{"title":"Drying","description":"\u003cp\u003eFruit with the sugar and firm flesh it takes to dry well, from prune plums and apricots to apple and pear slices. Everything here scored 6 or higher out of 10 for drying.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"3rd-and-myrtle-apricot","title":"3rd and Myrtle Apricot (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLook how orange those apricots are from the mother tree — no filter on the photo! These are seedlings from a very tasty, 40-year-old tree growing in Missoula, Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred for Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese seedlings have been specifically selected for cold hardiness using Luke’s “Antifreeze Protein Selection” method. This process involves:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold stratifying seeds by deliberately freezing and thawing them\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlanting only the seeds that survive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExposing young trees (in pots) to natural freezing and thawing conditions without protection the following winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis 2-year process mimics the natural resistance found in native species like chokecherry and serviceberry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivor Stock: Zone 3 Apricots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter extensive culling at the seed and one-year juvenile stages, these apricot trees — now going into their third year — have proven to be strong survivors. Their roots have withstood temperatures of -25°F or colder without any protection, making them ideal for colder climates. We are confidently listing these as Zone 3 hardy apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor: Mellow sweetness that comes on later, with a sweet-tart balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUse: Excellent for fresh eating, drying, canning, and more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Color: Fruit measures approximately 1¾ inches, turning a deep, dark orange — another major bonus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMissoula is technically in USDA Zone 5, though we can see temperatures close to -30°F due to advective freezes. Our diverse, mountainous landscapes cause unpredictable early-season cold snaps (sometimes -10°F in October). We do not use controlled crosses but instead allow nature to select for resilience:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeeds are frozen and thawed during stratification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFirst-year seedlings are left unprotected over winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivors are selected for root resistance to ice recrystallization\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis method favors trees that naturally express antifreeze proteins — compounds found in many overwintering plants that inhibit the growth and recrystallization of intercellular ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis year's selection includes grafted stock from some of the best performers. So these are not seedlings, but rather grafted trees in which we used cuttings from the best performing seedlings.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124629463106,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45124629495874,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot-fruit-on-tree.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"aronia-berry-bundle-of-5","title":"Aronia Berry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eA superfood that is rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins, Aronia berries are excellent dried or blended into smoothies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLate-Season Harvest Perks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest left on the tree well into fall to allow some of the sugars to develop. This Zone 2 shrub is easy on your harvest schedule—when everything else has already been picked, Aronia is still hanging on. We’ve harvested them well into November here in Montana, surrounded by snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTough as Nails in the Cold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe berries don’t seem to be affected even when temps drop below 20°F. Hardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more), they’re a must for all cold-climate sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowth \u0026amp; Soil Preference\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThey reach roughly 5–6 feet at maturity in Montana, possibly a bit more if planted in soft, loamy, organic matter-rich soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCurrently these are 2-3 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472433221698,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/aronia-berry-fruit.webp?v=1789019154"},{"product_id":"carroll-apple","title":"Carroll Apple","description":"\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 McIntosh seedling) 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 Dolgo 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","brand":"My Store","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":"chicago-hardy-fig-bundle-of-2","title":"Chicago Hardy Fig (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn Montana, Chicago Hardy figs will need to be:\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\"\u003eBrought indoors for the winter (a basement works well)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOr protected through other means like burying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMost growers here simply store them inside for half the year, starting around September, and enjoy growing them during the warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize: Medium to large, about the size of a golf ball\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlesh: Thick, sweet, strawberry-pink pulp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkin: Very thin and fully edible\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA tasty, rich fig that’s enjoyable fresh off the tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 6–7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eNot winter-hardy in Montana without protection (burying in the ground) or bringing in. In some mild parts of the state, there may even be winters where it doesn't die back, and if it does, it likely won't kill the roots, in which case if the root system is established, since Figs bear fruit on current season's wood, you'd still get fruit on the shoots that emerged after winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize at sale: Approximately 6–12 inches tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCompact and easy to manage in containers or small spaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434860098,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chicago-hardy-fig-fruit-cut.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"empire-apple","title":"Empire Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\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","brand":"My Store","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-harvest.webp?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"evans-bali-tart-cherry-bundle-of-3-3l736","title":"Evan's Bali Tart Cherry","description":"\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","brand":"My Store","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":"w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe","title":"Flemish Beauty Pear","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis variety has been grown on Wildhorse Island in Flathead Lake for over one hundred years. One of the most cold-hardy of all European pears, \u003cem\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e performs well in Zone 3 sites (–30°F to –40°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOrigin and Fruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Belgian pear, \u003cem\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e is medium to large with a round shape, yellow skin, and an attractive red blush. We mainly eat them fresh, but they’re also great for drying. Some growers have reported fungal issues in wetter climates, though we haven’t experienced any problems here in Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock and Disease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur \u003cem\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e pears are grafted onto scab- and fireblight-resistant OHxF87 rootstock. That said, it’s still up for debate how much of that disease resistance carries into the scion. Personally, I think the lack of fungal issues here has more to do with our drier climate than anything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Structure and Sunlight Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAs with all fruit trees—but especially pears, and even more so with \u003cem\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e—we recommend purchasing limb spreaders. This helps discourage their naturally vertical, pyriform growth. Wider branch angles allow more sunlight to reach into the canopy and can help prevent fungal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Future Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese pears are hardy to –40°F. If you’re in a spot that sees temps colder than that, then check out our Russian pears (Larinskaya, Vekovaya, Krazulya, Bolshaya). Russian pears and other varieties that can handle down to –50°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Sizes Available\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur \u003cem\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e pears come in multiple sizes, but all are grafted onto OHxF87, which we’ve found to be reliably hardy down to –40°F, and in many cases even –45°F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42539510038594,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/flemish-beauty-pear-on-tree.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"red-gravenstein","title":"Gravenstein Apple","description":"\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","brand":"My Store","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-apple-fruit.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"huckleberry-bundle-of-3-ggy79","title":"Huckleberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"98\" data-start=\"84\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"487\" data-start=\"99\"\u003eWe’ve been growing huckleberries for several years now, and while there are a few things to keep in mind, they can thrive outside of their native habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"489\"\u003eKey Growing Tips for Huckleberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"530\"\u003eFirstly, like their blueberry cousins, huckleberries do not like alkaline soil. Secondly, they have mycelium (soil fungi) dependencies, and when these needs are not met, they suffer. They also do not like direct sunlight, so it's important to amend the soil with some forest duff where huckleberries thrive (see the photo where there is moss, etc., in the pot we grow them in). Periodically adding elemental sulfur and ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight will also help them flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1048\" data-start=\"1028\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"1136\" data-start=\"1049\"\u003eHardy to Zone 3 (-40°F or more), huckleberries can handle some of the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499234922562,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/huckleberry-fruit-and-leaves.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"italian-plum","title":"Italian Plum","description":"\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, Stanley, Mirabelle de Bitterroot, or others. It will not cross-pollinate with Asian or American plums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","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":"manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2","title":"Manchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Manchurian apricots, whose genetics trace back to Northeast Asia, are among the cold-hardiest apricots available. The original mother trees come from a particularly frigid area in North Dakota and have survived temperatures as low as -45°F, and potentially even -50°F — making these true Zone 2 apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariable but Promising Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one caveat with Manchurian apricots is flavor variability. Because these are open-pollinated seedlings, the fruit quality can differ from tree to tree:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSome fruits may lean sour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers develop sweeter notes, especially if left to fully ripen on the tree. If you're selecting for resilience over uniform flavor, these are a fantastic choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Purpose Use: Rootstock or Orchard Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese seedlings can also be used as cold-hardy rootstock for grafting more refined varieties like Westcot, Brookcot, Morden 604, other cold-adapted apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBud grafting is best done in early August.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Bundling Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile apricots are partially self-fertile, better fruit set generally occurs with some pollen diversity. Since these are genetically unique seedlings, each plant can serve as a pollenizer for the other, ensuring effective cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable as: Bundles of 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 2–3 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3-5 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500862214210,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156052205634,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/manchurian-apricot-on-tree.webp?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4612\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4948\"\u003eIf anyone has ever been to Europe and tried Mirabelle plums there, then the genetics of these plums are the most comparable, but specifically for cold-climate growers. The mother plants were discovered growing wild by Luke in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. He propagated them and named them Mirabelle de Bitterroot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4950\" data-end=\"4970\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5121\"\u003eThe plums are roughly the same size as the French Mirabelles and have a very similar sweet, jammy flavor, with some subtle notes of apricot and honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5143\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5144\" data-end=\"5351\"\u003eThese plums are hardy down to -35°F, if not even hardier. The mother trees of these roots have survived for over 60 years, enduring intense fall frosts, mid-winter lows, and the generally tough Montana cold.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42500879745090,"sku":null,"price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":42500879777858,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-5 ft.","offer_id":42500879810626,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5-6 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42500879843394,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"montmorency-tart-cherry","title":"Montmorency Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"5348\"\u003eOne of the most famous tart cherries and most widely grown in the US, Montmorency is thought to have originated in the Montmorency Valley just north of Paris, where it was named after a noble family that had grown it since the 13th century. French settlers moving up the St. Lawrence River Valley toward the Great Lakes brought it to the New World around 1760, or perhaps earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5350\" data-end=\"5901\"\u003eAlthough the literature on Montmorency does not indicate why Montmorency was imported from Europe over other cultivars, we suspect it was because of its cold hardiness. Given how much more temperate Europe is generally speaking than Canada, around the Great Lakes, and other northern areas where Montmorency was first grown, it is likely that many of the other tart cherry cultivars did not survive harsher winters. Meanwhile, we have seen Montmorency growing in cuspy zone 3\/4 areas. Still not as hardy as meteor, and certainly not as hardy as Evan's Bali or the dwarf cherries, though, for Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5903\" data-end=\"5923\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6249\"\u003eThe Montmorency fruit sweetens as it ripens, but remains fairly tart for most people to eat out of hand. However, its flavor and tartness makes for spectacular dried cherries. Plant in conjunction with Danube, which is less tart (albeit still a tart cherry), and complements the Montmorency in terms of uses. Hardy to zone 3\/4, or roughly -35F (possibly -40F in protected sites).