with_bite-Piiholo-Maui_(26946830615).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/us\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0 us\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Arkansas Black Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Arkansas Black Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Arkansas Black Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. Some sources call it a triploid, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree until that's settled. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Arkansas Black Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Arkansas Black Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our own trees came through -38°F in Corvallis, Montana in January 2024. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Arkansas Black Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 800. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Listed at 500 to 600 chill hours, low for an apple, so it also suits milder winters. Montana winters cover it easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#arkansas-black\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Arkansas Black Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Arkansas Black Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Arkansas Black Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Arkansas Black Apple are winter storage (9\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Arkansas Black Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Arkansas Black Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Arkansas Black Apple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45124758929474,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45124758962242,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/arkansas-black-apple.jpg?v=1791615010"},{"product_id":"black-gold-cherry-1","title":"Black Gold Sweet Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Gold Sweet Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late for a sweet cherry), and it ripens about Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -33°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), mid spring here. Black Gold is self-fertile and will crop on its own. Because it blooms late, it is the best pollenizer in our lineup for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e, which also blooms late and needs a partner. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldcherry-4aefh\"\u003eGold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sweet-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eSweet Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMazzard: full size, about 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Slow to bear, often 5 to 6 years. Mahaleb: full size, about 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Loves dry, well-drained soil. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Regular Grade or 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026amp; More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBlack Gold is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries, having survived temperatures as low as -33°F. We used to rank Black Gold third in cold hardiness amongst sweet cherries, only behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, but we've found that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lapins-cherry\"\u003eLapins\u003c\/a\u003e actually surpasses Black Gold and White Gold in terms of winter survival. Still Black Gold has fared well in the cold compared to many other varieties of sweet cherries we've grown in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile and Ideal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis cherry variety delivers a distinct sweet cherry flavor with notes of honey and a delightful splash of tanginess. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adds a delicious topping to ice cream. Black Gold typically ripens in July, making it a great summer treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBlack Gold is a self-fertile variety, meaning it doesn’t require another cherry tree for pollination. However, it is also an excellent pollenizer for other sweet cherry varieties, earning the reputation of being a \"universal\" pollenizer. Its bloom time overlaps with many other sweet cherries, making it a valuable addition to any orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLate Blooming and Cold Climate Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the key advantages of Black Gold is its late blooming nature. This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts that can damage early-blooming varieties, making it ideal for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe fruit of Black Gold shows resistance to cracking, and the tree itself exhibits significant tolerance to canker, a common issue in cherry orchards. This makes Black Gold a must-have for anyone planting a Montana sweet cherry orchard. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4a\/3b in protected sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrafting Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Black Gold cherries are grafted onto two full-size rootstocks, Mazzard and Mahaleb. Both come in a regular grade and a larger, more branched grade (all 5-7 ft. and pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Hans Braxmeier under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Black Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Black Gold Sweet Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Black Gold Sweet Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Black Gold is self-fertile and will crop on its own. Because it blooms late, it is the best pollenizer in our lineup for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e, which also blooms late and needs a partner. Partners we carry include Gold Sweet Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Black Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Black Gold Sweet Cherry hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -33°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Black Gold Sweet Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Late bloom is Black Gold's big advantage in frosty valleys. Its chill need is moderate and easily met in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Black Gold Sweet Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Black Gold Sweet Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Black Gold Sweet Cherry onto Mazzard (full size), which makes a tree roughly 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Mahaleb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Black Gold Sweet Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Black Gold Sweet Cherry are fresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Black Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Black Gold Sweet Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082314818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082347586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004767810,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004800578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019220"},{"product_id":"black-velvet-gooseberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Black Velvet Gooseberry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Velvet Gooseberry is a gooseberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (700 to 2,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-velvet-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Black Velvet sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 1-2 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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 we don’t have our own cold hardiness data for Montana yet, and the zone 3 rating above comes from other growers’ reports.\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Black Velvet Gooseberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Black Velvet Gooseberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Black Velvet Gooseberry is self-fertile, so a single plant can set fruit. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Black Velvet Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Black Velvet Gooseberry at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. We're still new to it, so that rating comes from other growers' reports rather than our own winters. We'll adjust it as our own plants go through more Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Black Velvet Gooseberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 2,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-velvet-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Black Velvet Gooseberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Black Velvet Gooseberry are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Black Velvet Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Black Velvet Gooseberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Black Velvet Gooseberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo dormant bare-root plants, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 1-2 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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":"black-walnut-bundle-of-3","title":"Black Walnut (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Walnut is a walnut tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), wind-pollinated with staggered male and female bloom, so plant two different trees, and it ripens about Sep 19 to Oct 7 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEastern black walnut (Juglans nigra)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,100 hours (900 to 1,500). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-walnut-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeterodichogamous - Plant Two Different Trees. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring to early summer here. Black walnut is wind-pollinated and a single tree often sheds pollen when its own female flowers are not ready, so plant all three seedlings together (a bundle usually includes both flowering types). Butternut, heartnut and buartnut can also cross with it where bloom overlaps, but English walnut usually blooms at a different time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rhodes-heartnut-seedling\"\u003eRhodes Heartnut Seedling (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buartblack-walnut-bundle-of-2\"\u003eBuartblack Walnut (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/purvis-english-walnut-seedling\"\u003ePurvis English Walnut Seedling (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/purvis-hardy-english-walnut-bundle-of-3\"\u003ePurvis Hardy English Walnut (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/walnut-heartnut-pollination-chart\"\u003eWalnut \u0026amp; Heartnut Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 19 to Oct 7 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWood (9\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), winter storage (6\/10), edible nuts (6\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough these nuts may be a challenge to crack, with the right tools the reward presents itself, a sweet nut that has been a staple food for North American peoples for millennia. Snack on the nutritious walnuts out of hand, add them to soups and stews, or grind them into meal for baking. The hard shells provide a perfect package for storing the nuts over winter. Also makes for some of the finest and sought after wood for next generations. Massive carbon storing potential. Hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeedlings Offered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese black walnut seedlings from unnamed parents. The tree grows 40-65 feet and bears fruit in late September here in Western MT. Black walnuts in this bundle will all pollenize themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrees are 3-5 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCheck out in the last photo the Black Walnut Ice Cream that the former Missoula Sentinel Creamery had advertised 100 years ago in the Missoula Sentinel newspaper dated April 30,1926.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Black Walnut - Flickr - treegrow” by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Black_Walnut_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “2024-10-10 14 27 40 Black Walnut tree in autumn within Ann M. Banchoff Park in the Mountainview section of Ewing Township, Mercer County, New Jersey” by Famartin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:2024-10-10_14_27_40_Black_Walnut_tree_in_autumn_within_Ann_M._Banchoff_Park_in_the_Mountainview_section_of_Ewing_Township,_Mercer_County,_New_Jersey.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Juglans nigra BW 2024-04-07 16-21-35” by Berthold Werner, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Juglans_nigra_BW_2024-04-07_16-21-35.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Cylburn Arboretum Black Walnut June 2024” by Marty Aligata, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cylburn_Arboretum_Black_Walnut_June_2024.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Black Walnut fruit, Omaha, Nebraska” by Patrickriday, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Black_Walnut_fruit,_Omaha,_Nebraska.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Black Walnut\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Black Walnut?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Black Walnut hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Black Walnut need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,100 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 900 and 1,500. That comes from published figures for this variety. Black walnut needs a lot of chill (about 1,100 hours) and leafs out late. A slow spring start is normal, not a dead tree. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-walnut-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Black Walnut ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 19 to Oct 7 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Black Walnut good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Black Walnut are wood (9\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), winter storage (6\/10), edible nuts (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Black Walnut?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Black Walnut with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Black Walnut ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42498926411842,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-walnuts-on-branch.jpg?v=1791615037"},{"product_id":"boyne-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Boyne Raspberry (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boyne Raspberry is a raspberry plant rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (600 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#boyne-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring to early summer here. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough. Bloom timing does not limit pairing for raspberries. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/raspberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eRaspberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eBoyne is another excellent Zone 2 raspberry. We’ve seen it growing here in Montana in places where very few other raspberries would survive. Boyne, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/polana-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003ePolana\u003c\/a\u003e are the most cold-hardy varieties we know of—not only surviving in places like Cut Bank (one of the harshest climates in the state, and also where some of our family homesteaded!), but also producing superb flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWinter Tip for Extreme Cold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOne thing we recommend for anyone who might see sub -40°F temps in the winter: lie the canes down on the ground and mulch over them. Just know that you’ll definitely need to give them a support structure come spring—after spending the whole winter under mulch, they’ll have a hard time standing up on their own. But that extra layer of protection can make all the difference if you’re unsure how cold it’s going to get. Sometimes, in the coldest parts of the state, we’ll go years without seeing -50°F—and then the polar vortex dips south, and boom, severe frost!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e2027 Plant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur 2027 Boyne raspberry plants are large, well-established raspberries with extensive root systems—ready to thrive in tough conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Boyne itself. Photos of Boyne are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “004 2018 06 14 Obst” by Friedrich Haag, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:004_2018_06_14_Obst.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Boyne Raspberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Boyne Raspberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Boyne Raspberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough. Bloom timing does not limit pairing for raspberries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Boyne Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Boyne Raspberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Boyne Raspberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Boyne needs roughly 600 to 800 chill hours. Prairie and Montana winters supply that easily; cane hardiness matters more. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#boyne-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Boyne Raspberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Boyne Raspberry are jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Boyne Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Boyne Raspberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Boyne Raspberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434499650,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-raspberry-on-cane-representative.jpg?v=1791615309"},{"product_id":"brandywine-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Brandywine Purple Raspberry (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brandywine Purple Raspberry is a raspberry plant rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (650 to 1,500). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#brandywine-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring to early summer here. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/raspberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eRaspberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), wine (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrandywine is a true purple raspberry—a rare hybrid between red and black raspberries—and it really stands out for its flavor and color. While it might not be on every gardener’s radar, those who grow it tend to become loyal fans, especially if they’re into making jam, jelly, or homemade wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe berries are large, soft, and packed with tart, full flavor. When baked into pies or cakes, that deep purple color fades to a bright red, making it just as beautiful in the kitchen as it is on the vine. Brandywine also has a reputation among home brewers and fermenters for its excellent performance in fruit wines and liqueurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowing Tips and Considerations\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the nice things about Brandywine is that it doesn’t take over your garden the way some raspberries can. It tends to stay put once planted, which makes maintenance a bit easier. The canes do have thorns, but they’re more widely spaced and larger than those on most red raspberries, so pruning and picking aren’t too much of a hassle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt’s a tough and adaptable plant, generally insect resistant and reliable in a range of climates. It grows best in Zones 4–8, though if you’re in Zone 3, you might see a little winter dieback—something to keep in mind if you’re gardening in colder parts of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBerry Texture: Soft and juicy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFlavor: Tart, complex, and full\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest Uses: Fresh eating, jam, baking, wine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardiness: Zones 4–8 (possibly Zone 3 with protection)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Upright, with moderate spread\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Brandywine Purple Raspberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Brandywine Purple Raspberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Brandywine Purple Raspberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Brandywine Purple Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Brandywine Purple Raspberry hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Brandywine Purple Raspberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 650 and 1,500. