{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"adams-elderberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Adam's Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAdam’s Elderberry originated in New York State in 1926 and is known for its exceptionally large berries. It ripens about two weeks before Ranch—so roughly mid-August here in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eProductive, Hardy \u0026amp; Fall-Friendly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis variety tolerates wet locations well, is productive and hardy, and shows off with lovely fall foliage. The berries are perfect for pies, jam, juices, and wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA Tonic for Winter Wellness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eElderberry juice is one of the best natural remedies for colds and flu, and it makes a wonderful winter tonic!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Planting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor best fruit set, plant with John's, Ranch or North American Black Elderberry to ensure good cross-pollination. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42496796098626,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/adams-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"arkansas-black","title":"Arkansas Black Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eArkansas Black: A Striking, Hardy Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eArkansas Black produces a medium-sized fruit with dark red skin—so dark it’s nearly black. The flesh is firm, white, juicy, and crisp, offering a well-balanced, pleasant flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating and also makes great juice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStorage and Shelf Life\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eArkansas Black is a heavy-bearing, vigorous tree hardy to Zone 4. The apples are known for their excellent storage capabilities. In our experience, the apples retained their firmness 3–4 months after harvest, though they did lose some tartness over time. Despite that, they remained fairly sweet and very edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAnother strong point for Arkansas Black is its resistance to cedar-apple rust, along with some resistance to scab and fireblight—a big plus for growers in areas prone to these common apple diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWe have grafted this onto B118 for Spring 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eNote: Arkansas Black is not recommended for planting in Eastern Montana, Alaska, or any region where winter temperatures regularly drop below -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePhoto Credits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFirst two images courtesy of Forest Starr and Kim Starr (CC 2.0) and CalStanhope.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45124758929474,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45124758962242,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/arkansas-black-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789019154"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"bartlett-pear","title":"Bartlett Pear","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe most widely grown pear in the world, Bartlett doesn’t need much of an introduction. Its taste has stood the test of time—and its trees have too, at least sometimes. One Bartlett reportedly withstood -41°F in Minnesota, although we think that may have been an anomaly (maybe due to this tree's deep soils and perhaps good airflow). We’ve also seen Bartlett perish in its second year after hitting -38°F in Fortine, MT on 1\/13\/24.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor, History \u0026amp; Growth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFirst grown in 1797, Bartlett’s sweet and juicy flavor has made it a favorite for centuries—especially when left to ripen on the tree, which most commercial Bartletts never get the chance to do. It’s also notoriously fast-growing, which means you won’t be waiting as long for your first harvest compared to other pear varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Site Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf you’re cramped on space, Bartlett is partially self-fertile and can be planted on its own—though, as with most fruit trees, you’ll get more fruit with a partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold hardy to -35°F, Bartlett should do well in most of the warmer valleys in Western Montana (Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, Mission), but it’s probably not hardy enough for Eastern MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto OHxF87 and are available in several sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42539489558594,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42539489591362,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bartlett-pear-harvest.webp?v=1789019191"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 3-5 ft","offer_id":45125056823362,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125056856130,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: 5-7 ft (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056888898,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125056921666,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/carroll-apple-harvest.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"contender-peach","title":"Contender Peach","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eContender is one of the more consistent-bearing and cold-hardy varieties of peach grown in Montana. We would rank Contender right behind Siberian C in terms of hardiness (although still a decent bit less hardy than Siberian C which we would put around -38°F), as this is the only commercial cultivar that has survived temperatures in the -30s (specifically, -32°F). It also has excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaste notes from our 2022 company tasting of Forbidden Fruit’s Contenders:\u003cbr\u003e“Very yellow. Texture is great. Melts in your mouth. Not fibrous. Able to crush it on your palate. Not too sweet.”\u003cbr\u003eAnother noted: “Equally sweet and tart. Not fibrous or stringy. Likes it. Skin gives it a nice touch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone 4. On top of surviving -32°F, they survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDO NOT PLANT if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -32°F (unless well sited to avoid frost pooling, thermal buffering features nearby such as buildings or bodies of water, lots of air drainage, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Contender trees are grafted onto full size Krymsk 86, semi-dwarf Prairie Red Plum and Native Plum, and full size Manchurian apricot rootstock, the former of which will make for a 15 ft tree at maturity, and the latter three roughly 20 ft., respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498995486786,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498995519554,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45125081595970,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125081628738,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125081661506,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/contender-peach-in-hand.