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500893442114,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500893474882,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/montmorency-tart-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020640"},{"product_id":"mount-royal-plum","title":"Mount Royal Plum","description":"\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 Prairie Red Plum, 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","brand":"My Store","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-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"perfection-apricot","title":"Perfection Apricot","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfection\u003cspan\u003e is one of only two \u003c\/span\u003enon-seedling, non-Manchurian commercial apricot cultivars\u003cspan\u003e we're growing for \u003c\/span\u003e2025\u003cspan\u003e—the other being \u003c\/span\u003eChinese\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eWhile Perfection is not among the hardiest apricots, we've been growing it for several years now, and our earlier plantings have continued to hold up well in our Missoula climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to: Approximately -30°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf your area experiences colder winters than this, we recommend hardier varieties like Westcot, Morden 604, or other Prairie Province apricots,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination: Best results occur when planted with Chinese \u0026amp; Wenatchee Moorpark apricots (also hardy to -30°F), as they pollenize one another effectively\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Culinary Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfection apricots are known for their excellent versatility in the kitchen. Ideal for:\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\"\u003eFresh eating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBaking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCanning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDrying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock: Grafted onto Lovell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent height: 5–7 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAvailable sizes: Offered in two different size options (see availability when ordering)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. regular grade (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503392919618,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503392952386,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/perfection-apricot-on-tree.webp?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"serviceberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Serviceberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eA climate-adapted, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance tree, Serviceberry produces tasty berries while supporting native insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal for Montana Growers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis tree is a go-to for Montana growers, as it requires very little care and will thrive in every part of the state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardy and Resilient\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThese Serviceberries are 2-3 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Wikimedia User: Meggar.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535403651138,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/serviceberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"siberian-peach","title":"Siberian C Peach","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWith genetics that trace back to the harsh Gobi Desert region of Mongolia and China, these are \u003cem\u003ehands down\u003c\/em\u003e the most hardy peaches that we know of. They’re the only peach that even has a chance of surviving in zone 3. Hardy to at least -35°F, according to Miekal from Driftless Sacred Grove, who has been breeding these for the last 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThey saw -35°F on two separate occasions during 2012 and 2018 in Wisconsin, and the trees showed no signs of winter damage. Their flower buds were, however, damaged at those temps. The trees also went undamaged after 55 consecutive days below 0°F in Wisconsin during 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAntifreeze Tested \u0026amp; Field Proven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe started growing these several years back, and when we attempted our Antifreeze Selection methods on Siberian C (deliberately freezing and thawing the seeds many times at the seed and 1st-year potted stage), none of them died—which was a serious testament to their hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are grown from 5th-generation selections of Siberian C by Miekal of Driftless Sacred Grove out of La Farge, Wisconsin, from 3rd–4th generation mother trees originally from Bear Creek Nursery (1992). Over the years, Miekal has been selecting for larger size, less mealiness, and improved juiciness and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSummary \u0026amp; Tree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone -38F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42504573878338,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":42504573911106,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504573943874,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-c-peach-harvest-bucket.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"stanley-plum","title":"Stanley Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley is a classic European plum valued for its dependable productivity, versatile fruit, and adaptability across a wide range of climates. It is best known as a high-quality fresh eating plum, but also well  known as a prune plum (perhaps after Italian). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe tried Stanley for the first time from one of Doug Hawes-Davis' trees in Missoula. They are reminiscent of an Italian, although a little bit sweeter. Some growers note that they also make excellent wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile some sources list Stanley as a Zone 5 plum, our experience suggests it is better suited to Zone 4. It has survived significant early fall frosts at our nursery, including temperatures down to −10°F on October 26, 2020, indicating an ability to handle colder conditions than often reported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our experience in western Montana, Stanley is a solid Zone 4 plum. However, if you are in an area that regularly sees temperatures below −30°F (and certainly anything colder than -35F), we recommend planting some of the hardier plums we offer instead. These include Asian × American hybrids such as Toka, Pipestone, Underwood, and Kuban Delight, as well as very hardy European plums like Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, and Mount Royal, all of which can tolerate −40°F and possibly colder when well sited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley performs best in protected locations, away from frost pockets and strong winds. Sites with nearby structures or pavement that provide additional warmth and shelter tend to be especially favorable if you are in an area that can see -30F or colder (probably wouldn't make it past -35F). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best fruit set, plant Stanley with Italian, Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, or Mount Royal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are approximately 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell full-size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938618946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938651714,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger Grade (Fiber Potted): Not for shipping","offer_id":42751572869186,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stanley-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"trailman-crab","title":"Trailman Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba and introduced in 1973, Trailman is a cold-hardy apple crab that consistently produces heavy crops of small, orange-peach-colored fruits (1–1.5” in size). It’s a cross between Trail and Osman, and one of the best-performing applecrabs we've seen for extreme northern climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDon’t let the size fool you—Trailman packs a punch:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSweet with a bold tart kick – might be a bit much for some early on, but if left to ripen longer, it mellows into a sweeter, nuttier profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHas a flavor somewhat similar to Chestnut Crab (although more flavorful and less sweet) with a nice crunch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLikely a great addition to hard cider blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard near Bozeman in 2024 with zero damage. Alaska Fruit Trees lists it as one of their hardiest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEstimated hardiness: -50°F to -60°F, making it ideal for extreme cold climates in zone 2 and even protected zone 1 sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRootstock Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are one year older and grafted onto Dolgo and Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281236034,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42507281334338,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281268802,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/trailman-applecrab-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"wealthy-apple","title":"Wealthy Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWealthy is an American apple with a great story. After spending thousands of dollars and nearly 10 years trying to grow apples in Minnesota, Peter Gideon and his family were down to their last eight dollars. The only surviving tree was a Siberian Crab Apple, but Gideon, determined to find an apple that could thrive in Minnesota, sent his remaining money to an apple grower in Bangor, Maine. In return, he received apple seeds and scions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the resulting trees, which Gideon initially thought was a cross with his Siberian crab apple, produced an apple he later named the Wealthy, after his wife, Wealthy (Hull) Gideon. Recent genetic analysis, however, revealed that it’s actually a cross between ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’ and ‘Jonathan’, which makes sense given its resemblance to Duchess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBest Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWealthy apples are best used for processing, though Elizabeth made a delicious pie that everyone loved (see last photo). It’s also fantastic for apple sauce and apple butter, which have an excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWhile it may not be listed often online for pies, its versatility in cooking and preserving makes it a staple in many orchards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -50F, likely due to its Duchess of Oldenburg parentage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIt stores well, bears reliably, and produces smaller apples. However, Fred Stewart of Green Bench Orchards managed to grow them exceptionally large in 2024, showing their potential with the right care. However, he thinned pretty extensively to achieve such a large size (4 inches in diameter).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto Spy 227, a full size rootstock hardy to -50F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511189770306,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511189803074,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wealthy-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"wolf-river-apple","title":"Wolf River Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWolf River originated as a chance seedling in Wisconsin, dating back to at least 1875. It quickly gained a reputation for its massive fruit size, making it one of the largest apples we’ve seen growing in Montana—second only to Spokane Beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but especially valued for its rich, fluffy apple butter, which develops beautifully after slow cooking for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eA true old-fashioned apple that shines in both flavor and function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -50F or more, Wolf River does exceptionally well even east of the Continental Divide, where conditions are colder, drier, and windier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor more on its Montana performance, check out research from the Western Ag Research Center in the Bitterroot Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrafted onto Spy 227 rootstock, a full size rootstock hardy to -50F or colder, as well as Bud 118. For \u003cspan\u003eBud 118, a practical spacing range is 14–18 feet between trees, depending on how hard you plan to prune for size control and how vigorous your site is. In richer soils or irrigated ground, wider spacing reduces shading and improves airflow; in leaner soils with consistent pruning, spacing can be somewhat tighter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of WARC\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45144728010818,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":43017173467202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144728043586,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511539437634,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wolf-river-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"frostbite-apple","title":"Frostbite Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrostbite Apple is a cold-hardy dessert apple developed by the University of Minnesota as part of its northern apple breeding program. It was released in the early 21st century and bred specifically to withstand harsh winters while still delivering high fruit quality, drawing on hardy Malus genetics adapted to extreme cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrostbite produces small to medium-sized apples with dark red skin and exceptionally sweet, intense flavor.  