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Needs a solid winter for its crop on overwintered canes. In Montana, cold isn't the issue; cane hardiness is. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#brandywine-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Brandywine Purple Raspberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Brandywine Purple Raspberry are jams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), wine (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Brandywine Purple Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Brandywine Purple Raspberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Brandywine Purple Raspberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434532418,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/brandywine-purple-raspberry-fruit.webp?v=1790181391"},{"product_id":"captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Captivator Gooseberry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captivator Gooseberry is a gooseberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jul 9 to Jul 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 2,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Captivator sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 9 to Jul 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hinnomakired\"\u003eHinnomaki Red\u003c\/a\u003e 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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “PI 556051 'Captivator' (Ribes uva-crispa), fruit photo rib0137.001.captivator.fruit1.2007” by USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon (GRIN-Global), via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1451023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUSDA GRIN\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “PI 556051 'Captivator' (Ribes uva-crispa), fruit photo rib0137.001.captivator.fruit2.2007” by USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon (GRIN-Global), via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1451023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUSDA GRIN\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Captivator Gooseberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Captivator Gooseberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Captivator Gooseberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Captivator sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Captivator Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Captivator Gooseberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Captivator Gooseberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 2,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Captivator Gooseberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 9 to Jul 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Captivator Gooseberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Captivator Gooseberry are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Captivator Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Captivator Gooseberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Captivator Gooseberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\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-gooseberries-on-bush.jpg?v=1791615286"},{"product_id":"carroll-apple","title":"Carroll Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carroll Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 18 to Aug 30 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#carroll-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 18 to Aug 30 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), drying (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll Apple: Hardy, Early, and Packed with Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe were introduced to Carroll by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016 and were instantly impressed. This apple is a delicious fresh-eating variety, ripening in the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys in late August, making it a fairly early-season apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt has a spicy-tangy sweetness that stands out and makes it a favorite for snacking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins and Breeding Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll was developed at the Morden Research Breeding Station in Manitoba, Canada and is known for its exceptional cold hardiness, surviving temperatures down to -50°F or colder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIts Melba parent (a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mcintosh-apple-seedling-open-pollination\"\u003eMcIntosh seedling\u003c\/a\u003e) contributes the dominant white flesh gene commonly found in McIntosh derivatives. The real game-changer for hardiness, however, comes from its other parent—Moscow Pear Apple—which likely boosts its survivability well beyond McIntosh’s typical -40°F threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll produces large apples, typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter, with a distinctive flavor profile that combines spicy, tangy, and sweet notes—making it an excellent choice for fresh eating. Though we primarily enjoy it right off the tree, it’s also reported to perform well in pies and sauces, offering rich flavor complexity when cooked. One notable trait of Carroll is that it’s among the first apple varieties to defoliate in the fall, often signaling the seasonal shift before others. According to Roger Joy, “The canopy is vigorous and rounded, with lateral branches originating from wide angles, capable of supporting heavy crops of this wonderful fruit.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarroll is a solid Zone 3 apple, making it ideal for growers in extremely cold regions. All of our Carroll trees are grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock, one of the hardiest rootstocks available, known for thriving in climates that dip below -50F or more, as well as Bud 118 (Hardy to about -45 to -50F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Carroll Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Carroll Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Carroll Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Carroll Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Carroll Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Carroll Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#carroll-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Carroll Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 18 to Aug 30 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Carroll Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Carroll Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Carroll Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Carroll Apple are fresh eating (8\/10), drying (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Carroll Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Carroll Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 3-5 ft","offer_id":45125056823362,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125056856130,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 5-7 ft (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056888898,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056921666,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/carroll-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25","title":"Cavendish Strawberry (Bundle of 25) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cavendish Strawberry is a strawberry plant rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jun 16 to Jul 1 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (450 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Cavendish flowers just after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e, so the two overlap well if you plant both. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#strawberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jun 16 to Jul 1 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Cavendish Strawberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Cavendish Strawberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Cavendish Strawberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Cavendish flowers just after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e, so the two overlap well if you plant both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Cavendish Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Cavendish Strawberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Cavendish Strawberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Bred for Nova Scotia winters, so cold isn't a problem up north. In mild-winter areas expect weaker runnering. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Cavendish Strawberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jun 16 to Jul 1 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Cavendish Strawberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Cavendish Strawberry are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Cavendish Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Cavendish Strawberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Cavendish Strawberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":"centennial-apple-crab","title":"Centennial Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Centennial Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 750 hours (500 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#centennial-apple-crab\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), hard cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIntroduced in 1957 by the University of Minnesota, Centennial is closely related to the beloved \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e. While Kerr is a cross of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e x \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e, Centennial is the result of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wealthy-apple\"\u003eWealthy\u003c\/a\u003e x Dolgo—a pairing that brings both cold hardiness and flavor potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Centennial, though. While we haven’t tasted the fruit yet, we’ve been impressed by the tree’s resilience—zero winter injury at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, MT after a winter that saw -47°F on his site. It’s also a favorite among growers in Alaska, which says a lot about its toughness. Here is a direct quote from Ed, “\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFlavor is excellent. And they’re really pretty. They’ve got a yellowish pink skin. They come on earlier but they hang on the tree a long time and stay good without getting mealy. Centennial ripens end of August\/first part of September.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAccording to the University of Minnesota:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e“Large, red-over-orange crabapple that is excellent for fresh eating and sauce, but does not store well.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens late August in Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest used fresh or for sauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for Zone 2 and colder regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Centennial trees are grafted onto the hardy full size Dolgo and semi-dwarf Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Centennial Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Centennial Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Centennial Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Centennial Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Centennial Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Centennial Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Not tested. Its parents are Wealthy (800 to 1,000 hours) and Dolgo (about 500), so we estimate around 750. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Centennial Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Centennial Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Centennial Applecrab onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Centennial Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Centennial Applecrab are fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Centennial Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Centennial Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064294466,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064327234,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125064360002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":45125064392770,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/centennial-applecrab-fruit.jpg?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chestnut Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 750 hours (600 to 950). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM26: dwarf to semi-dwarf, about 8 to 14 ft tall unpruned. Stake it the first few years. Bud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChestnut, developed by the University of Minnesota, is technically an applecrab—50% apple and 50% crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parentage of Chestnut is a cross between \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian Crab\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/malinda-apple\"\u003eMalinda\u003c\/a\u003e, released by the University of Minnesota in 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut don’t let the “crabapple” part fool you. Hand this to someone who thinks crabapples are too tart or ornamental, and you’ll likely make a believer out of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the sweetest applecrabs we’ve tried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2023 (Kalispell orchard), we noted hints of bubblegum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2024 (WARC field day), the flavor shifted to nutty, mellow, sweet, and less acidic. Super yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens 1–2 weeks before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, making it a perfect complementary variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something intense and tangy? Go with Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something smooth, sweet, and nutty? Get Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens early: 1st–2nd week of September in western Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but also works in sauces or ciders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStores decently for a crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for Zone 2 and possibly colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly enough to ripen even in parts of Alaska\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Chestnut applecrabs are grafted onto Bud 118, hardy to -50 F or more, and M26, which is less hardy (to -40F) and a little less dwarfing. If buying Chestnut on M26 and you can experience sub -40F, then bury the graft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Chestnut Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Chestnut Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Chestnut Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Chestnut Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Chestnut Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 950. That comes from published figures for this variety. Blooms early, with Dolgo. Lab tests put it well below standard apples, about 750 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Chestnut Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Chestnut Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Chestnut Applecrab onto M26 (dwarf to semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 8 to 14 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Chestnut Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Chestnut Applecrab are fresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Chestnut Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498963603522,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498963701826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"cold-snap-pear","title":"Cold Snap® Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold Snap® Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 27 to Oct 10 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cold-snap-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), mid spring here. Cold Snap is not self-fertile. Plant it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e or Seckel; Cummins trials found poor fruit set when \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e was the partner. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clara-frijs-pear\"\u003eClara Frijs Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 16 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 10 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter storage (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOriginally bred as \u003cem\u003eHarovin Sundown\u003c\/em\u003e in the 1970s by H. A. Quamme, this variety was licensed to the Vineland Innovation and Research Center, which began selling trees in 2015.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhy We're Growing Cold Snap\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlthough this is our second year growing \u003cem\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/em\u003e, we were enticed by its breeding for Ontario’s cold climate and its strong disease resistance. Hardy down to -40°F, these pears will thrive across much of Montana—except in some of the more brutal areas east of the Divide. If you're in a spot that regularly sees temps colder than -40°F, we recommend going with one of the Russian pears grafted onto Ussurian pear. (We have several of those for Spring 2027, including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krasnobokaya-pear\"\u003eKrasnobokaya\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock and Tree Sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese \u003cem\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/em\u003e pears are grafted onto OHxF87 rootstock, which is also hardy to -40°F to -45°F. Trees come in two sizes (same age but one grew better in the nursery):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCurrent-year bare root stock: 2-3 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCurrent-year bare root stock: 3-5 ft. tall\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Cold Snap® Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Cold Snap® Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cold Snap® Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Cold Snap is not self-fertile. Plant it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e; Cummins trials found poor fruit set when \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e was the partner. Partners we carry include Flemish Beauty Pear, Seckel Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Cold Snap® Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Cold Snap® Pear hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Cold Snap® Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cold-snap-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Cold Snap® Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 10 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Cold Snap® Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Cold Snap® Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Cold Snap® Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Cold Snap® Pear are winter storage (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Cold Snap® Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Cold Snap® Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 2-3 ft.","offer_id":45125070782530,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45125070815298,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/cold-snap-pear-on-tree.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"consort-black-currant","title":"Consort Black Currant (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consort Black Currant is a currant shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,400). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#consort-black-currant\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Consort can set fruit alone, but reports on its self-fertility vary, so plant another black currant such as Titania nearby for a dependable crop. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-champagne-currant-bundle-of-3\"\u003ePink Champagne Currant (Bundle of 3)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eRed Lake Currant (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/titania-black-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eTitania Black Currant (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-velvey-gooseberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eBlack Velvet Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), brandy and liqueurs (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 1-2 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsort black currants are sweet with slight acidity and a nice fruity flavor. These are slightly more tart than the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ben-lomond-black-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eBen Lomond black currants\u003c\/a\u003e which are quite sweet, certainly more so than the Montana Black. Hardy to -50F. Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 2027 Consort black currants are on average 1-2 ft. tall.\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;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required). Consort is a rust-immune cultivar, which may qualify it for the resistant-cultivar exemption under New York law. New York buyers should confirm with NYSDAM before ordering. Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Consort Black Currant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Consort Black Currant need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Consort Black Currant is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Consort can set fruit alone, but reports on its self-fertility vary, so plant another black currant such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/titania-black-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eTitania\u003c\/a\u003e nearby for a dependable crop. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-champagne-currant-bundle-of-3\"\u003ePink Champagne Currant\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 3), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eRed Lake Currant\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), Titania Black Currant (Bundle of 2).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Consort Black Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Consort Black Currant hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Consort Black Currant need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,400. That comes from published figures for this variety. Montana winters cover that several times over, so chill is never the limit here. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#consort-black-currant\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Consort Black Currant good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Consort Black Currant are jams and jellies (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), brandy and liqueurs (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Consort Black Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Consort Black Currant now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Consort Black Currant ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 1-2 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547463651394,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/consort-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"contender-peach","title":"Contender Peach (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Contender Peach is a peach tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a peach or nectarine), and it ripens about Sep 1 to Sep 17 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,050 hours (1,000 to 1,050). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#contender-peach\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), early spring here. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. It is also a good pollenizer for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran\u003c\/a\u003e. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glohaven-peach\"\u003eGlohaven Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pf-24ccoldhardy\"\u003ePF-24C Cold Hardy Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-gold-nectarine\"\u003eRed Gold Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e and 10 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/peach-pollination-map\"\u003ePeach Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 1 to Sep 17 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKrymsk 86: full size. Manchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. Prairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Native Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eContender is one of the more consistent-bearing and cold-hardy varieties of peach grown in Montana. We would rank Contender right behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C\u003c\/a\u003e in terms of hardiness (although still a decent bit less hardy than Siberian C which we would put around -38°F), as this is the only commercial cultivar that has survived temperatures in the -30s (specifically, -32°F). It also has excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaste notes from our 2022 company tasting of Forbidden Fruit’s Contenders:\u003cbr\u003e“Very yellow. Texture is great. Melts in your mouth. Not fibrous. Able to crush it on your palate. Not too sweet.”\u003cbr\u003eAnother noted: “Equally sweet and tart. Not fibrous or stringy. Likes it. Skin gives it a nice touch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone 4. On top of surviving -32°F, they survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDO NOT PLANT if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -32°F (unless well sited to avoid frost pooling, thermal buffering features nearby such as buildings or bodies of water, lots of air drainage, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Contender trees are grafted onto full size Krymsk 86, semi-dwarf \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and Native Plum, and full size \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock, the former of which will make for a 15 ft tree at maturity, and the latter three roughly 20 ft., respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Contender Peach\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Contender Peach need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Contender Peach is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. It is also a good pollenizer for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glohaven-peach\"\u003eGlohaven Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pf-24c-cold-hardy-peach\"\u003ePF-24C Cold Hardy Peach\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Contender Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Contender Peach hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Contender Peach need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,050 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 1,000 and 1,050. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. High chill (about 1,050 hours) keeps it dormant through warm spells and makes it bloom late, which lowers spring frost risk. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#contender-peach\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Contender Peach ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 1 to Sep 17 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Contender Peach get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Contender Peach onto Krymsk 86 (full size). Some sizes are on Manchurian, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, Native Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Contender Peach good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Contender Peach are fresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Contender Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Contender Peach now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498995486786,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498995519554,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45125081595970,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125081628738,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125081661506,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/contender-peach-in-hand.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Dolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dolgo Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 1b in our ratings, not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 1b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 1 only. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (400 to 1,000). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), hard cider (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProducing massive amounts of white flowers every Spring that will then turn to 1-inch crimson red crabapples, Dolgo is a must for many reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it’s eating the good tasting crabapples (high acidity which I like), used for processing, or as a pollenizer or rootstock on which to top graft, Dolgo is a must for many reasons in the orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd did I mention it's resistant to scab, fireblight, and cold hardy to zone 2. When some of our rootstocks such as some in the Geneva or Emla series had suffered from some frost damage at our nursery from the early fall frost (-10F) on 10\/25\/20, Dolgo didn’t bat an eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCider \u0026amp; Culinary Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I’ve never used Dolgo for cider, I have used one of its descendants, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr apple crab\u003c\/a\u003e (which is crossed with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e) and that made for I think the best tasting cider I’ve ever had. Some sources say it makes great jelly and I’d bet Dolgo cider ain’t too shabby, especially when blended with something sweet like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/macoun-apple\"\u003eMacoun\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 2 hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Dolgo Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Dolgo Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Dolgo Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Dolgo Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Dolgo Crabapple hardy to zone 1b. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Dolgo Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Nurseries list 400 to 500 hours and it fruits in low-chill California, though a lab test ranked it closer to standard apples. It blooms early, so watch spring frosts. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Dolgo Crabapple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 1 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Dolgo Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Dolgo Crabapple are jams and jellies (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Dolgo Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Dolgo Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Dolgo Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":45224515240002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/DolgoCrabapplesinthehand.jpg?v=1789598191"},{"product_id":"empire-apple","title":"Empire Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Empire Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 29 to Oct 11 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#empire-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 29 to Oct 11 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), drying (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eThis is Bruce Benson’s favorite apple—and for good reason. Developed by Cornell University in the 1940s as an open-pollinated cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, this variety might surprise you. Don’t let its Red Delicious parentage fool you; it has inherited more of its McIntosh genetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRegional Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese apples have been growing in Montana since at least the 1970s and have performed exceedingly well in the western parts of the state, including the Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, and Mission valleys. We’ve also seen them thriving in Idaho, particularly near Kamiah and Orofino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOf course, this apple is also grown extensively in New York and throughout the Northeast and East Coast. However, if you live in the eastern part of Montana or in areas where winter lows drop below -40°F, consider a different variety. While this apple \u003cem\u003emight\u003c\/em\u003e survive sub -40°F temperatures, based on its parentage—McIntosh's limit is around -40°F (or slightly lower), and Red Delicious is even less hardy—we recommend choosing a more cold-tolerant variety in those regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eVersatile Culinary Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEmpire apples are great for fresh eating, drying, sauces, and other processing or culinary pursuits. They’re truly an all-purpose apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock Information for Spring 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we’ve grafted Empire onto Spy 227. These trees are one year older and come in 2-3 ft. and 3-5 ft. sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpy 227: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull size, hardy to at least -50F, possibly more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSpy 227 is hardier than Empire itself, so the variety is the limiting factor here. We wouldn’t suggest growing Empire if your area consistently sees temperatures below -45°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Empire on wood 1” by Nerd271, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Empire_on_wood_1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Empires on cloth 2” by Nerd271, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Empires_on_cloth_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Empire Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Empire Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Empire Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Empire Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Empire Apple hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Empire Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nurseries agree on about 600 to 800 chill hours. Montana winters cover that with lots to spare. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#empire-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Empire Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 29 to Oct 11 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Empire Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Empire Apple onto Spy 227 (full size).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Empire Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Empire Apple are fresh eating (8\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Empire Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Empire Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125836570690,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499062235202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/empire-apple.jpg?v=1791615456"},{"product_id":"evans-bali-tart-cherry","title":"Evan's Bali Tart Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evan's Bali Tart Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a tart cherry), and it ripens about Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvans cherry, Bali cherry (Prunus cerasus)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -42°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Evans Bali is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with Montmorency and Meteor if you want to plant more than one. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/balaton-tart-cherry\"\u003eBalaton Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e and 1 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tart-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eTart Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), drying (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"93\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"288\"\u003ePerhaps the most cold hardy of all tart cherries, Evan’s Bali is a prolific bearer of decently sized (roughly 1” diameter) cherries that are sweeter than most of the other tart cherry varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"314\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"499\"\u003eHardy to zone 2 because of their ability to withstand -42F temps near Bozeman, although surely these have survived colder temps on the Canadian prairie’s where the tree was discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"522\"\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"627\"\u003eThese Evan’s Bali’s are clonally propagated from root suckers and are therefore identical to the parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eNotable Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"886\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eNoted for their ability to withstand long, advective frost events including polar high pressure systems that affect the region for days on end, their flower buds’ hardiness, the prolific bearing nature of the tree, and their flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Evan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Evan's Bali Tart Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Evan's Bali Tart Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Evans Bali is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to plant more than one. Partners we carry include Meteor Tart Cherry, Montmorency Tart Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Evan's Bali Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Evan's Bali Tart Cherry hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -42°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. An Alberta prairie survivor. Montana winters easily meet its chill; what it's really known for is shrugging off deep winter cold. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Evan's Bali Tart Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Evan's Bali Tart Cherry are pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Evan's Bali Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Evan's Bali Tart Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42499065741378,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"franklin-cider-apple","title":"Franklin Cider Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Franklin Cider Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#franklin-cider-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard cider (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApparently immune to cedar apple rust, scab, and potentially fireblight, Franklin is a vigorous, precocious, and a reliably annual bearing apple that is excellent for cider but almost equally as impressive as a fresh eating apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFranklin produces a small-medium, heavily russeted apple over a greenish background with some blushing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCider Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYielding a juice high in both sugar (17.5–19 Brix) and decent amounts of tannins, Franklin is crisp fresh eating and produces a bittersharp juice that holds its own as a varietal cider. Bust out the cider press and start experimenting by blending other zone 3 fruits in with a Franklin cider. We’ve experimented with the like of adding \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nanking-cherry-bundle-of-3\"\u003enanking cherries\u003c\/a\u003e and it’s delicious!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan be grown in much of Montana, perhaps except the coldest places east of the divide that can see sub -50F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant with any of our cider apples for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Franklin Cider Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Franklin Cider Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Franklin Cider Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Franklin Cider Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Franklin Cider Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Franklin Cider Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. That comes from published figures for this variety. A northern Vermont bittersharp; the original tree has taken -34°F without damage. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#franklin-cider-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Franklin Cider Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Franklin Cider Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Franklin Cider Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Franklin Cider Apple are hard cider (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Franklin Cider Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Franklin Cider Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Franklin Cider Apple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125879005250,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/franklin-cider-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Frontenac Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frontenac Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 750). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. Frontenac has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eFrontenac is a classic bluish-black grape known for its rich red wines and high-vigor vines. The first of the Frontenac family introduced to the public, it was released in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Cold-Climate Game Changer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe introduction of Frontenac marked the start of a major movement in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as the acreage of cold-hardy grapes—and public interest in cold-hardy wines—rapidly grew. Frontenac has proven its ability to survive extreme cold events down to -35°F with little damage compared to most other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eProven Performer in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe’ve been growing Frontenac in a commercial vineyard we planted in 2019 in an area of Alberton (just west of Missoula) that’s seen temps below -30°F—with no issues at all. It also bears heavily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhy It’s a Top Choice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIts extreme hardiness and winemaking qualities make it one of the best red varieties to grow in USDA Zone 3. \u003cspan\u003eThese vines are going on their third year and come bare root with lots of fine root hairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Frontenac Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Frontenac Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Frontenac Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Frontenac has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Frontenac Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Frontenac Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Frontenac Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 750. That comes from published figures for this variety. Frontenac's riparia blood means a modest chill need and quick response to warm spells. Plant where cold air drains away. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Frontenac Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Frontenac Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Frontenac Grape are wine (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Frontenac Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Frontenac Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Frontenac Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436334658,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/frontenac-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"golden-currant-bundle-of-3","title":"Golden Currant (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Currant is a currant shrub rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClove currant, buffalo currant (Ribes aureum)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#golden-currant-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Plant all three together. Golden currant may set some fruit alone, but different seedlings pollenize each other for a better crop. Its early fragrant flowers are great spring bee food. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-velvey-gooseberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eBlack Velvet Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003eCaptivator Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hinnomakired\"\u003eHinnomaki Red Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/invicta-gooseberry\"\u003eInvicta Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), pollinators (8\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeldom badly damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eGolden Currant is native to North America, with fragrant yellow flowers in the spring and sweet, scrumptious berries that are\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e 6-10 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003emm diameter, globose to ellipsoid, ripening from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003egreen to yellow to red and finally black to dark \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003epurple.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGreat Fit for Montana Gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eReaching 4–5 feet tall at maturity, these do well in all parts of Montana. A must for cold-climate growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy and Tough\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent Plant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are currently 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBloom photo by Al Schneider\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;\"\u003eAll \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e (currants and gooseberries) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust, and golden currant (\u003cem\u003eRibes aureum\u003c\/em\u003e) is named specifically in several state quarantines. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, New Hampshire, North Carolina, or Rhode Island\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\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 Michigan and New York (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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Grossulariaceae- Ribes aureum (Golden Currant) - 37366172626” by Kristof Zyskowski \u0026amp; Yulia Bereshpolova, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Grossulariaceae-_Ribes_aureum_(Golden_Currant)_-_37366172626.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Grossulariaceae- Ribes aureum (Golden Currant) - cultivated” by Kristof Zyskowski \u0026amp; Yulia Bereshpolova, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Grossulariaceae-_Ribes_aureum_(Golden_Currant)_-_cultivated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Ribesaureum1pl” by Aung, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ribesaureum1pl.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Ab plant 1315 (Ribes aureum)” by Andrey Butko, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ab_plant_1315_(Ribes_aureum).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Golden Currant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Golden Currant need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Golden Currant is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Plant all three together. Golden currant may set some fruit alone, but different seedlings pollenize each other for a better crop. Its early fragrant flowers are great spring bee food. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-velvet-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003eBlack Velvet Gooseberry\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/captivator-gooseberry-bundle-of-2\"\u003eCaptivator Gooseberry\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hinnomakired\"\u003eHinnomaki Red Gooseberry\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Golden Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Golden Currant hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Golden Currant need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Golden currant blooms very early and probably needs less chill than black currants. Seedlings vary, so plant a few. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#golden-currant-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Golden Currant good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Golden Currant are jams and jellies (8\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), pollinators (8\/10), ornamental value (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Golden Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot badly. Deer may nibble Golden Currant, but they seldom do real damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Golden Currant ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535321141314,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-currant-ripe-orange-berries.jpg?v=1791615474"},{"product_id":"red-gravenstein","title":"Gravenstein Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gravenstein Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 29 to Sep 11 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (700 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-gravenstein\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. This is a triploid, so its pollen is poor and it can't pollenize other trees. Plant two different apple or crabapple varieties with good pollen that bloom in groups 2 to 4. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 101 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 11 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSauce and butter (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), cooking and roasting (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), drying (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-wrap-mode: wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\"\u003eWe have updated out hardiness for Gravenstein. Not only has this \u003c\/span\u003evariety been successfully growing on Bruce Benson’s farm in Missoula for over 50 years, enduring multiple -30°F winters, it has survived well for Les McCartney in the low spot of the Gallatin Valley in Bozeman, MT, having seen -45F without much winter injury. Gravenstein is a solid zone 3 apple.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eImportant Growing Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein comes with a few specific requirements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriploid Variety\u003c\/strong\u003e: It cannot pollenize other apples and requires \u003cstrong\u003etwo diploid pollenizers\u003c\/strong\u003e with overlapping bloom times for successful fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Blooming\u003c\/strong\u003e: Choose pollenizers accordingly to match its bloom window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot a Good Keeper\u003c\/strong\u003e: This apple does not store well post-harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Susceptibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusceptible to\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fireblight, powdery mildew, bitter pit, and apple scab\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResistant to\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cedar-apple rust\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGravenstein has a distinctive sweet-tart flavor, often appreciated for its honey-like notes, making it a favorite for fresh eating and cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness Zone and Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis apple is best suited for Zone 4, based on its ability to survive down to -33°F. However, we do not recommend planting it in areas that routinely experience temps colder than this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Gravensteiner Gut Wulksfelde” by Bahnmoeller, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gravensteiner_Gut_Wulksfelde.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Arche Noah - Gravensteiner” by Haeferl, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Arche_Noah_-_Gravensteiner.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Malus Gravensteiner 4481” by Sven Teschke, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Malus_Gravensteiner_4481.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/de\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0 de\u003c\/a\u003e; “Gravensteiner (apple) jm120648” by joergens.mi, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gravensteiner_(apple)_jm120648.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Gravenstein Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Gravenstein Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Gravenstein Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. This is a triploid, so its pollen is poor and it can't pollenize other trees. Plant two different apple or crabapple varieties with good pollen that bloom in groups 2 to 4. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Gravenstein Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Gravenstein Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Gravenstein Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Gravenstein needs about 700 chill hours, on the low side for an apple. Montana winters cover it easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-gravenstein\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Gravenstein Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 11 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Gravenstein Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Gravenstein Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Gravenstein Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Gravenstein Apple are sauce and butter (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), cooking and roasting (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Gravenstein Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Gravenstein Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499184656450,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995086914,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995119682,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/gravenstein-apples.jpg?v=1791615802"},{"product_id":"hardired","title":"Hardired Nectarine (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardired Nectarine is a nectarine tree rated hardy to zone 4b in our ratings (winters to -25°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for a peach or nectarine), and it ripens about Aug 22 to Sep 4 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 4 only (winters to -25°F). Our notes have it taking -45°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 850 hours (750 to 950). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hardired\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), early spring here. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. No pollenizer needed. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mericrest-nectarine\"\u003eMericrest Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fantasia-nectarine\"\u003eFantasia Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flavortop-nectarine\"\u003eFlavortop Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arctic-glo-nectarine\"\u003eArctic Glo Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/nectarine-pollination-map\"\u003eNectarine Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 22 to Sep 4 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), salads and slicing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), drying (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlthough none of our nectarines are suited for true zone 4, Hardired is certainly hardier than the average nectarine. From its showy pink flowers in the spring to its sweet and tangy, creamy red fruits, you’ll think, \u003cem\u003e“I can’t believe we can grow these in Missoula!”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating—we also top it on ice cream during our hot Montana summers because the tangy, sweet skin adds a wonderful bite. Great for nectarine cobbler, too! Self-fertile. Hardy to probably only about -27°F to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Stock Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese nectarine trees are offered for Spring 2027 in 3-4 ft. and 4-6 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping) grades and are grafted onto semi-dwarf native plum rootstock. Native Plum is hardy down to -45F, and possibly even -50F., making this perhaps the hardiest rootstock for nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Sotaque under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hardired Nectarine\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hardired Nectarine need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Hardired Nectarine is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. No pollenizer needed. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mericrest-nectarine\"\u003eMericrest Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fantasia-nectarine\"\u003eFantasia Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flavortop-nectarine\"\u003eFlavortop Nectarine\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hardired Nectarine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Hardired Nectarine hardy to zone 4b, which means winters down to about -25°F. Our notes have it taking -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hardired Nectarine need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 750 and 950. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. That's easily met in Montana. It blooms early, so a site that warms up late in spring helps protect the flowers. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hardired\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Hardired Nectarine ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 22 to Sep 4 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Hardired Nectarine get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Hardired Nectarine onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hardired Nectarine good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hardired Nectarine are fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), salads and slicing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hardired Nectarine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Hardired Nectarine now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42499214639170,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45132081856578,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hardired-nectarine-harvest.webp?v=1789020104"},{"product_id":"hinnomakired","title":"Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry is a gooseberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -35°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,200 hours (900 to 2,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hinnomakired\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Hinnonmaki Red sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto: “Red Gooseberries, Hinnonmaki Red - geograph.org.uk - 6908791” by Jonathan Billinger, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Red_Gooseberries,_Hinnonmaki_Red_-_geograph.org.uk_-_6908791.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Hinnonmaki Red sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,200 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 900 and 2,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Finnish gooseberry with no measured chill figure. It likely needs a fair amount, but Montana winters supply far more than enough. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hinnomakired\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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-gooseberries-on-bush.jpg?v=1791615661"},{"product_id":"honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25","title":"Honeoye Strawberry (Bundle of 25) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeoye Strawberry is a strawberry plant rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jun 15 to Jun 27 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Honeoye flowers just before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eCavendish\u003c\/a\u003e, which makes a good second variety for a longer harvest. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#strawberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jun 15 to Jun 27 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"405\"\u003eHoneoye has arguably been the best-performing strawberry we've observed across all of Montana. They grow well west of the divide—including Missoula, the Bitterroot, the Flathead Valley, Eureka, and Libby—and east of the divide in places like Cut Bank, Bozeman, Wolf Creek (Helena), Anaconda, and Big Sandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"442\"\u003eWinter-Hardy and Easy to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"666\"\u003eNot only do they survive our harsh winters, but Honeoye also produces a good-sized berry—and they’re as easy to grow as dogwater. Hardy to Zone 2. Still, it’s best to mulch them with straw when putting them to sleep for the winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"702\"\u003eReliable Mid-Summer Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"810\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThey’ll come on mid-summer. If you have the space, plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eCavendish\u003c\/a\u003e for improved pollination and yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Honeoye Strawberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Honeoye Strawberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Honeoye Strawberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Honeoye flowers just before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cavendish-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eCavendish\u003c\/a\u003e, which makes a good second variety for a longer harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Honeoye Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Honeoye Strawberry hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Honeoye Strawberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Honeoye is a northern June-bearer. Cold winters suit it fine; it's mild winters that leave plants short on vigor. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Honeoye Strawberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jun 15 to Jun 27 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Honeoye Strawberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Honeoye Strawberry are fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Honeoye Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Honeoye Strawberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Honeoye Strawberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436924482,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeoye-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"honeyberry-bundle-of-4","title":"Honeyberry (Bundle of 4) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeyberry is a honeyberry shrub rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHaskap, blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (750 to 1,200). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeyberry-bundle-of-4\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Plant the whole bundle together: Aurora needs Tundra nearby to set fruit. If you add more honeyberries later, pick early-to-mid bloomers like Borealis or Indigo types, not the late Boreal series. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#honeyberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3 Aurora and 1 Tundra. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Haskap (honeyberry)” by karen_hine, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/55620187@N05\/18469129480\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Жимолость голубая ягоды Саратов” by ИринаЯ, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%D0%96%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D1%8F%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%8B_%D0%A1%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Blooming Lonicera caerulea” by WildBoar, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Blooming_Lonicera_caerulea.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Lonicera caerulea 2017” by Max071086, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lonicera_caerulea_2017.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Honeyberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Honeyberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Honeyberry needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant the whole bundle together: Aurora needs Tundra nearby to set fruit. If you add more honeyberries later, pick early-to-mid bloomers like Borealis or Indigo types, not the late Boreal series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Honeyberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Honeyberry hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Honeyberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 750 and 1,200. That comes from published figures for this variety. Aurora needs roughly 1,000 to 1,200 chill hours. Once that's met, haskaps wake fast in warm spells, so frost can catch early blooms. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeyberry-bundle-of-4\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Honeyberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Honeyberry are fresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Honeyberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Honeyberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Honeyberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3 Aurora and 1 Tundra. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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-haskap-ripe-berries.jpg?v=1791617882"},{"product_id":"honeycrisp","title":"Honeycrisp Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeycrisp Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 850 hours (800 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeycrisp\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-spy-apple\"\u003ePrairie Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. G890: semi-dwarf, about 11 to 16 ft tall unpruned. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), winter storage (9\/10), salads and slicing (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft or 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoneycrisp has become one of the best-selling apples in the U.S. Since its creation by University of Minnesota breeders, Honeycrisp has been lauded for its winter hardiness and its ability to produce large, high-quality fruit. It quickly gained popularity, particularly in temperate regions like Washington and Oregon, but colder climate growers have had success with it, particularly here in western Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycrisp apple is known for its aromatic sweetness, with a honey-like flavor and a juicy, crisp texture that has made it a consumer favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness – A Relative Concept\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated 2024: While Honeycrisp is often considered cold-hardy, its hardiness is relative. It may be well-suited to regions like New York or parts of the Midwest, but in parts of Montana where temperatures can drop below -45°F, which is much of the state east of the continental divide, Honeycrisp does not perform well. This has been our observation in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, on Robert Narotsky’s farm in Bozeman, Honeycrisp suffered serious frost damage to the trunk after exposure to -50°F. Similarly, on Ed Schultz’s farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT, the apple saw -47°F, resulting in serious limb damage that made its way into the trunk. If your region experiences temperatures below -45°F, we do not recommend planting Honeycrisp. Final note, it's Ed Schultz' experience that Honeycrisp along with many of the University of Minnesota apples (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zestar-apple\"\u003eZestar\u003c\/a\u003e!, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sweet-sixteen-apple\"\u003eSweet Sixteen\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/snowsweet-apple\"\u003eSnowsweet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u0026amp; others) take awhile to shut down and can get wiped out by Montana's brutal early Fall frosts. Ed has a massive pile of dead University of Minnesota apple trees in the back of his farm from these Fall frosts he experienced in 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, these University of MN apples all did fine in most of Western Montana's early Fall frosts during this time period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Availability for 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we offer Honeycrisp trees on a few different rootstocks based on your location and climate:\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDolgo Rootstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for areas where winters dip below -40°F and even -50°F, offering better cold hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpy 227: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull size, hardy to at least -45°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG890: \u003c\/strong\u003eSemi-Dwarf and disease resistant rootstock, but likely not hardy below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Honeycrisp apples” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apples.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp apple tree” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apple_tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp-Apple” by Evan-Amos, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp-Apple.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp apple orchard” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apple_orchard.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Honeycrisp Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Honeycrisp Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Honeycrisp Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Honeycrisp Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Honeycrisp Apple hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Honeycrisp Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nurseries list 800 to 1,000 chill hours. Not a pick for mild-winter climates, but Montana winters cover it easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeycrisp\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Honeycrisp Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Honeycrisp Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Honeycrisp Apple onto Spy 227 (full size). Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e, G890.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Honeycrisp Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Honeycrisp Apple are fresh eating (9\/10), winter storage (9\/10), salads and slicing (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Honeycrisp Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Honeycrisp Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230728258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230793794,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230695490,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"G890 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching","offer_id":45133403029570,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeycrisp-apples-on-tree.jpg?v=1791615421"},{"product_id":"italian-plum","title":"Italian Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Italian Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European plum), and it ripens about Sep 9 to Sep 29 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -25°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#italian-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Italian sets fruit alone but crops better with another European plum such as Stanley or Mount Royal. It will not cross with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/longjohn-plum\"\u003eLongjohn Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 9 to Sep 29 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLovell: full size, about 12 to 20 ft tall unpruned. Doesn't like wet feet or high-lime soil. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrying (10\/10), pies and baking (9\/10), cooking and roasting (9\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. - One Year Older or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"372\"\u003eOne of the most reliable European plums in Western Montana, Italian offers excellent flavor. This large, purple-skinned, freestone plum is super flavorful and very sweet when fully ripe. In Missoula, we wait until the frost gets them before harvesting, as it softens and sweetens the fruit. But don't do leave it on the tree for many consecutive evenings of frost because it will then become bland. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"505\"\u003eItalian plums can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, making them a versatile addition to any garden or kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eA vigorous and fairly cold-hardy plum, Italian is perfect for most areas in Western Montana, unless you're in one of the colder areas (i.e. Potomac). It’s recommended for Zone 4 and it survived -25°F in Missoula on 1\/13\/24 without showing any signs of injury. Italian's limit, however, in terms of absolute extreme winter low tolerance is likely to -35°F, possibly -40°F if planted in a good area free of frost pooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1127\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eItalian is partially self-fertile and doesn’t require a pollenizer, though it may fruit more abundantly when planted alongside varieties like President, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMirabelle de Bitterroot\u003c\/a\u003e, or others. It will not cross-pollinate with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Italian Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Italian Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Italian Plum is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Italian sets fruit alone but crops better with another European plum such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal\u003c\/a\u003e. It will not cross with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Stanley Plum, Mount Royal Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Italian Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Italian Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -25°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Italian Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nurseries list 700 to 1,000 hours, most often 800. It blooms late, which helps it dodge spring frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#italian-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Italian Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 9 to Sep 29 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Italian Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Italian Plum onto Lovell (full size), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Italian Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Italian Plum are drying (10\/10), pies and baking (9\/10), cooking and roasting (9\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Italian Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Italian Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 4-6 ft. - One Year Older (Less Branching than 6-8 ft.) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751573327938,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42499268542530,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/italian-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"itasca-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Itasca Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Itasca Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. Itasca sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"311\"\u003eThe newest grape from the University of Minnesota’s breeding program, Itasca has proven itself to be one of the most cold-hardy grapes out there—even surpassing \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eFrontenac\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMarquette\u003c\/a\u003e in terms of cold tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"351\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Winemaking Potential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"352\" data-end=\"615\"\u003eWith aromas of apple, pear, and violet and naturally lower acidity, this variety is especially well suited for dry white wines and sparkling wines. That said, some very nice off-dry wines have also been produced from Itasca, showing its versatility in the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eEarly Ripening \u0026amp; Excellent Production\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"918\"\u003eItasca is a very productive grape that ripens early, reaching brix levels in the mid-20s and a moderate acidity around 10 g\/L. It’s self-pollinating and suitable for most of Montana, and if you’ve got the right site, it could even be worth trying in Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"952\"\u003eResilient in Harsh Winters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eIf you regularly see temps below -30°F in the winter, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many others planting Itasca (and Marquette, among others)—that the tops may die back the first few winters, but the vines will consistently come up from the base the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eThis is totally fine because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts, so what grows back will still be 100% Itasca. While it might set the grape back a bit at first, after a couple of years the vine typically becomes strong enough to withstand deeper frosts without dying back. But there likely will be a limit for the whole plant, which may be around -40F (although we're unsure of the precise number that extreme cold would kill the whole plant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1619\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Itasca itself. Photos of Itasca are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Reif werden die Trauben” by Christine Tögel, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Reif_werden_die_Trauben.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Itasca Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Itasca Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Itasca Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Itasca sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Itasca Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Itasca Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Itasca Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Itasca Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Itasca Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Itasca Grape are wine (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Itasca Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Itasca Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Itasca Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437416002,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/white-grape-cluster-on-vine.jpg?v=1791615998"},{"product_id":"jeanne-gooseberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Jeanne Gooseberry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jeanne Gooseberry is a gooseberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jul 16 to Jul 26 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (1,000 to 1,400). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#jeanne-gooseberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), very early spring here. Jeanne sets fruit on its own. It blooms one to two weeks after other gooseberries, which can help it miss late frosts. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 16 to Jul 26 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Jeanne itself. Photos of Jeanne are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Røde Stikkelsbær” by Øyvind Holmstad, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:R%C3%B8de_Stikkelsb%C3%A6r.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Jeanne Gooseberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Jeanne Gooseberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Jeanne Gooseberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Jeanne sets fruit on its own. It blooms one to two weeks after other gooseberries, which can help it miss late frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Jeanne Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Jeanne Gooseberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Jeanne Gooseberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 1,000 and 1,400. That comes from published figures for this variety. Jeanne needs at least 1,000 chill hours and blooms a week or two after other gooseberries, which helps it dodge late frosts. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#jeanne-gooseberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Jeanne Gooseberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 16 to Jul 26 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Jeanne Gooseberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Jeanne Gooseberry are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Jeanne Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Jeanne Gooseberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Jeanne Gooseberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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\/dark-red-gooseberries-representative.jpg?v=1791615759"},{"product_id":"jostaberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Jostaberry (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jostaberry is a jostaberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJosta (Ribes x nidigrolaria)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,200 hours (800 to 2,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#jostaberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Jostaberry sets fruit on its own. A gooseberry or black currant nearby may help it crop more heavily. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 1-2 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJostaberry is a cross between black currant, the North American coastal black gooseberry, and the European gooseberry. The flavor certainly has hints of both currant and gooseberry, with a slightly stronger currant flavor. It’s definitely worth growing!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Fruiting \u0026amp; Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the first fruiting shrubs we grew, Jostaberry is hardy to at least Zone 2, making it perfect for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Jostaberries are 1–2 feet tall and have really nice fine root hairs. They’re going into their third year.\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;\"\u003eJostaberry is a black currant × gooseberry hybrid (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003enidigrolaria\u003c\/em\u003e), and \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. Because several states write their quarantine to cover \u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e “and its hybrids,” we \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Hampshire, where ‘Jostaberry’ is on the state’s approved rust-resistant cultivar list but still requires a permit from the Division of Forests \u0026amp; Lands; Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required); and New York (restricted outside designated fruiting-currant districts). 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Jostaberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Jostaberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Jostaberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Jostaberry sets fruit on its own. A gooseberry or black currant nearby may help it crop more heavily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Jostaberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Jostaberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Jostaberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,200 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 2,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Chill hasn't been measured, but both its black currant and gooseberry parents need a real winter. Montana covers that easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#jostaberry-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Jostaberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Jostaberry are jams and jellies (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Jostaberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 1-2 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42499677159490,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jostaberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"kerr-crab","title":"Kerr Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kerr Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 11 to Sep 25 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Our notes have it taking -47°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#kerr-crab\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 25 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. Bud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), winter storage (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our all-time favorites, Kerr is an applecrab (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e x \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e) bred by W.L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1938 and released in 1952. First introduced to us by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016, this variety immediately stood out. It’s Roger’s favorite, and we totally get why. It. has since become one of our go-to applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, complex flavor with a beautiful red skin and yellow-tinged flesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor notes people have reported: \u003cem\u003e\"Floral, cinnamon, cherry, grape, almond, pineapple, and even hoppy\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest for fresh eating, but also makes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGorgeous rosé-colored cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVibrant pink applesauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn amazing addition to oatmeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStores actually fairly well for several months. Loses flavor but as of 2\/22\/26 (when this was written), we've got lots in the fridge. Again, flavor is not as strong as right off the tree, and they have become a bit mealy, but they aren't bad. However, they did not store nearly as well for us in 2025 because they were picked in the latter part of their two week window to harvest the fruit. If harvested in the earlier part of that window, they will keep significantly longer. A quick rough estimate would be that for every day one waits to harvest the tree in that window, their shelf life drops a week. It would be interesting to compare this phenomenon with other apples across the board because perhaps this holds true generally?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love it alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha crabapples\u003c\/a\u003e—together they make an unbeatable trio for flavor and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, although it did have a little bit of limb damage at those temps (not to the trunk, though).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely hardy to -45°F without any winter injury, whereas its limit is likely -50°F or maybe a tad colder. Look towards \u003ca href=\"\/products\/centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eCentennial\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rescue-apple-crab\"\u003eRescue\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trailman-crab\"\u003eTrailman\u003c\/a\u003e for even hardier applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Kerr Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Kerr Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Kerr Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Kerr Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Kerr Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our notes have it taking -47°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Kerr Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Lab tests put Kerr a bit below standard apples, about 800 hours on the grower scale. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#kerr-crab\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Kerr Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 25 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Kerr Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Kerr Applecrab onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Kerr Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Kerr Applecrab are fresh eating (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), winter storage (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Kerr Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Kerr Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42751565463618,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588627522,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588660290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kerr-applecrab-in-hand.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"La Crescent Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e La Crescent Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -36°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 750). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. La Crescent has perfect flowers and needs no pollenizer, even though its parent St. Pepin is female-flowered. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (9\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"343\"\u003eLa Crescent is a white grape developed by the University of Minnesota's cold-hardy grape breeding program. Since its release in 2002, La Crescent has proven its resilience in plantings across cold regions like Montana, Vermont, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"376\"\u003eThriving in Cold Climates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"620\"\u003eLa Crescent grows particularly well in cold, exposed areas, such as in Wes Burnham’s vineyard in Kalispell. According to the licensing application, the variety is cold-hardy to −36°F (−38°C), making it a top choice for extremely cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"622\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Wine Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003eWines made from La Crescent feature desirable aromas of citrus, apricot, pineapple, and muscat—similar to those found in Riesling or Vignoles. Notably, La Crescent lacks the 'foxy' aromas associated with V. labrusca and the herbaceous aromas linked to V. riparia, making it an appealing option for winemakers seeking cleaner, fruit-forward profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1042\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1143\"\u003eLa Crescent is hardy to Zone 3, making it suitable for colder regions that experience harsh winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003eImage Credit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1313\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of James Luby – University of Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about La Crescent Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes La Crescent Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. La Crescent Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. La Crescent has perfect flowers and needs no pollenizer, even though its parent St. Pepin is female-flowered. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is La Crescent Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate La Crescent Grape hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -36°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does La Crescent Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 750. That comes from published figures for this variety. La Crescent loses hardiness fast once its chill is met, so late-winter thaws matter more than how much chill it gets. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does La Crescent Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is La Crescent Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for La Crescent Grape are wine (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat La Crescent Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect La Crescent Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does La Crescent Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437645378,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/la-crescent-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"liberty-apple","title":"Liberty Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Liberty Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 28 to Oct 12 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,050 hours (850 to 1,150). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#liberty-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 28 to Oct 12 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), winter storage (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 2-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is an excellent choice for beginners and one of the best apples for Montana growers. It thrives in Rod McIver’s orchard in the colder part of Kalispell, which is a solid Zone 4. Introduced in 1978 by the NY Ag Experiment Station, Liberty is a cross between \u003ca href=\"\/products\/macoun-apple\"\u003eMacoun\u003c\/a\u003e and Purdue 54-12.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is one of the few apples resistant to all the major apple diseases. It does not suffer from the scab issues or pre-harvest drop that McIntosh is known for. Its resistance comes from the Vf Malus floribunda scab-resistant gene, making Liberty an extremely easy and reliable apple to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is essentially an improved McIntosh, though without the classic McIntosh aroma. We actually prefer it more than McIntosh—its flavor is excellent, balanced, and consistently good, making it a favorite among cold-climate growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of cold hardiness, we rate Liberty as being comparable to McIntosh. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F, but anything colder than that might be too much for it. If you’re in an area that regularly experiences sub -40°F temperatures, you may want to consider other, more cold-hardy apple varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Availability for Spring 2027 Fulfillment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have Liberty in several different grades and ages, grafted onto two different rootstocks:\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud 118 Rootstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-dwarf hardy to -45°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy to -50°F, possibly -60°F. Full size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Liberty Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Liberty Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Liberty Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Liberty Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Liberty Apple hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Liberty Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,050 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,150. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Tested at about 1,050 chill hours, a bit below average for apples. It still needs a real winter, but that's never a problem in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#liberty-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Liberty Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 28 to Oct 12 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Liberty Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Liberty Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Liberty Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Liberty Apple are fresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Liberty Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Liberty Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45133866991682,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45133875937346,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42500853497922,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133866926146,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133866958914,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/liberty-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"macoun-apple","title":"Macoun Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Macoun Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 14 to Sep 27 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (750 to 1,100). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#macoun-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 14 to Sep 27 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're a McIntosh fan, you’ll love Macoun. A late-season heir to the McIntosh legacy, Macoun is an excellent fresh-eating apple that typically ripens around the same time as McIntosh (end of September in Missoula). It’s also a great option for pies since it doesn't break down in the oven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacoun is one of the best McIntosh derivatives with a better crunch than McIntosh. It's also juicier and the flavor lingers longer. It’s one of Luke and Rod McIver’s favorite apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness and Growing Regions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne downside of Macoun is that it isn’t very hardy for most of Montana. It will thrive in areas like Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Hamilton, Plains, and other parts of Western Montana where temperatures don’t typically dip below -40°F. Like McIntosh, this is the lower limit of cold hardiness for Macoun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may work in Billings or warmer microclimates that experience slightly colder temperatures, but Macoun is not suitable for areas consistently below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Macoun trees available are 4-6 feet tall bare-root trees, grafted onto Bud 118 rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Macoun Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Macoun Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Macoun Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Macoun Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Macoun Apple hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Macoun Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 750 and 1,100. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. That's about the same as its McIntosh parent. Montana winters cover that easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#macoun-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Macoun Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 14 to Sep 27 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Macoun Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Macoun Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Macoun Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Macoun Apple are fresh eating (9\/10), salads and slicing (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Macoun Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Macoun Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500857790530,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/macoun-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"marquette-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Marquette Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marquette Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (450 to 800). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring to early summer here. Marquette sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. It leafs out early, so a frost-protected spot helps. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (9\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1810\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"2151\"\u003eThought that cold climates and good wine were mutually exclusive? Think again. A granddaughter of Pinot Noir, Marquette sets a new standard in cold-hardy wine grapes. Finished wines are complex, with an attractive ruby color, pronounced tannins, and desirable notes of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice—on both the nose and the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003eProven Performance in Harsh Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eThese grapes have done particularly well at a cold location in Alberton that has seen temperatures well into the -30°F range. If you're in an area that regularly sees winter temps below -30°F, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many who’ve planted Marquette over the years—that the tops may die off the first few winters. But don’t worry: they’ll reliably come back from the base each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2637\"\u003eRooted Cuttings, Not Grafts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2991\"\u003eThis is totally okay because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts. That means the roots themselves are Marquette, so what comes back in the spring will still be Marquette grapes. It does set the vine back a little, but eventually—usually after a couple of years—it’ll be strong enough to handle harder frosts without dying back to the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003eA Must-Have for Montana Winemakers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eThis self-pollinating grape is a must for any Montanan looking to make high-quality, cold-climate wine. These grapes are going into their second year after being rooted from cuttings. Nice, strong vines with solid root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3263\" data-end=\"3279\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Marquette-grona” by ZbyszekB, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marquette-grona.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Marquette-owocujący krzew” by ZbyszekB, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marquette-owocuj%C4%85cy_krzew.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Marquette Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Marquette Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Marquette Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Marquette sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. It leafs out early, so a frost-protected spot helps. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Marquette Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Marquette Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Marquette Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 800. That comes from published figures for this variety. Marquette breaks bud early once chilled, so frost-free sites with good air drainage matter more than chill in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Marquette Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Marquette Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Marquette Grape are wine (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Marquette Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Marquette Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Marquette Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437809218,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/marquette-grape-clusters.jpg?v=1791615622"},{"product_id":"mount-royal-plum","title":"Mount Royal Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mount Royal Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European plum), and it ripens about Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -44°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mount-royal-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Mount Royal is self-fertile and fruits as a single tree. It is also a good pollenizer for other European plums. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/longjohn-plum\"\u003eLongjohn Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal plum has been a reliable European plum variety for northern growers. It is an upright to spreading tree with an open center and moderate vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light blue plums are juicy, semi-freestone, and have sweet flesh. They are excellent for fresh eating, okay for drying, and ripen in late August to early September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal has survived temperatures as low as -44°F in West Central MN and -42°F in Columbus, MT, proving its hardiness in extreme conditions. UPDATE FALL 2025: We just discovered that Mount Royal has survived and borne a consistent crop in Lodgepole, Montana at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/agresearch.montana.edu\/warc\/research_current\/msu-ext-fruit-research-sites\/lodge_pole.html\"\u003eMSU's Lodgepole Fruit Research Site,\u003c\/a\u003e where it has gotten down to sub -45F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Mount Royal plums are grafted onto Native Plum and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, both of which are hardy to at least -50F. Native Plum is semi-dwarf in our MT climate\/soils, although we have found that there is some natural variation in size, as these plants are grown from seed. Prairie Red, meanwhile, exhibits less variation in size according to what Dan Sheild has observed at his site in MN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Fruits du prunier Mont-Royal (Prunus domestica 'Mont-Royal')” by Maxime Laterreur, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Fruits_du_prunier_Mont-Royal_(Prunus_domestica_%27Mont-Royal%27).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Fleurs du prunier Mont-Royal (Prunus domestica 'Mont-Royal')” by Maxime Laterreur, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Fleurs_du_prunier_Mont-Royal_(Prunus_domestica_%27Mont-Royal%27).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Mount Royal Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Mount Royal Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Mount Royal Plum is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Mount Royal is self-fertile and fruits as a single tree. It is also a good pollenizer for other European plums. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Mount Royal Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Mount Royal Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -44°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Mount Royal Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mount-royal-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Mount Royal Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Mount Royal Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Mount Royal Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Mount Royal Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Mount Royal Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Mount Royal Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Mount Royal Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500896686146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134015365186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015397954,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015430722,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015463490,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015496258,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mount-royal-plums-on-tree.jpg?v=1791616066"},{"product_id":"nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Nova Raspberry (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nova Raspberry is a raspberry plant rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jul 11 to Aug 4 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 850 hours (800 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/raspberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eRaspberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 11 to Aug 4 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHailing from the Nova Scotia research station in the early ’80s, Nova is a dependable raspberry that continues to bear fruit year after year—especially when older canes are pruned back regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuilt for the Cold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNova, along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/boyne-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eBoyne\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/polana-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003ePolana\u003c\/a\u003e, ranks as one of the most cold-hardy red raspberries we’ve tried. Thanks to their excellent flavor and ability to withstand high, dry winds and extremely low temps, these three are the \u003cem\u003eonly\u003c\/em\u003e red raspberry varieties we’re currently offering. They’re also the go-to raspberry on the Canadian prairie, where -40°F (or colder) is the norm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e2027 Plant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur 2027 Nova raspberry plants are large and come with extensive root systems—ready to take off in your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Nova itself. Photos of Nova are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Малина красная” by Petnick03, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Nova Raspberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Nova Raspberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Nova Raspberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Raspberries set fruit on their own, so one variety is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Nova Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Nova Raspberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Nova Raspberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nova was tested in Ontario and woke properly after about 5 to 6 weeks of cold, roughly 850 to 1,000 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Nova Raspberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 11 to Aug 4 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Nova Raspberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Nova Raspberry are canning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Nova Raspberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Nova Raspberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Nova Raspberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472439152706,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ripe-red-raspberry-on-cane-representative.jpg?v=1791616336"},{"product_id":"northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3","title":"Northern Red Oak (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oak, Northern Red is an oak tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and wind-pollinated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (400 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWind-Pollinated. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Northern red oak is wind-pollinated, so plant the three seedlings together for the best acorn crops (acorns take two seasons to ripen). It is a wildlife tree rather than a bee plant and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#red-oak\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWood (9\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), shade (8\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eNorthern Red Oak is an oak native to the eastern deciduous forest. Living up to 400 years, Red Oak has been an important timber species, as it is often used in flooring, furniture, interior trim, and veneer. The acorns can be collected in the Fall, shelled, tied up in a cloth and leached in water to remove bitterness. They can then be turned into a flour. Hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese trees are 3-4 ft. with good, developed root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Oak, Northern Red\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Oak, Northern Red?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Oak, Northern Red hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Oak, Northern Red need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Oaks leaf out late in spring. Any northern winter fully satisfies their chill, so slow leaf-out on new trees is normal. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Oak, Northern Red good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Oak, Northern Red are wood (9\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), shade (8\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Oak, Northern Red?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Oak, Northern Red now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Oak, Northern Red ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-4 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":42535394869314,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/northern-red-oak-acorns.webp?v=1789020680"},{"product_id":"paula-red","title":"Paula Red Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paula Red Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 18 to Sep 30 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,150). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#paula-red\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 18 to Sep 30 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSauce and butter (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaula Red is a cross between McIntosh and Duchess of Oldenburg, giving it impressive cold hardiness and versatility. With McIntosh typically hardy to -40°F and Duchess to at least -50°F, Paula Red is likely hardy to -45°F or even lower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is a large, strikingly red apple that performs exceptionally well on Bruce Benson’s farm in Missoula, MT, where it is a prolific bearer. It ripens in late September in Missoula and is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCrunchy and sweet, with a hint of that classic McIntosh tang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFlavor profile ranges from sub-acid to sweet, depending on harvest timing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, drying, sauces, pies, cider, and even short-term storage (up to 2 months—longer than McIntosh!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIn many ways, it shares the multi-purpose appeal of McIntosh, but with improved storage and hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eEstimated hardiness: -45°F (possibly more but this needs to be verified)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSuitable for nearly all regions of Montana, especially those with harsh winters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, Paula Red is available in two different ages of the following:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBud 118 (semi-dwarf, very cold-hardy): Recommended for regions that regularly see temperatures below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Paula Red Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Paula Red Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Paula Red Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Paula Red Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Paula Red Apple hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Paula Red Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,150. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#paula-red\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Paula Red Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 18 to Sep 30 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Paula Red Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Paula Red Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Paula Red Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Paula Red Apple are sauce and butter (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Paula Red Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Paula Red Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503362248770,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42503362216002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/paula-red-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"pixwell-gooseberry","title":"Pixwell Gooseberry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pixwell Gooseberry is a gooseberry shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,500). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pixwell-gooseberry\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Pixwell sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely bothered by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\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\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto: “PI 556056 'Pixwell' (Ribes uva-crispa), fruit photo rib0220.001.pixwell.fruit1.2007” by USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon (GRIN-Global), via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1451028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUSDA GRIN\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Pixwell Gooseberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Pixwell Gooseberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Pixwell Gooseberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Pixwell sets fruit on its own, so one plant will crop. A second gooseberry variety nearby can give larger fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Pixwell Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Pixwell Gooseberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Pixwell Gooseberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,500. That comes from published figures for this variety. About 1,000 chill hours. Grows anywhere in Montana; it's mild-winter areas where gooseberries come up short on chill. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pixwell-gooseberry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Pixwell Gooseberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Pixwell Gooseberry are pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Pixwell Gooseberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely. Deer seldom bother Pixwell Gooseberry, though a hungry winter deer will try almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Pixwell Gooseberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","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-gooseberries-on-bush.jpg?v=1791616155"},{"product_id":"ponderosa-pine-bundle-of-3","title":"Ponderosa Pine (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ponderosa Pine is a pine tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), wind-pollinated, and it ripens about Aug 24 to Sep 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,200 hours (700 to 2,000). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#ponderosa-pine-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWind-Pollinated. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring to early summer here. Ponderosa pine is wind-pollinated and outcrossing, so planting the three seedlings together helps cone and seed set. It offers no nectar for bees and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#ponderosa-pine\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 24 to Sep 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), wood (8\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeldom badly damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 7-15\". Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePonderosa, or “P Pine” as we call it locally, is the largest of the Western Pine species. While often thought of as a \"mountain tree,\" Ponderosa Pines can also be found in the western Great Plains and rocky mountain terrain, thriving on sites that are relatively dry and nutrient-poor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDistinctive Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese trees are characterized by needles in clusters of two or three, ranging from five to ten inches long. Their bark starts as brown to black, but with age, it turns yellowish-brown to cinnamon, with scaly plates separated by deep, irregular furrows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCones and Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePonderosas bear cones that are three to six inches long and two inches wide, with sharp points on the ends of the scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDrought Tolerant and Important for Wildlife\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExtremely drought-tolerant, Ponderosa Pines are crucial for supporting wildlife habitat, native bird and insect populations, and even creating fossil water. \u003cspan\u003eHardy to \u003c\/span\u003ezone 1\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCurrent Stock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese trees are bare root and range from 7 inches to 1.5 ft. tall. Due to their slow-growing nature, they are actually going into their fifth year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Pinus ponderosa subsp ponderosa, Thompson-Nicola, BC, Canada 9” by ellyne, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pinus_ponderosa_subsp_ponderosa,_Thompson-Nicola,_BC,_Canada_9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Ponderosa Pine Trees” by Treefender BC, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ponderosa_Pine_Trees.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Pinus ponderosa subsp. ponderosa cones and shoots 1” by Crusier, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pinus_ponderosa_subsp._ponderosa_cones_and_shoots_1.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Pinus ponderosa subsp ponderosa, Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna, British Columbia 2” by calebcatto, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pinus_ponderosa_subsp_ponderosa,_Knox_Mountain_Park,_Kelowna,_British_Columbia_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Ponderosa Pine\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Ponderosa Pine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Ponderosa Pine hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Ponderosa Pine need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,200 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 2,000. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Ponderosa seedlings start breaking bud after about 700 chill hours but leaf out fastest after around 2,000. Cold interior winters cover both. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#ponderosa-pine-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Ponderosa Pine ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 24 to Sep 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Ponderosa Pine good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Ponderosa Pine are feeding wildlife (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), wood (8\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Ponderosa Pine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot badly. Deer may nibble Ponderosa Pine, but they seldom do real damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Ponderosa Pine ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 7-15\". We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"7-15\"","offer_id":42535408500802,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ponderosa-pine-cone-needles.jpg?v=1791615967"},{"product_id":"pristine","title":"Pristine Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pristine Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 9 to Aug 21 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pristine\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as Red Splendor Crabapple. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eRed Splendor Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 9 to Aug 21 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePristine is a very early-ripening yellow apple that delivers a crisp, tart-sweet flavor with subtle notes of spice, banana, and green apple. Bred as part of the Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois (PRI) disease-resistant breeding program, Pristine was named for its notably clean, disease-resistant fruit and foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tart to sweet with a touch of astringency and spice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for: \u003c\/strong\u003eFresh eating, salads, light cooking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Although most summer apples don’t store well, we’ve successfully kept Pristine in refrigeration for about a month post-harvest with no signs of breakdown—surprisingly good for an early apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePristine is an excellent choice for organic or low-spray growers due to its:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHigh resistance to scab\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eModerate resistance to powdery mildew, fire blight, and cedar-apple rust\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn essence, it’s a more refined, disease-resistant version of Golden Delicious, tailored for the 21st century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eClimate Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile Pristine performs well in many climates, it is only hardy to around -40°F, making it marginal or unsuitable for the coldest areas of Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Minnesota, or Wisconsin. If you’re in one of these ultra-cold regions, consider hardier alternatives such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/norkent-apple\"\u003eNorkent\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-sensation-apple\"\u003ePrairie Sensation\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/rescue-apple-crab\"\u003eRescue\u003c\/a\u003e or other early applecrabs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur Spring 2027 Pristine trees are bare root, 3-5 ft. and 5-7 ft. tall, and grafted onto Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock, which is even more cold hardy than Pristine. However, we wouldn't recommend planting Pristine if you are in an area that can witness sub-40F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Pristine Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Pristine Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Pristine Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eRed Splendor Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Partners we carry include Red Splendor Crabapple (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Pristine Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Pristine Apple hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Pristine Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pristine\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Pristine Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 9 to Aug 21 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Pristine Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Pristine Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Pristine Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Pristine Apple are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Pristine Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Pristine Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42503585628226,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134382956610,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pristine-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"red-baron-apple","title":"Red Baron Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Baron Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,150). Our estimate. The one published figure (about 300) looks borrowed from Red Baron peach. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-baron-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRed Baron is a cross between Golden Delicious and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaniels Red Duchess\u003c\/span\u003e, first bred in 1926 at the University of Minnesota’s Horticulture Research Center. It was selected as Minnesota 1500 in 1940 by Professor W.H. Alderman and was released in 1970.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture \u0026amp; Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e A juicy, crisp apple that holds its shape well when baked, making it an excellent choice for pies. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile it doesn’t resist browning when cut, it still remains a popular choice for cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage: \u003c\/strong\u003eNot the best storage apple, but will keep for about 4–5 weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease Resistance: \u003c\/strong\u003eHighly resistant to apple scab. Moderately resistant to fire blight, rust, and mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardy to -40F—these trees have survived down to -38F in the Bitterroot without any winter injury, making them suitable for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Red Baron itself. Photos of Red Baron are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “CSIRO ScienceImage 11491 Apples on tree” by Liese Coulter, CSIRO, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_11491_Apples_on_tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Red Baron Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Red Baron Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Red Baron Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Red Baron Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Red Baron Apple hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Red Baron Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,150. The one published figure we found (about 300 hours) looks borrowed from Red Baron peach, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-baron-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Red Baron Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Red Baron Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Red Baron Apple onto Dolgo (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Red Baron Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Red Baron Apple are fresh eating (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Red Baron Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Red Baron Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503694581826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-blushed-apples-on-tree.jpg?v=1791616268"},{"product_id":"risingstar-peach","title":"Risingstar Peach (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Risingstar Peach is a peach tree rated hardy to zone 4b in our ratings (winters to -25°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a peach or nectarine), and it ripens about Aug 1 to Aug 5 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 4 only (winters to -25°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 950 hours (750 to 950). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#risingstar-peach\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. No pollenizer needed. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/contender-peach\"\u003eContender Peach\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/peach-pollination-map\"\u003ePeach Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 1 to Aug 5 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKrymsk 86: full size. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), salads and slicing (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of Tom McCamant’s favorites at Forbidden Fruit Orchard in Montana. Even though the books don’t tend to list this variety as hardy along with others, they probably should. The tree is of medium vigor—hardy and productive—with good resistance to bacterial spot and peach canker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Set, Flavor \u0026amp; Unique Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlower buds and blossoms are very hardy, resulting in heavy fruit set and requiring diligent thinning to get decent fruit size. Fruits average 2-1\/2” and larger. The skin is 80% bright orange-red. Flesh is firm and melting, with a pleasing sugar-to-acid ratio. It’s non-browning and semi-freestone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone 5 and possibly protected zone 4 sites. It may be able to survive -30°F. Our suspicion is that this may be hardier than Reliance but less hardy than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/contender-peach\"\u003eContender\u003c\/a\u003e—certainly less hardy than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrees are 3-4 ft. tall and grafted onto Krymsk 86 full size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Risingstar Peach\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Risingstar Peach need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Risingstar Peach is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. No pollenizer needed. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Risingstar Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Risingstar Peach hardy to zone 4b, which means winters down to about -25°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Risingstar Peach need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 950 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 750 and 950. That comes from published figures for this variety. Listed at 950 hours by USDA crop insurance, easily met in Montana. It blooms early for a peach, so keep it out of frost pockets. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#risingstar-peach\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Risingstar Peach ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 1 to Aug 5 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Risingstar Peach get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Risingstar Peach onto Krymsk 86 (full size).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Risingstar Peach good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Risingstar Peach are fresh eating (7\/10), salads and slicing (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Risingstar Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Risingstar Peach now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":43014486163522,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/risingstar-peach-on-tree.webp?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Siberian Crabapple (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Siberian Crabapple is a crabapple tree rated hardy to zone 1 in our ratings, and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSiberian crab, Manchurian crab (Malus baccata)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 1 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 1, colder half included. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (300 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3, or plant two of these seedlings together. Each seedling is a little different, so bloom time can vary from tree to tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 16 to 22 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Siberian Crabapple. This tree has a wide range of uses, particularly for regions where very few other trees can survive. It has long been a favorite rootstock for Roger Joy, known for its effectiveness in top working—grafting other apple varieties onto more mature parts of the tree. This technique helps apple varieties establish themselves quickly with the assistance of the Siberian Crab’s hardy stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruit of the Siberian Crabapple is very small, but it can be used to make deep red jelly or blended into hard cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e While the small fruit may not be for fresh eating, it has valuable uses in preserves and fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven these will be full size\/standard trees, plan to plant 16-22 ft. apart. 16 ft for a more rigorous pruning regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCold Hardy to below -50F, possibly even as cold as -60F—this makes it incredibly hardy, suitable for the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSiberian Crab is one of the parents of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo crab\u003c\/a\u003e, and is perhaps the main source of Dolgo's hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Atlas roslin pl Jabłoń jagodowa 10928 9543” by Kuba Korn, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Atlas_roslin_pl_Jab%C5%82o%C5%84_jagodowa_10928_9543.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Malus baccata (Jardin des plantes de Paris)” by Tangopaso, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Malus_baccata_(Jardin_des_plantes_de_Paris).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Beerenapfel (Löhehaus, Neuendettelsau) 20250420 163240” by Alexander Rahm, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Beerenapfel_(L%C3%B6hehaus,_Neuendettelsau)_20250420_163240.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Beerenapfel (Laurentiuskirche Neuendettelsau) 20250919 143927” by Alexander Rahm, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Beerenapfel_(Laurentiuskirche_Neuendettelsau)_20250919_143927.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Siberian Crabapple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Siberian Crabapple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Siberian Crabapple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3, or plant two of these seedlings together. Each seedling is a little different, so bloom time can vary from tree to tree. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Siberian Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Siberian Crabapple hardy to zone 1. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Siberian Crabapple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 300 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Seedlings vary. Dolgo, its best-known offspring, is sold as a 400 to 500 hour crab, but lab tests hint some trees need more. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Siberian Crabapple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Siberian Crabapple are feeding wildlife (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), ornamental value (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Siberian Crabapple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Siberian Crabapple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Siberian Crabapple ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440594498,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-crabapple-fruit-on-branch.jpg?v=1791616244"},{"product_id":"somerset-seedless-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Somerset Seedless Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Somerset Seedless Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (350 to 750). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#somerset-seedless-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring to early summer here. Somerset Seedless has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Seedless grapes still need their flowers pollinated, but Somerset does that itself. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSomerset is arguably one of the most cold-hardy seedless grapes. It produces rosy, small to medium-sized compact clusters with medium-sized berries that have adherent skins and a strawberry-like flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBest known for fresh eating, Somerset also holds potential for use as a sweet red dessert wine. It could also be used for jams and juices. Its versatility and great flavor make it an excellent addition to your edible landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSomerset does well all over Montana, with the exception of the coldest microclimates east of the Continental Divide, where temperatures can dip below -50°F. For example, we spoke to a customer in Joplin, Montana, who claimed the ambient temperature Jan. 2024 hit below -65°F (though we still need to verify this). Even if it reached -55°F, Somerset may struggle in such extreme conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eProtecting Somerset in Extremely Cold Climates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn these colder climates, consider training the vine’s arms (cordons) low to the ground and mulching over them in the fall for added protection. This technique can help guard against severe frost. Hardy to at least -50°F, Somerset is a resilient variety, but a little extra care may be needed in extreme conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Somerset Seedless Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Somerset Seedless Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Somerset Seedless Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Somerset Seedless has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Seedless grapes still need their flowers pollinated, but Somerset does that itself. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Somerset Seedless Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Somerset Seedless Grape hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Somerset Seedless Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 350 and 750. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#somerset-seedless-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Somerset Seedless Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Somerset Seedless Grape are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Somerset Seedless Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Somerset Seedless Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Somerset Seedless Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440922178,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/somerset-seedless-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"sparkle-strawberry-bundle-of-25","title":"Sparkle Strawberry (Bundle of 25) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sparkle Strawberry is a strawberry plant rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Jun 21 to Jul 7 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sparkle-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Sparkle blooms late, which helps it dodge spring frost; the store finds it still overlaps \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#strawberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jun 21 to Jul 7 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (9\/10), canning and freezing (9\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eSparkle is perhaps right up there with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e in terms of survivability. If you're in a very cold area, grow this alongside Honeoye (Zone 2), as Sparkle is hardy to Zone 3—potentially even Zone 2 if well mulched over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEverything else we offer is Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGreat for Jam and Freezing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSparkle isn’t the best for fresh eating, but for whatever reason, it makes \u003cem\u003efantastic\u003c\/em\u003e jam and freezes well. Some of the other varieties that taste better fresh don’t hold up in jam quite like Sparkle does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLater-Season Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBerries are small to medium in size and come on later in the summer. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlanting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are sold bare root. Plant with Honeoye—their blossoms will overlap, even though Honeoye fruits slightly earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Sparkle Strawberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Sparkle Strawberry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Sparkle Strawberry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Strawberries set fruit on their own. Sparkle blooms late, which helps it dodge spring frost; the store finds it still overlaps \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeoye-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Sparkle Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Sparkle Strawberry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Sparkle Strawberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Sparkle's late bloom helps it dodge frost. Like other June-bearers it still needs a real winter rest to grow strong. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sparkle-strawberry-bundle-of-25\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Sparkle Strawberry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jun 21 to Jul 7 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Sparkle Strawberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Sparkle Strawberry are jams and jellies (9\/10), canning and freezing (9\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Sparkle Strawberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Sparkle Strawberry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Sparkle Strawberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440954946,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sparkle-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789021109"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/disease-resistance\/hazelnut-tree.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}