When Luke tried this on Bob Purvis' farm in 2022, he was taken aback by the unique, tropical punch flavor. The flesh is firm and crisp. Apparently can be used in specialty cider, where its high sugar content adds richness and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrostbite is among the most cold-hardy apples available and is generally rated hardy to at least −40°F, making it suitable for Zone 3 and possibly colder microclimates. It was specifically selected to survive severe northern winters while maintaining reliable productivity and fruit quality. That said, almost none of the University of Minnesota apples survive and do well for Ed Schultz in Gallatin Gateway, where Ed sees -47F regularly, and these Minnesota apples don't shut down in time for the Fall cold there. Therefore, Frostbite has seen damage at those temps but fortunately the damage has mainly been on its limbs, and not penetrated into the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125952733250,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499083108418,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 6-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125952766018,"sku":null,"price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/frostbite-apple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"golden-russet-apple","title":"Golden Russet Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the newer apples we have begun growing, and while our long-term experience in Montana is still developing, both historical accounts and early local observations point to Golden Russet as an exceptional and resilient apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet is a historic American apple with a long lineage in the United States, documented as early as the early 1800s. William Coxe described it in 1817 as one of the finest apples in New Jersey in the autumn and early winter months. A.J. Downing, writing in his 1845 edition of \u003cem\u003eFruit Trees of America\u003c\/em\u003e, praised it as one of the most delicious and tender apples, noting that its flesh resembles the buttery texture of a pear more than that of an ordinary apple. Though neither large nor visually striking, it became widely cultivated in New England and the western states due to its productivity and exceptional flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet produces medium-sized, fully russeted fruit with dense, crisp flesh and very high sugar content. The flavor is rich, sweet, and complex, often described as honeyed or nutty. It is truly an all-purpose apple, well suited for fresh eating, culinary use, cider, jelly, juice, pies, sauce, and drying. It is also one of the best keeping apples, commonly storing for up to five months, and often remaining excellent in flavor even after the skin has begun to shrivel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet has weathered intense cold snaps in the Bitterroot Valley without showing signs of winter injury. Trees in this area experienced mid-winter lows approaching −40°F on January 12, 2024 and came through without apparent damage. While Golden Russet is often listed more conservatively in terms of hardiness, these observations suggest it is hardy to roughly −40°F, although any colder than that would be experimental. It is a solid zone 3 apple, although growers in the coldest places should look to the many other cold hardy apples we offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Russet has long been prized for its productivity and storage ability, as well as its value in cider making, where its high sugar levels produce rich, full-bodied cider. While it is one of the newer apples we have grown locally, its historical reputation and early performance in Montana, particularly the more mild Western part of the state, suggest it has potential as a fairly cold-hardy, high-quality apple for northern growers. However, it would not be in the top class of hardy apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto by George Gruenfeld\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45125959680066,"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":42499178266690,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-russet-apple-fruit.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"spokane-beauty-apple","title":"Spokane Beauty Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is a historic Inland Northwest heritage apple valued for its exceptional fruit size, attractive red striping, and strong performance in cold continental climates. It is a dual-purpose dessert and culinary apple long recognized for producing very large fruit with excellent flavor and dependable productivity. The variety became one of the few apple cultivars from eastern Washington to achieve regional notoriety and commercial recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty originated in Walla Walla, Washington in the mid-1800s as a chance seedling grown from planted apple pips by settler Stephen Maxson. Its exact parentage is unknown and has never been definitively identified. The seedling was later introduced and promoted by the Maxson family and became known as Spokane Beauty after being exhibited regionally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety quickly gained recognition when it was presented at the Spokane Fruit Fair, where it won first-place ribbons in both 1895 and 1896. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became one of the most notable apple varieties originating from eastern Washington and was widely planted throughout the Inland Northwest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty reflects the early homesteading era of fruit growing in the Pacific Northwest, when orchardists planted seeds and selected exceptional seedlings capable of surviving harsh continental winters. Because apples do not grow true from seed, Spokane Beauty represents a unique genetic individual preserved through grafting since its discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty produces very large to extremely large apples, sometimes reaching extraordinary size and weight compared to most dessert apples. The fruit is round to slightly irregular, with a pale green to yellow base color covered by bright red striping or blush. The flesh is white, crisp, firm, and juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we first tried these apples on Rod McIver’s farm in Kalispell, MT in the Fall of 2023 the first thing we noticed was their massive size. Thinking that the flavor was likely going to be watered down, this was exactly the opposite experience. The flavor was excellent. Good sweetness, with a nice touch of acidity, the apple had a very pleasant lemon flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is excellent for fresh eating and also performs well for baking, drying, sauce, and juice. It holds shape well when cooked and stores for roughly three to four months under proper storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are vigorous and upright to spreading with strong structural growth. Spokane Beauty is a tip-bearing variety that produces fruit on terminal shoots and tends toward annual cropping with proper management. It is known for early productivity, strong vigor, and reliable performance in colder orchard regions. Fruit thinning is often beneficial due to its tendency toward heavy crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Spokane Beauty on Budagovsky 118 rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118, trees should be spaced about 15 feet apart. For tighter plantings, spacing can be reduced to 12 feet apart. For wider spacing in fertile soils or lower-density systems, trees can be spaced up to 18 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike almost all apples, Spokane Beauty is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another apple or crabapple with overlapping bloom. It is diploid and blooms in the mid-season apple bloom window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable pollenizers include any genetically distinct mid-season blooming Malus domestica or Malus crabapple. From our offerings, this includes McIntosh, Spartan, Kerr, Trailman, Goodland, Liberty, Wealthy, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is highly adapted to cold continental climates. It is at least hardy to at least −35°F without winter injury, as shown on Rod McIver’s farm from the −35°F event his property experienced on January 13, 2024 in Kalispell, MT off of Rose Crossing. At least zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpokane Beauty is notable for its unusually large fruit size, with some specimens historically recorded at extremely large weights compared to standard apples. It was also selected as a parent for later cultivars and sports, including the large-fruited Stark Jumbo strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety is susceptible to apple scab and powdery mildew and benefits from standard orchard disease management. Despite this, it has remained valued as a hardy regional heirloom that represents the seedling-selection tradition of early Northwestern orchardists and the development of locally adapted cold-climate fruit genetics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReference Plate (w\/ cm grid) Image: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The apple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42504710488130,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/spokane-beauty-apple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"williams-pride-apple","title":"William's Pride Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3133\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3610\"\u003eWilliam’s Pride is an early-season apple from the PRI (Purdue–Rutgers–Illinois) disease-resistant breeding program, grown for its combination of attractive dark red fruit, crisp texture for an early apple, and unusually strong disease resistance compared with many classic summer varieties. Reliable choice for growers who a quality fresh eating apple in regions where apple scab and rust pressure can be an ongoing issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3684\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3685\" data-end=\"3991\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride was developed through the PRI cooperative apple breeding program and was released in 1988. Its reported parentage is PRI 1018-101 × NJ 50. It was selected as part of a long-running effort to combine good fresh-eating quality with durable disease resistance, particularly against apple scab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4012\" data-end=\"4432\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride typically produces medium to medium-large apples with a deep red to purplish-red skin and cream-colored flesh. It ripens early (often in late July to early August in many growing regions), offering crisp, juicy fruit at a time when many early apples are softer or less complex. It’s best used for fresh eating, but it also performs well for baking and general kitchen use when harvested at peak maturity. One thing we have observed growing William's Pride in MT is that it keeps surprisingly well for an early apple. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4434\" data-end=\"4452\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4453\" data-end=\"4844\"\u003eThe tree is vigorous, sturdy, and spreading with good branch structure. It tends to be a dependable grower for us in Missoula when trained and pruned like a standard dessert apple. Actually has a relatively extended bloom window compared with many early apples, which can help pollination and can sometimes improve odds of setting a crop in years with uneven spring weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4859\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4860\" data-end=\"5280\"\u003eOn Bud 118, a practical spacing range is 14–18 feet between trees, depending on how hard you plan to prune for size control and how vigorous your site is. In richer soils or irrigated ground, wider spacing reduces shading and improves airflow; in leaner soils with consistent pruning, spacing can be somewhat tighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5299\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5300\" data-end=\"5855\"\u003eShould be planted with another apple or crabapple that blooms at the same time to ensure consistent fruit set. Examples of what to plant with William's Pride include Pristine, Honeycrisp, all of our applecrabs, Dolgo, Dearbron's Unknown, Prairie Sensation, McIntosh, Yellow Transparent, Zestar!, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5877\"\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5878\" data-end=\"6620\"\u003eRod McIver's William's Pride in Kalispell came through the 1\/13\/24 arctic cold event, which saw -35°F, without winter injury. However, -35°F does not prove -40°F (or more) survival, and we do not yet have direct evidence of Williams’ Pride enduring -40°F. For that reason, we recommend it broadly for much of Western Montana, but for colder parts of Eastern Montana that can genuinely reach the -40°Fs, we recommend prioritizing apples with documented survival deeper into this range unless you are in one of the warmer eastern MT microclimates (such as Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys). Zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6639\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6640\" data-end=\"7248\"\u003eWilliams’ Pride is scab-immune (or field-immune) and is resistant to cedar apple rust and powdery mildew, with resistance to fire blight often noted as well. As with any apple, resistance does not mean invincibility—especially for fire blight under high pressure—so good pruning practices, airflow, and balanced fertility still matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\"\u003eImage: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The apple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42511538651202,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/williams-pride-apple-fruit-cut.png?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"zard-apricot","title":"Zard Apricot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is a heritage Iranian apricot valued in cold and frost-prone climates for one defining trait: it stays dormant longer than most apricots (but also incredible flavor!). That very late bloom habit can dramatically improve cropping reliability in places where winter thaws and early spring warmth routinely trigger premature bloom in other cultivars. Many of the prairie province apricots can withstand colder mid-winter extreme temps, but bloom earlier in the Spring. Zard also stands out as a pale yellow, very sweet apricot with a sweet kernel, placing it in the long Central and West Asian tradition of apricots selected as much for eating quality and drying potential as for hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is an old apricot cultivar from Iran with no documented modern breeding-program parentage; it is treated as a traditional cultivar rather than a named cross. The name Zard comes from Persian زرد, meaning yellow, and it is closely tied to the Persian word for apricot, زردآلو (zard-ālū). In other words, Zard is not a marketing name—its identity is embedded in the Persian language itself, reflecting both color and cultural familiarity. Zard’s late bloom behavior is repeatedly attributed to a combination of high chilling requirement and a need for substantial spring heat before budbreak, which helps explain why it avoids false-spring bloom events and later frosts better than many even cold hardy apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard produces medium-sized, pale yellow fruit that are notably sweet when fully ripe, but also other wonderful flavor notes. This is Luke's favorite apricot he has ever tried, along with Montana Mango. A distinctive, well-attested trait is its large pit with a sweet kernel, which is unusual enough to merit mention because it connects Zard to traditional West and Central Asian apricots where kernels are sometimes valued. Zard is excellent for fresh eating at full ripeness and is also a strong candidate for drying and preserves in climates where the fruit can be ripened thoroughly on the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard has a very upright growth habit, tending toward narrower branch angles unless trained early. That upright structure makes training important in snow, wind, and heavy-crop regions—opening the canopy and building strong scaffold angles early will pay off long-term with better light penetration, easier pruning, and reduced breakage risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Zard on Manchurian full-size rootstock, which is the most cold hardy apricot rootstock in our experience. in multiple size variants. On standard Manchurian apricot rootstock, a spacing of approximately 15 feet between trees is a proven, practical baseline that balances canopy development with adequate light and airflow. If you want a larger tree with less pruning over time, give it more room; if you plan to prune annually and keep the canopy tighter, 15 feet remains a dependable standard spacing for managed trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is self-fertile and can set fruit as a standalone tree, but fruit set can be improved and stabilized by cross-pollination, especially in marginal spring conditions when weather reduces pollinator activity. Other late flowering cultivars we offer that overlap wit Zard's bloom window include Dr. 606 and Precious. That said, the prairie province apricots should also overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard’s main reliability advantage is late bloom, but it also has a real, concrete cold-performance datapoint: it has been documented to withstand −33°F in southwestern Minnesota and still bear a full crop. y to wood survival but to functional flowering and fruiting after a severe winter event. Like all apricots, true “limit temps” depend on dormancy state, site conditions, and winter pattern, so the most defensible approach is to anchor hardiness to documented events and observed performance rather than optimistic generalities. Purvis notes that its mid-winter extreme hardiness is in the low -40Fs. Zone 3b and 3a protected sites (out of risk of frost pooling\/depressions and good air flow).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating detail about Zard is how directly it ties into Persian language and fruit culture: زرد means yellow, and زردآلو is the common Persian word for apricot, reinforcing that Zard is a deeply rooted, traditional cultivar identity rather than a modern reinvention. On disease resistance, there are no trustworthy, variety-specific claims that Zard has exceptional resistance to major apricot diseases. The most accurate framing is to manage it like other apricots: emphasize airflow and sun, avoid overly lush nitrogen-driven growth, protect trunks in harsh microclimates, and prioritize pruning hygiene to reduce canker and rot pressures in stressful years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42511544713282,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":42511544680514,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751578046530,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144936710210,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/zard-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021379"},{"product_id":"veteran-peach","title":"Veteran Peach","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is one of the hardier commercial varieties of peaches, and is known for reliable crops, later blooming (helpful for dodging spring frosts), and flavorful yellow freestone fruit when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is a Canadian peach developed at Vineland, Ontario and widely reported as being introduced in 1928. \u003cbr\u003eMultiple nursery and catalog references report its parentage as Vaughn × Early Elberta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran produces medium to large peaches with yellow flesh and good classic peach flavor. Freestone when fully ripe. The flavor in Missoula is sweet and tangy, but with an intense peach aroma, especially when picked tree ripened. Somewhat similar in flavor to Contender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is vigorous and productive. These are grafted onto Prairie Red plum rootstock, which will produce a more semi-dwarf peach at around 15 ft depending on depth of soils and climate. Possibly closer to 20 ft. in really deep soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is self-fruitful (self-fertile), like most peach cultivars, meaning a single tree can set fruit on its own. That said, an additional peach planted nearby, ideally Contender, can improve fruit set. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran withstood -26°F from a polar front that hit on 1\/13\/24 at our friend Kate Wilburn's house in Missoula. Luke actually planted this tree back in 2018. It was grafted onto Lovell peach rootstock, and the tree is currently about 15 ft. tall. Something interesting happened that following Spring after that polar front. We took scionwood cuttings for bench grafting and weirdly enough, none the wood was good. The cells of the shoots (from the previous year) were all damaged. This was in March. However, the tree budded out that Spring as though nothing had happened. The flower buds were all badly damaged and it didn't set fruit that year. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly not as hardy as Siberian C peach (the hardiest in our experience). Veteran is probably second to only Contender in terms of hardiness of the named varieties. Contender is hardy to -32F in our experience, whereas Veteran may trail this slightly (this is simply conjecture based on field observations), but it is unlikely that it is hardier than Contender. Buzz Ferver indicates Veteran has been hardier than Contender but this has not been our experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople often ask about Reliance, which is not as hardy in our experience as many claim (we've seen more dead Reliance than we can count on our hands and feet, (and other people's hands and feet). That said, Tom McCamant, who has been growing Reliance, Contender, Veteran, and many other varieties in a warm microclimate in Paradise, MT, argues Reliance is the hardiest in terms of mid-winter hardiness, but is perhaps the least hardy in terms of Fall hardiness. And I'd argue many of the dead Reliance's we have seen were planted within a year or two of when MT experienced brutal Fall flash frosts in October (2019 and 2020) in which we hit subzero at the end of Oct. 2019, and Missoula saw -10F on 10\/25\/2020. Had these trees been bigger and more established (regardless of cultural practices\/tapering off water in the Fall), perhaps Reliance could have survived these. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42508249727042,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/veteran-peach-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"vekovaya-pear","title":"Vekovaya Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction and Research Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) is a new pear cultivar for us. Because we are still in the early stages of evaluating this cultivar ourselves—and because there is very little high-quality information available in English—we conducted a targeted review of pomological research literature and translated key passages directly from Russian into English. The description below is synthesized exclusively from these primary sources:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlodovodstvo i vinogradarstvo Yuga Rossii\u003c\/em\u003e (2021) – \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContemporary Horticulture\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) – (\u003ca title=\"DOI: 10.24411\/2312-6701-2019-10301\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\/pdf\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале” (2011) – (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ” (2023) – (\u003ca title=\"СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVNIISPK variety entry: “Груша, Сорт Вековая” – (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe description that follows reflects only what is reported in those sources, without extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearch–Based Description (translated from Russian sources listed above)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and Breeding Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya is a South Ural–bred pear cultivar. In a South Ural breeding summary, Vekovaya is reported as having been created using a high-winter-hardiness\/scab-resistance donor (Ussurian pear hybrid No. 41-15-9) in combination with “elite 143” (“Вековая (с элитой 143)”). (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e) The VNIISPK national cultivar register gives a different parentage for Vekovaya, stating it was 'получен от скрещивания сортов Сюрприз и Повислая' (obtained by crossing the cultivars Syurpriz and Povislaya). We are recording both, since the South Ural breeding summary and the national register do not agree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Period and Keeping Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn trial descriptions, Vekovaya is described as an autumn pear. Fruit maturity is reported as late August to early September, with stated keeping quality up to 45 days.\u003cbr\u003eA separate institutional cultivar entry reports fruit ripening late August–early September and storage up to 1.5 months. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as a medium-sized, compact tree with a rounded crown, highly winter-hardy, and entering bearing in the 4th–5th year.\u003cbr\u003eThe VNIISPK cultivar entry states the cultivar is sufficiently winter-hardy in the Chelyabinsk region; in winter 2010 at −40°C (−40°F), freezing damage was reported up to 1.0 point, and the cultivar is described as having high recovery ability. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProductivity and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a long-term ecological adaptability study conducted in the Southern Urals, Vekovaya was the highest-yielding pear among the cultivars tested. Average production was reported at 15.5 metric tons per hectare, which translates to about 13,800 pounds of fruit per acre. Researchers described the variety as well adapted and reliable across different growing conditions, meaning it both responds well when conditions are good and remains productive when conditions are less ideal. Over a five-year period, Vekovaya showed an adaptability rating of 132%, indicating above-average performance compared to other tested cultivars.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eEcological plasticity of pear cultivars in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2019), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a separate South Ural study summarizing results from 2019–2022, Vekovaya produced an average of 28.9 kilograms per tree, or roughly 64 pounds of fruit per tree. That same study reported even higher field-scale productivity of 17.8 metric tons per hectare, equivalent to about 15,900 pounds per acre, reinforcing Vekovaya’s reputation in Russian research as a consistently high-yielding pear.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eImprovement of the pear assortment in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2023), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya fruit are reported as 130–240 g each (~1\/4 lb to 1\/2 lb per pear), pear-shaped, yellow, with characteristic red and gray dots, and sometimes an intense pink blush. Flesh is described as white, tender, very juicy, sweet-sour, with a tasting score reported as 4.4–4.6 points, which translates to \"Very good to excellent dessert pear\". The VNIISPK cultivar entry describes the flesh as white, dense, tender, fine-grained, sour-sweet with a moderate aroma, and notes use primarily fresh and for juice, compotes, and dried fruit. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease and Pest Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, scab was not observed, and resistance to pear gall mite and bacterial fire blight is described as high.\u003cbr\u003eIt is also described there as high resistance to scab and pear gall mite. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as self-sterile and requiring pollenizers.\u003cbr\u003eMany of the pears that the VNIISPK cultivar entry lists recommends as pollenizers for Vekovaya we do not offer, with the exception of Larinskaya. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Russian pomological literature, Vekovaya is consistently described as a highly winter-hardy pear, bred specifically for severe continental climates. In South Ural trials, the cultivar demonstrated strong tolerance to extreme cold. During the winter of 2010, when air temperatures reached −40 °C (−40 °F), observed freezing damage on Vekovaya trees was reported as no more than 1.0 point, which in Russian evaluations indicates very minor injury with no meaningful impact on tree survival or recovery. Researchers also noted the cultivar’s high regenerative (recovery) capacity following winter stress, meaning trees were able to resume normal growth and fruiting after extreme cold events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn broader South Ural breeding and assortment studies, Vekovaya is grouped with locally developed pears selected for long-term durability, winter survival, and stable productivity under harsh conditions. Its parentage includes Ussurian-derived material, which is commonly used in Russian breeding programs specifically to confer exceptional cold hardiness and resilience. Collectively, these findings position Vekovaya as a pear cultivar well adapted areas where winter minimums approach −40 °F. And given its success in Les McCartney's orchard in Bozeman, MT, where winters have been -45 °F, and his Vekovaya trees had no to very little winter injury, Vekovaya is likely hardy to zone 2b and even 2a, with possibly some winter injury. Good for much of Montana, even many areas east of the divide. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42508246843458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45143804018754,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45143804051522,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143804084290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/vekovaya-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear","title":"Stuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle (also known as Geishirtl or Geishirtli) is Rod McIver and Luke Robinson’s all-time favorite pear. It is a versatile heirloom discovered around 1750 near Stuttgart, Germany, by a goatherd. Its name translates loosely to “little goatherd from Stuttgart.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGaishirtle has long been prized for its versatility, valued both fresh at the table and for preservation. Some sources list it as a really good pear for drying, which I can't believe because they would all be eaten fresh by the time there is any left for drying. One drawback is that it does not have a long shelf life at all. Maybe week or two tops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDried Gaishirtle pears are a traditional ingredient in Hutzelbrot, a classic German fruit bread, often made alongside dried plums. Because the fruit contains less tannic acid and juice than many traditional perry pears, it is generally considered less suitable for cider production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Ripening\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit ripens in Western Montana typically between the third and fourth week of August (the photo for this description was taken August 25th in Kalispell, MT). Flavor is excellent when fully ripe, with qualities that apparently carry particularly well through drying and preservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGaishirtle is hardy to approximately −35°F. It is unknown whether it can reliably survive colder temperatures, and we err on the side of caution when rating its hardiness. Notably, a long-lived tree survived for decades in a cold Zone 4 area of Kalispell, Montana, before being lost to a windstorm in 2024. If you are in much of eastern MT where temps can drop below -35F, steer clear of Gaishirtle and instead opt for one of our Russian pears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a pear with deep cultural and historical roots, valued as much for tradition and preservation as for fresh eating. Its combination of flavor, history, and adaptability make it a standout choice for growers interested in classic European pears with proven performance in fairly cold climates. Take it for what it’s worth, this pear has an incredible flavor. “The best pear I’ve had when picked ripe (when it is ready) off the tree.” - Luke\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87: Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45133897138242,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus communis Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504999403586,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 333 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (1 Year Older)","offer_id":45133897203778,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87: Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45133897171010,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"longjohn-plum","title":"Longjohn Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"3351\" data-start=\"3337\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3479\" data-start=\"3352\"\u003eA newer plum for us, Longjohn is a European-type plum developed at Geneva, New York, and introduced in 1993. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3506\" data-start=\"3481\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3817\" data-start=\"3507\"\u003eAccording to the most detailed cultivar record we found, Longjohn’s parentage is Iroquois × CA4A33L; it originated in Geneva, New York and was introduced by NYSAES breeders including R.L. Anderson and John P. Watson. It was named in honor of plum breeder John P. Watson. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3845\" data-start=\"3819\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4171\" data-start=\"3846\"\u003eLongjohn is a large, long\/teardrop-shaped blue plum with amber flesh, freestone, and high eating quality in the “European plum” style. We've only ever eaten it fresh but it is also commonly used for jam, baking, canning, freezing, jelly, sauce, and it’s noted as suitable for packing\/shipping. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4201\" data-start=\"4173\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4469\" data-start=\"4202\"\u003eThe tree is vigorous, upright\/spreading, somewhat willowy, precocious, and productive. Spacing should follow rootstock; as a practical range: ~12–16 ft on semi-dwarf plum rootstocks, ~16–20 ft on vigorous\/standard. We only have Krymsk 86 as a rootstock, for which you can go 15 ft. spacing with some pruning, up to 18 ft. with less pruning (and if you're working in deeper soils), or even possibly tighter than 15 (down to 12 ft.) for tighter and more managed growing systems.\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4488\" data-start=\"4471\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4681\" data-start=\"4489\"\u003eIt’s described as partially self-fruitful, but heavier crops occur with a pollenizer; suggested partners we offer include Stanley, Italian, Northern Blue, Mount Royal, Mirabelle de Bitterroot, and Yakima.\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4703\" data-start=\"4683\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5286\" data-start=\"4704\"\u003eMany sellers market European plums in the general “around Zone 5” band, but that’s not the same as a documented absolute minimum temperature for this specific cultivar. Bob Purvis lists it as hardy to -35F, which would put it on similar footing as Italian plum and other Europeans. Zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 1-2 ft.","offer_id":43865999114306,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42500854808642,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/longjohn-plum-cut.jpg?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"ptitsin-5-plum","title":"Ptitsin #5 Plum","description":"\u003cp\u003e*New variety for us in Montana so all this info is second hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 is an uncommon Japanese-type plum (\u003cem\u003ePrunus salicina\u003c\/em\u003e) that entered North American evaluation through early prairie and university fruit trials rather than commercial orchard channels. It is best known today through limited propagation among specialty nurseries and experimental growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 appears in North American horticultural records as a numbered selection distributed through the Morden Experiment Station in Manitoba, and it was received for evaluation by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm in 1943. Like many numbered plums of this era, it was assessed for fruit quality and adaptability rather than released as a named commercial cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of Ptitsin #5 is small to medium, typically light yellow to yellow-green when ripe, and is freestone, which is unusual and valuable in very cold-hardy plums. Flavor is generally described as sweet with mild acidity, pleasant and balanced rather than sharp. The flesh is aromatic and suitable for fresh eating, while also performing well for preserves, jam, and drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many ultra-hardy plums that are strictly “processing quality,” Ptitsin #5 is notable for being genuinely enjoyable fresh, especially when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 typically ripens in early to mid-August in Zone 3 climates, making it an early-to-mid season plum. This earlier ripening window helps it mature reliably in regions with shorter summers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are generally moderate in vigor with a balanced growth habit. They are not excessively large or unruly, making them manageable in small orchards. Standard plum spacing applies, typically 12–16 feet, with wider spacing on more vigorous rootstocks or in lower-input systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 is not reliably self-fertile and benefits from cross-pollination. Best results are achieved by planting it with another compatible hardy plum that blooms at a similar time, including Alderman, Kuban Delight, La Crescent, Pipestone, South Dakota, Superior, Uderwood, Toka, as well as Native American and Prairie Red plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUPDATE: Our friend Bob Purvis reported to us in May 2026 that, during his visit to Mongolia that spring, Robert Berg’s Ptitsin #5, along with Brookgold, Brookred, Ivanovka, Rotova, and Northern Blue, had withstood temperatures as low as -50°F without damage to the blossom buds. \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePtitsin #5 should be good for most parts of Montana. If planted in Eastern MT, should do well in Billings and the warmer surrounding valleys. Anywhere else east of the divide could work if the tree is sited properly out of where frost puddles (upslope\/on a bench) and where there is good airflow. Solid zone 2 plum (possibly even hardier).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Value This Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 occupies a rare niche: a plum that is\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003egenuinely hardy, reliably productive, and pleasant to eat fresh, not merely a survival specimen. For growers pushing the limits of plum cultivation in cold climates, it represents one of the better-tested and more dependable options available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":42503606534210,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503606468674,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134398292034,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ptitsin-5-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"taylor-apple-pear","title":"Taylor Apple Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor Apple Pear is an Asian pear selected for extreme cold tolerance and Taylor stands out as one of the hardiest, if not the hardiest Asian pear that we know of. While the flavor is apparently very good, we have not yet tasted this variety firsthand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor Apple Pear circulates as a named cultivar in the cold-climate fruit nursery trade and has been marketed as an “Asian pear” or “apple pear” due to its round shape and crunchy texture. Some nurseries describe it as an introduction associated with Green Barn Nursery, but we couldn't find any credible published breeding record that documents a specific cross or named parents. For that reason, it is most accurate to treat Taylor Apple Pear as a named selection with an unpublished pedigree rather than a formally documented breeding-program cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit are commonly described as round, green to yellow-green with a light blush, ripening in the late season (often late September into October depending on climate). The defining characteristic is texture: firm, crisp, and juicy. It is best used fresh—sliced and chilled—and it also holds up well for fresh culinary uses where you want crunch rather than softening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruits are more compact than many European pear trees, with heavy spring bloom followed by firm, waxy-skinned fruit. As with pears generally, early training and annual pruning for structure, light, and airflow are key to keeping the canopy productive and reducing disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Taylor Apple Pear on Ussurian pear full-size rootstock. A practical spacing range for this would be roughly 18 ft. depending on site, vigor, and how intensively you plan to prune for size control. If you want a large, low-maintenance tree, lean wider; if you plan regular pruning to keep the canopy tighter, the lower end of that range can work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor Apple Pear is commonly described as at least partially self-fertile, but pears typically set heavier and more consistently with cross-pollination, so the safest recommendation is to plant a second pear nearby that overlaps bloom at your site. Any of our Russian pears would work for pollination, including Krazulya, Larinskaya, Vekovaya, Kraznobokaya, and Bolshaya.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor Apple Pear is one of the most cold-hardy Asian-pear-type cultivars in circulation, with some sellers claiming -40°F-class hardiness. In our own Montana network, we obtained scionwood from Les McCartney, who has grown this successfully in Bozeman, Montana, and whose his site reached -45°F, with minimal to no winter injury for this variety. Based on that real-world Montana experience, we consider Taylor Apple Pear at least hardy to -45°F in the right conditions, while noting that duration of cold, acclimation timing, wind exposure, and site microclimate strongly influence winter injury outcomes. To be safe, we are listing it as zone 3a hardy, and protected zone 2b sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.whiffletreefarmandnursery.ca\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqYvQ5NfaQy0wrTxdopZAfs-fvHRR-YydsUsGM8V0XmnKQ8hGej\"\u003eWhiffle Tree Nursery\u003c\/a\u003e in Ontario Canada\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42505032761410,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45135421243458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45135421276226,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45135421308994,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45135421341762,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45135421374530,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/taylor-apple-pear-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"juliet-dwarf-cherry","title":"Juliet Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"248\" data-start=\"227\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"630\" data-start=\"249\"\u003eJuliet Dwarf Cherry, a cross between Prunus fruticosa (Mongolian bush cherry) and Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), was developed by the University of Saskatchewan as part of the Romance Series of bush cherries, bred specifically for extreme cold climates. These cherries were selected to combine the winter hardiness of native cherry species with improved fruit size, flavor, and productivity. Juliet is one of the largest-fruited and most productive selections in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"650\" data-start=\"632\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"969\" data-start=\"651\"\u003eJuliet is exceptionally cold hardy and is reliably winter hardy to even −50°F. This makes it suitable for some of the coldest fruit-growing regions in North America, including much of the northern Plains, interior mountain valleys, and exposed continental sites where traditional sweet and sour cherries fail. Juliet will work in just about all of Montana apart from perhaps the absolute coldest places that can see sub -50°F temps. If you are in an area like this, Juliet and other Romance series cherries could still do well if you site them in a spot free of frost-pooling (higher up\/out of depressions on the landscape).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"993\" data-start=\"971\"\u003ePlant Form \u0026amp; Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1325\" data-start=\"994\"\u003eJuliet grows as a compact, multi-stemmed shrub rather than a standard tree. Sources online typically note Juliet reaching 6–8 feet tall and wide, although a ten year old Juliet tree we saw at the Western Ag. Research Center in Corvallis, MT is closer to 8-10 ft. The bush form eliminates the need for ladders and makes pruning, netting, and harvest straightforward. Plants are naturally dense and upright, and they fit well into small orchards, hedgerows, or mixed plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1347\" data-start=\"1327\"\u003eLeaves \u0026amp; Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1612\" data-start=\"1348\"\u003eLeaves are medium-sized and deep green through the growing season, contributing to good vigor and fruit development. In spring, Juliet produces abundant white blossoms that are attractive to pollinators. Flowering is typically reliable once plants are established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1635\" data-start=\"1614\"\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1636\"\u003eJuliet produces large, dark red cherries that are among the biggest in the bush cherry category. Fruit is borne in clusters and ripens evenly, making harvest efficient. The skin darkens significantly as the fruit reaches full maturity, and allowing cherries to fully color improves flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1944\" data-start=\"1927\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2300\" data-start=\"1945\"\u003eThe flavor of Juliet is balanced and rich, combining sweetness with enough acidity to keep the fruit lively. It is excellent for fresh eating when fully ripe and performs especially well for pies, preserves, juice, syrup, and drying. The higher sugar content compared to many bush cherries makes Juliet a standout for both home and small-scale processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2318\" data-start=\"2302\"\u003eProductivity \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is highly productive once established and often bears heavy crops annually, with the fruit ripening in Missoula and the Bitterroot around third week to end of July. As with other bush cherries, yield and fruit quality tend to improve as plants mature and develop a larger, better-lit canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is at least partially self-fertile, meaning you'll get fruit without the need from another variety of dwarf cherry (pollenizer), but planting it near another dwarf cherry, such as Romeo, Cutie Pie, or Wowza!, can increase fruit yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2566\" data-start=\"2530\"\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Reliability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2809\" data-start=\"2567\"\u003eJuliet shows good resistance to common cherry diseases when grown in cold, dry-summer climates with good airflow. The bush form also provides resilience after harsh winters, as new shoots can regenerate from the base if older wood is damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2811\"\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3127\" data-start=\"2829\"\u003eJuliet performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is required beyond removing dead or crowded stems and occasionally renewing older wood. Because of its extreme cold hardiness and manageable size, it is one of the most dependable cherries for growers in challenging climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42504520859714,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/juliet-dwarf-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"success-serviceberry","title":"Success Serviceberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess serviceberry is a named cultivar of saskatoon or Western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), grown for its edible berries and multi-season landscape interest. Like other serviceberries, it has fragrant white flowers in spring, dark purplish fruit in summer, and attractive foliage in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess is a named selection of Amelanchier alnifolia, one of the earliest commercially marketed serviceberry cultivars. It has been identified in nursery inventories for many decades as a longstanding fruit cultivar of Western serviceberry, chosen for larger fruit size and quality compared with wild selections. Serviceberry itself is native to western and northern North America, with a natural range from Alaska across much of western Canada into the west and north-central United States. Success does not have formal published parentage and is understood as a named horticultural selection rather than a hybrid with documented parents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess produces dark purplish berries that are eaten fresh and used in jams, pies, syrups, and other culinary applications similar to blueberries or other small fruits. Serviceberry fruit are pomes that ripen in summer and are used wherever saskatoon or juneberry fruit are enjoyed, reflecting the common use of \u003cem\u003eAmelanchier\u003c\/em\u003e fruit by growers and foragers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a rounded, upright habit. The white flowers appear in spring, followed by fruit in early to mid-summer. Mature size varies by site and training, but it typically forms a shrub of several feet tall and wide under standard conditions for serviceberries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Success on its own roots. A practical spacing range is about 4–6 feet between plants, allowing room for mature shrub spread and good air movement. For dense plantings or hedgerows, closer spacing around 4 feet can encourage a continuous row, while slightly wider spacing up to 6 feet makes pruning and harvest easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccess is considered self-fertile and can set fruit on its own, but, as with other serviceberry cultivars, fruit set and yields are typically improved when more than one genetically distinct Amelanchier is nearby, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/products\/serviceberry-bundle-of-5?variant=42535403651138\"\u003ewhich we have here.\u003c\/a\u003e You can plant those with Success, which is grown from cuttings and not from seed (unlike our wild serviceberry), and will cross pollenize better with each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a cultivar of \u003cem\u003eAmelanchier alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e, Success shares the species’ reputation for strong cold tolerance. Western serviceberries are commonly grown in northern continental climates and are generally considered suitable for Zone 3 and similar cold conditions, with winter survival dependent on site and acclimation. So they should easily be able to survive down to -40F, however, there is a decent chance they could survive in zone 2 if planted in a good spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServiceberries are among the earliest orchard-worthy edible shrubs to bloom in spring, providing important early nectar for pollinators. They also offer ornamental value with white spring flowers and colorful fall foliage. While generally low-maintenance compared with many tree fruits, serviceberries can experience diseases such as rusts or leaf spots in humid conditions; good airflow and pruning hygiene help minimize these issues. When ripe fruit are available, wildlife — birds and mammals — also use serviceberries as a food source.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42505020407874,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/success-serviceberry-fruit.jpg?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"persimmon-montana-trial","title":"Persimmon (Montana Trial): Bundle of 2","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are currently offering for the first time Persimmon. These are Americana Persimmon seedlings (Diospyros virginiana). The different sizes that we are offering are from different seed sources. These 2-4 ft. trees are grown our from seed from a hardy Michigan source. We have been trialing these for several winters and they have withstood -20F without any winter injury. This doesn't really say too much. We had a fairly mild winter in 2025 and an incredibly mild winter in 2026 (this description is written as of 2\/23\/26, in which 2026 winter has not even dropped below zero for us in Western MT).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other seedlings, the 1-2 footers, are trees grown from seed from Northern Missouri. These seedlings are likely not as hardy as the Michigan source, but the flavor is really good. So we'll see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are simply trial trees with no guarantee. Instead, we will follow up in due time to learn more about how these have done for you. You will be participating in our Montana (or other cold climate) persimmon research to get hardy persimmon varieties. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage shown is not the fruit from this tree. We have yet to try this fruit. This has overwintered for us for several years, which is our main goal, but the fruit quality of these trees is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"2-4 ft.","offer_id":42503404945474,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/persimmon-fruit-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"red-mcintosh-apple","title":"Red McIntosh Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"193\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a sport of McIntosh, known for its deep red color, tender flesh, and balanced sweet–tart flavor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"553\"\u003eMcIntosh originated in eastern Canada in the early 1800s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable cold-climate apples in North America. Red McIntosh refers to a red-colored \"bud sport\" (bud\/limb mutation on an original McIntosh that possessed redder apples) more uniform coloration while preserving the essential characteristics that made McIntosh famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"573\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"951\"\u003eFruit is medium-sized with a rich red skin and bright white flesh. The texture is tender and juicy, with a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity. Al and Mary Pernichele of Frost Top Orchard in Corvallis, MT have hundreds of these trees and the flavor is really good. Of all the McIntosh's we've tried, Luke's favorite is the 'Fred's Mac' in Missoula and Elizabeth's are the Red McIntosh's grown by Al and Mary. Excellent for fresh eating, applesauce, cider blending, and cooking, though it tends to soften quickly in storage compared to firmer modern varieties. Very good dried, too! The aroma on the Red McIntosh is identical to the original mac. Classic aroma, very perfumy. Takes me back to a kid when I would go to Patterson Fruit Farm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"951\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003eTrees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading habit and are generally easy to manage. These trees are all on M7 rootstock, and should be placed 15 ft. apart (12 ft for tighter spacing\/more pruning). McIntosh responds well to regular pruning, which helps maintain airflow, reduce disease pressure, and encourage consistent fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1307\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a diploid apple and produces viable pollen. It is a good pollenizer for many other apple varieties and, in turn, benefits from having at least one compatible apple with overlapping bloom nearby. Pollenizers to plant with Red McIntosh that we offer include: 9-22 End, Alexander, Arkansas Black, Ashmead’s Kernel, Blue Pearmain, Brown Snout, Cortland, Crimson Beauty, Empire, Freedom, Frostbite, KinderKrisp, MN 1628, Northern Spy, Paula Red, Pristine, Spartan, Chestnut, Centennial, Martha, Rescue, Trailman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"2193\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eRed McIntosh is a solid zone 3 apple with well-documented cold tolerance. Notably, McIntosh has withstood approximately -38°F in Corvallis, Montana without any damage, demonstrating excellent midwinter hardiness when properly sited. While it performs very well in much of western Montana, it should not be planted widely in eastern Montana unless careful attention is paid to site selection. Good air drainage is important, and low-lying frost pockets should be avoided to reduce the risk of spring and fall freeze damage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503804780610,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503804813378,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (1 Yr. Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42503854620738,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-mcintosh-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"baldwin-apple","title":"Baldwin Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"189\" data-start=\"170\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"572\" data-start=\"191\"\u003eBaldwin is a historic American apple celebrated for its rich, aromatic flavor—sweet, slightly spicy, and incredibly balanced. In the right climate, it produces beautiful deep-red fruit that excels in fresh eating, pies, and traditional New England-style cider. This variety was once one of the most widely grown apples in the U.S. for good reason: the fruit quality is outstanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"577\" data-start=\"574\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"614\" data-start=\"579\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Site Suitability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"776\" data-start=\"616\"\u003eBaldwin is \u003cstrong data-end=\"655\" data-start=\"627\"\u003enot a cold-hardy variety\u003c\/strong\u003e and struggles in northern climates. It is a\u003cstrong data-end=\"721\" data-start=\"700\"\u003e Zone 5 apple (if not zone 6)\u003c\/strong\u003e, and would likely only work in the absolute warmest microclimates in Montana (part of Missoula that are up and out of frost pooling areas). Our own trees experienced \u003cstrong data-end=\"960\" data-start=\"935\"\u003etrunk damage at –25°F\u003c\/strong\u003e, and that’s the reason we stopped growing and offering them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1125\" data-start=\"1023\"\u003eThese are the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1085\" data-start=\"1037\"\u003elast remaining trees from a couple years ago\u003c\/strong\u003e. Once gone, they will not be restocked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1130\" data-start=\"1127\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1152\" data-start=\"1132\"\u003eBearing Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1380\" data-start=\"1154\"\u003eBaldwin is \u003cstrong data-end=\"1177\" data-start=\"1165\"\u003ebiennial\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning it produces a heavy crop one year and very little the next. In colder or more stressful conditions, it can become \u003cstrong data-end=\"1314\" data-start=\"1301\"\u003etriennial\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it unreliable for growers who need consistent production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1385\" data-start=\"1382\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1408\" data-start=\"1387\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1731\" data-start=\"1410\"\u003eWhen it does fruit, Baldwin delivers. The apples are medium to large with dense, juicy flesh and a high-aroma profile. The flavor is complex and memorable—excellent fresh, superb for baking, and historically one of the top cider apples in the Northeast. In the right climate, this is an exceptional-flavor heritage apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1736\" data-start=\"1733\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1788\" data-start=\"1738\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Compatible Varieties We Offer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2021\" data-start=\"1790\"\u003eBaldwin is \u003cstrong data-end=\"1821\" data-start=\"1801\"\u003enot self-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it requires a compatible mid-season apple pollenizer. For customers in climates where Baldwin \u003cem data-end=\"1924\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003eis\u003c\/em\u003e suitable (Zone 5B–6), we offer several excellent mid-season bloom partners:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"2062\" data-start=\"2023\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2062\" data-start=\"2027\"\u003eCompatible Pollenizers We Offer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2470\" data-start=\"2063\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2131\" data-start=\"2063\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2131\" data-start=\"2065\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2077\" data-start=\"2065\"\u003eMcIntosh\u003c\/strong\u003e – Classic mid-season pollenizer; highly compatible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2199\" data-start=\"2132\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2199\" data-start=\"2134\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"2134\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/strong\u003e – Overlaps well in bloom; strong pollen partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2272\" data-start=\"2200\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2272\" data-start=\"2202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2224\" data-start=\"2202\"\u003eChestnut Crabapple\u003c\/strong\u003e – Reliable pollenizer with long bloom window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2339\" data-start=\"2273\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2339\" data-start=\"2275\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2287\" data-start=\"2275\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/strong\u003e – Another solid mid-season apple that pairs well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2402\" data-start=\"2340\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2402\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2355\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c\/strong\u003e – Good overlap and strong pollination vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2470\" data-start=\"2403\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2470\" data-start=\"2405\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2420\" data-start=\"2405\"\u003eKinderKrisp\u003c\/strong\u003e – Early-to-mid bloom but overlaps enough to work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2628\" data-start=\"2472\"\u003eAny \u003cstrong data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2476\"\u003emid-season apple\u003c\/strong\u003e in our catalog will pollenize Baldwin effectively, so growers in Zone 5B–6 have multiple suitable pairings from our current lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2633\" data-start=\"2630\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2653\" data-start=\"2635\"\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2952\" data-start=\"2655\"\u003eBaldwin is a fantastic variety \u003cstrong data-end=\"2723\" data-start=\"2686\"\u003eif you live in the proper climate\u003c\/strong\u003e—a flavorful, historic apple with real character. But it is \u003cstrong data-end=\"2850\" data-start=\"2783\"\u003enot appropriate for the vast majority of Montana or any region with deep winter cold\u003c\/strong\u003e. For those in Zone 5B–6, it can still be an excellent addition when paired with the right pollenizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of: National Fruit Collection, \u003ca title=\"w:Brogdale\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brogdale\"\u003eBrogdale\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"6-7 ft.","offer_id":42498810609730,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7-8 ft","offer_id":42498810642498,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/baldwin-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"burton-plum-seedling","title":"Burton Plum Seedling","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eAlthough this is our first year growing Burton plum seedlings (we haven't even tried growing the mother tree), we'll give info on Burton Plum first, and then include info below regarding these specific seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eAccording to trusted sources it is as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"468\"\u003elate-ripening, pink, oval-shaped plum\u003c\/strong\u003e of medium to large size. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"543\"\u003eflesh is amber, somewhat soft, very sweet\u003c\/strong\u003e, and semi-clingstone, making it well suited for \u003cstrong data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"630\"\u003efresh eating, drying, and freezing\u003c\/strong\u003e. The tree is described as \u003cstrong data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"681\"\u003eupright to spreading\u003c\/strong\u003e, precocious, \u003cstrong data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"711\"\u003eself-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e, and a strong pollenizer for other European plums. Fruit is noted to keep \u003cstrong data-start=\"786\" data-end=\"799\"\u003every well\u003c\/strong\u003e in cold storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"818\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eHistory and Origins\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003eBurton Plum originated in \u003cstrong data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"895\"\u003eVacaville, California\u003c\/strong\u003e, discovered around \u003cstrong data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"923\"\u003e1900\u003c\/strong\u003e as a chance seedling found by R. E. Burton. It entered commercial circulation in the early 20th century, around \u003cstrong data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003e1926\u003c\/strong\u003e. Because it arose as a seedling rather than through controlled breeding, its specific ancestral varieties were never recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1201\"\u003eParentage and Genetics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1202\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003eThe exact parentage of Burton Plum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003eunknown\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003eEuropean plum (\u003cem data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1312\"\u003ePrunus domestica\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is typically \u003cstrong data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003ehexaploid\u003c\/strong\u003e and genetically derived from ancient hybridization events involving species such as \u003cem data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1453\"\u003ePrunus cerasifera\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003ePrunus spinosa\u003c\/em\u003e. As a result, Burton follows the broad genetic pattern of European plums rather than Japanese plum hybrids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1599\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003eBurton’s original discovery in California does not provide strong cold-hardiness data, but being a European-type plum suggests at least moderate cold tolerance, and Purvis lists it on par with Italian plum (zone 4a), which has done well  for a purely European plum in the warmer Valleys of Western Montana. Precise Montana hardiness is still being observed, and this season represents our \u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003efirst year growing Burton\u003c\/strong\u003e, so all current information is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1919\"\u003esecond hand\u003c\/strong\u003e. Hardy to zone 4a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003eSeedling Status \u0026amp; Genetic Implications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003eThese Burton plums are \u003cstrong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1848\"\u003eseedlings\u003c\/strong\u003e, not grafted clones taken from a mother tree. Because seedlings are the result of sexual reproduction rather than vegetative cloning, their genetics will not be identical to the historical Burton cultivar—though they may strongly resemble it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2279\"\u003eEuropean plums (\u003cem data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2127\"\u003ePrunus domestica\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2145\"\u003ecannot cross\u003c\/strong\u003e with Japanese plums (\u003cem data-start=\"2167\" data-end=\"2180\"\u003eP. salicina\u003c\/em\u003e) or Asian-American hybrids, which means that the pollen parent for these seedlings must have been:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003eanother \u003cstrong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2308\"\u003eEuropean plum\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003eor a less common \u003cstrong data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2353\"\u003eintergeneric cross\u003c\/strong\u003e possible within the \u003cem data-start=\"2374\" data-end=\"2382\"\u003ePrunus\u003c\/em\u003e complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2454\"\u003eIntergeneric crossing within \u003cem data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2430\"\u003ePrunus\u003c\/em\u003e follows these patterns:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2939\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2594\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2594\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2476\"\u003ePlum × Apricot\u003c\/strong\u003e (plumcots, pluots) are genetically possible, but almost exclusively involve \u003cstrong data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2571\"\u003eJapanese plums\u003c\/strong\u003e, not European plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2730\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2730\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2623\"\u003ePlum × Peach\/Nectarine\u003c\/strong\u003e hybrids are far rarer and usually require breeding intervention; natural crosses are extremely unlikely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2731\" data-end=\"2939\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2939\"\u003eEuropean plums occasionally show traces of apricot ancestry at a deep historical level, but modern spontaneous crosses between \u003cem data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2874\"\u003eP. domestica\u003c\/em\u003e and apricot or peach are considered \u003cstrong data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"2936\"\u003evirtually nonexistent\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"3222\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003eImplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"2960\"\u003eThese seedlings most likely represent \u003cstrong data-start=\"2997\" data-end=\"3030\"\u003eEuropean plum × European plum\u003c\/strong\u003e combinations. They may retain many Burton-like qualities—late ripening, sweetness, good storage—yet still express variability in fruit size, color, and tree shape due to sexual recombination.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42498939289666,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/burton-plum-seedling-harvest.jpg?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"harlayne-apricot","title":"Harlayne Apricot","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough we have grown Harlayne for about 5 years now, we had issues with it at one of our grow sites and therefore we do not have a whole lot of experience with it, or the fruit. So everything here is second hand:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlayne Apricot is a fairly cold-climate apricot from the Harrow Research Station (Agriculture Canada \/ AAFC) in Harrow, Ontario, introduced in 1980 by breeder Richard E. C. Layne. Its published parentage is the cross V51092 × Sun Glo, with V51092 documented as [(Reliable × open-pollinated) × open-pollinated]. Harlayne was bred to extend the apricot season and to perform in climates with real winter and spring-frost risk, and it is widely considered one of the hardiest cultivars in the Harrow “Har” series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlayne produces orange fruit with a red blush, typically firm-fleshed with good texture, and it is commonly described as suitable for both fresh use and processing. Because of its firmness, it is often recommended for canning and other kitchen uses where fruit needs to hold together. In northern climates it is also valued simply because it can produce a crop in years when many apricots lose blossoms to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is commonly described as spreading and productive. It tends to bloom later than many apricots, which helps avoid some spring frost events. Thinning can be helpful in heavy-set years to improve size and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a concrete “survival down to” figure: multiple cultivar references specifically list Harlayne’s wood\/branches as hardy to about −34°C (about −29°F), and Bob Purvis’ notes list it as cold hardy to −34°F. One reference also notes blossom bud tolerance around −27°C (about −17°F) before significant frost damage, which is useful context for spring-frost management (buds\/flowers are usually the limiting factor more than the wood).\u003cbr\u003ePractically, this puts Harlayne in the Zone 4 class for dependable performance, with success in Zone 3b typically depending on microclimate, fall shutdown, and spring frost patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollination is one place where sources can conflict in casual nursery writeups. In the cold-climate grower literature (including Purvis’ notes), Harlayne is treated as needing cross-pollination for consistent crops, with other late-blooming Harrow apricots often suggested as partners (for example, Harogem and Hargrand). Zard and Precious, however, should serve as good pollenizers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42499217850434,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/harlayne-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2","title":"Siberian C Peach Seedling (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith genetics that trace back to the harsh Gobi Desert region of Mongolia and China, these are \u003cem\u003ehands down\u003c\/em\u003e the most hardy peaches that we know of. They’re the only peach that even has a chance of surviving in zone 3. Hardy to at least -35°F, according to Miekal from Driftless Sacred Grove, who has been breeding these for the last 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey saw -35°F on two separate occasions during 2012 and 2018 in Wisconsin, and the trees showed no signs of winter damage. Their flower buds were, however, damaged at those temps. The trees also went undamaged after 55 consecutive days below 0°F in Wisconsin during 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAntifreeze Tested \u0026amp; Field Proven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe started growing these several years back, and when we attempted our Antifreeze Selection methods on Siberian C (deliberately freezing and thawing the seeds many times at the seed and 1st-year potted stage), none of them died—which was a serious testament to their hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese are grown from 5th-generation selections of Siberian C by Miekal of Driftless Sacred Grove out of La Farge, Wisconsin, from 3rd–4th generation mother trees originally from Bear Creek Nursery (1992). Over the years, Miekal has been selecting for larger size, less mealiness, and improved juiciness and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSummary \u0026amp; Tree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone -38F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese seedlings come in many different sizes. Email us about bulk, quantities and pricing. We have a lot of these on hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e2027 Siberian C Peach Trees\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLast Photo is Luke next to Spring 2027's Siberian C Peach Trees. Photo was from August 27th 2026. This isn't even the full size they'll be given peaches shut down a little later in the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"2 Year: 4-5 ft. Lots of Branching","offer_id":42504596488258,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Year: 5-7 ft. Lots of Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42751575228482,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-c-peach-harvest-bucket.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"goji-berry-bundle-of-3","title":"Goji Berry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoji Berry is a hardy, long-lived fruiting shrub with a long history of use in Asia and Central Eurasia, where it has been grown for food and traditional medicine for centuries. The plants we offer are grown from seed sourced from North Dakota genetics, selected for their ability to withstand extreme continental cold and harsh winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoji forms a vigorous, arching to spreading shrub, typically reaching 4–6 feet tall and wide over time. Plants sucker and spread gradually, making them well suited to hedgerows, food forests, and low-input plantings. They are adaptable to a range of soils and are generally tolerant of drought once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit, Uses \u0026amp; Medicinal Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoji berries are small, elongated red fruits traditionally used dried rather than fresh. They have a long reputation for medicinal use, with sources citing general vitality, eye health, and immune support. Because these plants are grown from seed, fresh-eating quality can be variable and somewhat of a gamble. However, they are very well suited for drying, where differences in fresh flavor matter far less and the fruit performs consistently well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese goji berries have a good degree of cold hardiness, with genetics that have survived temperatures down to −40°F. They should be considered a solid Zone 3 shrub, well adapted to northern plains and mountain climates where many fruiting shrubs fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhoenix Tears\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specific variety of Goji we are offering for Spring 2027 is Phoenix Tears. We had grown Phoenix Tears a few years ago and this variety proved to be the best of all the varieties we have grown. They are sweeter and lack the unpleasant bitter taste that goji b berries can have. These can be eaten fresh off the bush. They do get slightly sweeter the longer they are left on the plant, but unlike seedling grown gojis which tend to be completely inedible fresh, these are pleasant and sweet. And these dry just and good if not better than the seedling grown gojis. Phoenix Tears is hardy to about -40F. Solid zone 3 fruiting shrub. A great addition to any northern garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42535350698050,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/goji-berry-on-bush.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"goldrich-apricot","title":"Goldrich Apricot","description":"\u003cp\u003eGoldrich is not one of our hardy apricots such as those from the prairie provinces, although it is certainly hardier than Robada and some of the others that we have grown experimentally. We are growing this in limited numbers for Montana growers in the warmest micrclimates in Montana, namely around Flathead Lake, and warmer spots of Missoula (up on a bench or protected spots in town), the Bitterroot, and warmer areas along the Flathead River (Paradise, Dixon, etc.). But folks in other parts of the US that are warmer should knock themselves out. This is a commercial cultivar and should be grown with the other less hardy cultivars we grow such as Wenatchee Moorpark, Perfection, and Chinese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"747\"\u003eGoldrich Apricot is a modern apricot developed through the USDA breeding program in Washington State, released in the late 20th century. It was bred with a strong emphasis on fruit quality and resistance to disease, particularly brown rot, and quickly gained attention as a high-quality fresh-market apricot. Goldrich is widely grown in cooler apricot regions and is often considered a benchmark for large, high-flavor fruit among modern cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"775\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"1167\"\u003eGoldrich produces large to very large apricots with bright orange skin, often with a red blush under good sun exposure. The flesh is firm, juicy, and richly flavored, balancing sweetness with enough acidity to give depth and character. It is excellent for fresh eating, slicing, drying, and preserves, and its size and firmness make it especially attractive for culinary and processing uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1202\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1527\"\u003eTrees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading growth habit and good structural strength. Goldrich is known for good productivity when pollinated well, though fruit thinning is often beneficial to maintain size and quality. Like many high-quality apricots, it benefits from thoughtful pruning and site selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"2047\"\u003eSources site Goldrich as zone 4, but to err on the side of caution, it would be more prudent to list it as a zone 5. It has done well  in Missoula, although we haven't seen temps colder than -30F in recent years. Its limit is probably -30F. It is not as cold-hardy as prairie province apricots or Manchurian-derived selections, but it is tougher than many standard commercial apricots. Its flower buds are moderately frost sensitive, so performance in colder regions depends heavily on site selection, air drainage, and avoidance of early spring warming (north slopes). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2084\"\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2450\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eGoldrich is well regarded for its resistance to brown rot relative to many apricots, which contributes to more reliable crops in wetter or more humid seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539164008514,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/goldrich-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"wenatchee-moorpark-apricot","title":"Wenatchee Moorpark Apricot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWenatchee Moorpark is a classic apricot cultivar best known for producing large, flavorful fruit in western climates where spring rains and frost often make apricots difficult. It’s a high-quality, “orchard style” apricot that earns its reputation in the Pacific Northwest-type pattern: cool, wet springs followed by a ripening window that can still deliver excellent eating and preserving fruit when conditions line up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWenatchee Moorpark was introduced in 1908 by C \u0026amp; O Nursery. It is presented in major references as a traditional apricot cultivar rather than a modern breeding-program cross with documented parentage, and it is historically associated with western Oregon and Washington as a long-time regional favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are large and oval with yellow skin and yellow-to-orange flesh. The flavor is really good and has a distinct honey sweetness to it. It isn't too sweet because it is cut with a little bit of acidity, which adds some complexity. Not as good as Zard or Robada but certainly an apricot worth growing if it can survive in your area (see cold hardiness below). Wenatchee Moorpark is commonly used fresh and is also well suited to drying, canning, and preserves—exactly the kind of apricot that becomes a “workhorse” when you can grow sweet cherries and peaches but still want a real apricot for the pantry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn full-size rootstock, Wenatchee Moorpark is capable of becoming a full-sized tree. Major references describe mature trees in the neighborhood of 20 feet with a broad spread. Early structure-building pruning is important for managing size and supporting fruiting wood, especially in climates where wet springs increase disease pressure and canopy airflow matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Wenatchee Moorpark on Lovell full-size rootstock. For full-size apricots on Lovell, spacing in the 15–20 foot range is a practical guideline, depending on how much you plan to prune for size control and how vigorous your site is. If you want the tree to express its full natural canopy with minimal pruning, lean wider. Even closer than 15 ft. for a smaller tree and a more intensive pruning regiment is also possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWenatchee Moorpark is self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit without a pollenizer, and is considered an excellent pollenizer for later-blooming apricots. Even with a self-fertile apricot, having another apricot nearby (such as Chinese, Harlayne, Dr. 606, Precious, or Zard) can improve consistency in years with cool, wet bloom weather. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are apricots that are more so commercial cultivars in nature whose ancestry mainly comes from Europe. Very high quality apricots but only hardy to roughly -30F. Plant our many other hardy apricots such as Morden 604, Westcot, Debbie's Gold, Zard, and Precious if you have the potential to see temps colder than these. This cultivar should generally be limited to protected urban and warm microclimates west of the Continental Divide. They do well in Missoula and some of the warmer microclimates in Montana (near Flathead Lake, parts of the Bitterroot up on a bench, warmer parts of Plains, etc.). \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539215355970,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539215388738,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"red-sensation-bartlett-pear","title":"Red Sensation Bartlett Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Sensation Bartlett is a red-skinned sport of the classic Bartlett pear, offering the same rich sweetness and melting texture as traditional Bartlett with the added appeal of deep red coloration. The red is pretty striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Sensation Bartlett originated as a naturally occurring sport of Bartlett, selected for its improved red color while retaining the eating quality that made Bartlett the most widely planted pear in North America. Like standard Bartlett, it traces its lineage back to Europe before becoming firmly established in North American orchards, where it set the benchmark for fresh-eating and canning pears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSide note: Sometimes us growers look down on the commercial varieties, resenting the fact that there isn't much diversity of varieties in the grocery stores. They often taste bland, too, which it owed to myriad factors (cultural practices, when their picked relative to ripeness, how they're stored, etc.). But even in light of the heavily industrialized way commercial fruit is grown, Bartlett is still pretty top tier. So if it is top tier even under these conditions, its that much better grown by you and picked at peak ripeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit is medium to large with smooth red skin that develops best in full sun. The flesh is fine-textured, juicy, and aromatic, with classic Bartlett sweetness and very low grit when properly ripened off the tree. Red Sensation Bartlett is excellent for fresh eating, canning, drying, and preserves, and remains one of the most versatile pears for home growers and commercial use alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading habit and can grow quite large if left unpruned. Typical spacing is 18–22 feet depending on rootstock and site fertility. Regular pruning helps maintain structure, manage vigor, and improve light penetration, which also enhances red color development on the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Sensation Bartlett is not reliably self-fertile and benefits from cross-pollination with other European pears that bloom in the early to mid-season window. Pears we offer that typically overlap well in bloom include Luscious, Flemish Beauty, Savignac, Taylor Apple Pear, and Vermont Beauty seedling. Planting at least one compatible pear within bee flight range will significantly improve fruit set and consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBartlett is generally considered hardy to around zone 5, but real-world performance shows wide variability depending on site and conditions. There is a report of a Bartlett pear withstanding approximately -41°F in Minnesota, though we suspect this was an anomaly, likely influenced by deep soils, good airflow, and favorable microclimate conditions. In contrast, we have also seen Bartlett perish in its second year after experiencing -38°F in Fortine, Montana on January 13, 2024. Taken together, these observations suggest Bartlett can occasionally survive fairly extreme cold under ideal circumstances, but it should be considered marginal in colder sites, with careful attention paid to soil depth, drainage, airflow, and frost risk. If there is any doubt, go with the Russian Pears instead. Although they won't quite like Bartlett in terms of their flavor, if Bartlett dies from the cold, then you won't have any fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5+ ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539569512514,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":43665766809666,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-sensation-bartlett-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"early-italian-plum","title":"Early Italian Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"463\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum is a European prune-type plum grown for its dependable crops of sweet, freestone, dark-skinned fruit that excels for fresh eating and drying. It’s widely regarded as one of the better-performing European plums for cool-summer regions and shorter seasons, and it’s often recommended where growers want a “classic prune plum” that ripens earlier than standard Italian types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"478\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"479\" data-end=\"846\"\u003eEarly Italian is commonly listed as “Early Italian (Richards) Prune,” a selection introduced in the early 20th century. Commercial nursery and extension references describe it as closely related to Italian prune-type plums, but ripening earlier (often about 2 weeks ahead), helping it finish in cooler climates and higher elevations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"874\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1158\"\u003eFruit is medium to medium-large, oval, with dark blue\/purple skin and greenish-yellow flesh, and tastes almost identical to Italian plum. It is freestone when fully ripe, with firm texture and excellent flavor—well suited to fresh eating, baking, canning, and especially drying into prunes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1523\"\u003eTrees are typically upright to upright-spreading and vigorous, with a productive, long-lived spur-bearing habit typical of European plums. For full-size trees, which is the case here since these are grafted onto Lovell rootstock, a practical spacing is about 15–18 feet between trees (wider if you want easier equipment access; tighter only with consistent pruning).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1545\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1729\"\u003eWhat it can survive down to depends on dormancy status, site exposure, and whether the tree has fully hardened off. With that said, we have observed Italian Plum (not Early Italian, though we would expect similar performance) withstand −30°F in the Missoula Valley without any winter injury. Some growers have reported even greater cold hardiness, despite many online sources listing Italian plums as less hardy. It is likely capable of surviving −35°F under favorable conditions, though −40°F would probably be a stretch. It will do well  in many valleys in Western Montana (Missoula, Bitterroot, Mission, Flathead, Clarks Fork, etc.) and even some areas west of the divide include Billings and some of the warmer surrounding valleys. Will not do well in the colder parts of MT (mostly east of the divide), with lots of exposure to wind and polar fronts. Therefore, Italian (and likely Early Italian) is a solid zone 4 and may even be a stretch zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3318\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Bearing Reliability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3578\"\u003eEarly Italian is commonly described as self-fruitful or partially self-fruitful, but it typically produces heavier and more consistent crops with another European plum nearby (for example, Stanley or Italian prune-types). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3578\"\u003eGrower Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3743\"\u003eOur friend Dan Getman at Getmans’ Orchard and Vineyard on Flathead Lake calls Early Italian his best-performing and most reliably bearing plum variety.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5+ ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539619582018,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539619614786,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/early-italian-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"meteor-tart-cherry","title":"Meteor Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is a tart (sour) cherry introduced in 1952 by the University of Minnesota fruit breeding program at Excelsior, Minnesota. It was developed for cold climates and later ripening than Montmorency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtension and pomology references describe Meteor as a cross of Montmorency × a Russian-type selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor produces medium-sized, bright red tart cherries with clear juice and semi-firm flesh, ripening about a week after Montmorency (typically around early August here in Missoula, MT). It’s typically positioned as a kitchen\/processing cherry for pies, baking, sauce, preserves, and juice. But in our experience, they make dried cherries just as good as Montmorency. One extension note also mentions it’s not ideal for commercial processing because the pit can behave poorly during pitting in some settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is widely sold as a naturally smaller tart cherry tree (often described around the 10–12 ft class in home-orchard contexts), with an upright to spreading habit. A practical spacing for a small tart cherry like this is commonly 10–12 ft (wider if you want more airflow and less pruning pressure). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is as self-fruitful (self-fertile). Even so, tart cherries often crop heavier with another tart cherry nearby that blooms at a similar time. Will cross with Evan's Bali tart cherry or even the dwarf cherries. Could also cross with the less hardy Danube\/Montmorency, although if you're planting this due to its adaptability to the cold, plant with either Evan's or the dwarf cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a concrete mid-winter extreme figure, Meteor can tolerate down to about −50°F when fully dormant. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. One Year Older Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539794104386,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/meteor-tart-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"viking-aronia-bundle-of-2","title":"Viking Aronia (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking Aronia, also known as Viking black chokeberry, is a cold-hardy, deciduous fruiting shrub grown for heavy crops of dark, nutrient-dense berries and for its strong ornamental value. In Montana these berries hang on the shrubs well into the FallI (even if we get a super cold autumn), well into Nov. It produces clusters of white spring flowers, glossy green foliage through summer, and vivid red fall color, making it one of the rare fruits that earns its place in both edible plantings and landscape borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking is a cultivated selection of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) that was developed in Finland in the early 80's from the black chokeberry (Aronia) native the the Eastern Norther America. It was selected as a cold climate adapted shrub with strong fruiting performance. It is widely planted as a productive fruiting cultivar rather than an ornamental-only chokeberry type, and it has become one of the most commonly offered aronia cultivars in North America for backyard and small-farm production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking produces dark purple-black berries that ripen in late summer. Fresh berries are characteristically tart and astringent, which is why aronia is most often used in processing. Viking is excellent for juice, syrup, jelly, wine, drying, freezing, and blending with sweeter fruits where it contributes color, acidity, and a deep berry character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking grows as an upright, multi-stem shrub. In typical conditions it matures around 4–6 feet tall and about 4–6 feet wide, forming a dense plant that can be managed as a standalone shrub or allowed to become part of a productive hedgerow over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking Aronia is sold on its own roots rather than grafted. For individual shrubs, spacing of about 4–6 feet is appropriate depending on how quickly you want plants to knit together. For hedgerows, tighter spacing will fill in faster, while wider spacing improves access and airflow for harvesting and long-term maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking Aronia is self-fertile. For more yields, plant with our wild Aronia that we also offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking is typically listed as hardy to zone 3 and suited to very cold continental winters. That said, we wouldn't be surprised if it can survive even colder temps than -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"1-5-2.5 ft.","offer_id":42547516407874,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/viking-aronia-berries.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"shafer-apple","title":"Shafer Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Malus baccata Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156168761410,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Malus baccata Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156168794178,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_106dd077-1e9b-4bb2-b763-9f1f96a26485.png?v=1788563116"},{"product_id":"swiss-limbertwig","title":"Swiss Limbertwig Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156176822338,"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":45156176855106,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_3cd09cb9-20e5-4897-9d5d-0042b09d34d0.png?v=1788563671"},{"product_id":"tolman-sweet-apple","title":"Tolman Sweet Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eImage credit: watercolor of the ‘Tolman Sweet’ apple by Amanda Newton, USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pomological_Watercolor_POM00003500.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e — public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156178395202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/tolman-sweet-apple-watercolor.jpg?v=1789021991"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/drying.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}