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"danube-cherry","title":"Danube Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDanube Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOne of Hungary’s favorites, this self-fertile tart cherry is one of our hardiest (ever so slightly less hardy than Meteor, though). For those in the colder half of zone 3 (zone 3a) who don’t want to risk it with Gold cherry, go with Danube. Its tartness isn’t as strong as Montmorency’s, as the juicy, glossy dark-red fruits have a bursting sweet-tart flavor. With a spreading growth habit, Danube cherries are very heavy-bearing and make for better quality pies than Montmorency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have Danube on two rootstocks. Our Mahaleb semi-standard trees are one year older and come in 1-2 ft., 2-3 ft. and 3-4 ft. sizes. We also have Danube on Mazzard full size in a larger, more branched 5-7 ft. grade (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Gina Dittmer under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 1-2 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009806402,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 2-3 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009839170,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 3-4 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009871938,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539751899202,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/danube-tart-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019844"},{"product_id":"elderberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Elderberry, American (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA medium to large, multi-stemmed, open, spreading shrub reaching 6–10 feet tall, American Elderberry produces large white flower clusters followed by purple-black fruits in late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eImmune-Boosting \u0026amp; Versatile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe berries are known for their immune-boosting properties and are best used for this purpose in syrups and tinctures. They also make excellent jam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy and Reliable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOther Varieties Available\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAlso see our other cultivated varieties of elderberry in the Shrubs section of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535380615234,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/american-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789019845"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125836570690,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499062235202,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/empire-apple-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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42499065741378,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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=1790181391"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499184656450,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995086914,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45131995119682,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/gravenstein-apple-fruit.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"haralson-apple","title":"Haralson 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\u003eReleased in 1922 by the University of Minnesota, Haralson is one of those apples destined to stick around, especially among cold-climate growers. With likely parentage of Malinda and Wealthy, this variety produces trees that develop a strong central leader with wide-angled scaffold limbs—making for a well-structured, durable tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA Favorite Among Growers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eWhile we think Haralson is certainly a good apple, our close friends Kate Wilburn and Shane Sator consider it their absolute favorite. Haralson also has a special place in our hearts, as it's one of the parents—along with Dolgo crab—of Kerr, one of our all-time favorite apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Culinary Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHaralson produces medium to large-sized apples that are versatile in the kitchen. It’s great for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFresh eating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCooking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003ePies and baking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExtreme Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is a solid Zone 3 apple, and its hardiness is quite good. On Ed Schultz’s farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT, Haralson trees survived -47°F with only minor limb damage on two separate occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45132066848834,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499213295682,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (1 Year Older)","offer_id":43865961889858,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499213393986,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (1 Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":43865954910274,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/haralson-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"hardired","title":"Hardired Nectarine","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlthough none of our nectarines are suited for true zone 4, Hardired is certainly hardier than the average nectarine. From its showy pink flowers in the spring to its sweet and tangy, creamy red fruits, you’ll think, \u003cem\u003e“I can’t believe we can grow these in Missoula!”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating—we also top it on ice cream during our hot Montana summers because the tangy, sweet skin adds a wonderful bite. Great for nectarine cobbler, too! Self-fertile. Hardy to probably only about -27°F to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Stock Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese nectarine trees are offered for Spring 2027 in 3-4 ft. and 4-6 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping) grades and are grafted onto semi-dwarf native plum rootstock. Native Plum is hardy down to -45F, and possibly even -50F., making this perhaps the hardiest rootstock for nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Sotaque under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42499214639170,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45132081856578,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hardired-nectarine-harvest.webp?v=1789020104"},{"product_id":"honeyberry-bundle-of-4","title":"Honeyberry (Bundle of 4)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince we tried a fresh Aurora Honeyberry during Montana State’s Western Ag. Research Center taste testing in July of 2019, we knew we had to grow it. Aurora consistently produces large berries, is easy to harvest, and demonstrates excellent flavor. Aurora is hardy to below -50°F. That said, a friend grows them in the Yukon, where temperatures dip below -65°F! He’s not so sure of the variety, but the point is, they’re tough and very well may grow in such extremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur pollenizer for the Aurora is Tundra, which we have found to be extremely reliable. The flavor is almost as good as Aurora, although the berry size is slightly smaller and the berries are a hint more tart. They are however, precocious and hardy. Easily hardy to at least -50F, which we must depend on in cold climates if we want Aurora to survive and do well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBundle \u0026amp; Planting Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries come in a bundle of 4, 3 Aurora and 1 pollenizer, Tundra. They must be planted together for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries are currently our larger grade and going on their fourth year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3 Year Old Larger Grade: 3 Aurora and 1 Tundra","offer_id":42611829145666,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeyberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"huckleberry-bundle-of-3-ggy79","title":"Huckleberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"98\" data-start=\"84\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"487\" data-start=\"99\"\u003eWe’ve been growing huckleberries for several years now, and while there are a few things to keep in mind, they can thrive outside of their native habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"489\"\u003eKey Growing Tips for Huckleberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"530\"\u003eFirstly, like their blueberry cousins, huckleberries do not like alkaline soil. Secondly, they have mycelium (soil fungi) dependencies, and when these needs are not met, they suffer. They also do not like direct sunlight, so it's important to amend the soil with some forest duff where huckleberries thrive (see the photo where there is moss, etc., in the pot we grow them in). Periodically adding elemental sulfur and ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight will also help them flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1048\" data-start=\"1028\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"1136\" data-start=\"1049\"\u003eHardy to Zone 3 (-40°F or more), huckleberries can handle some of the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499234922562,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/huckleberry-fruit-and-leaves.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"zf4qf8i1gfb0z6oqnwi98olhs7w0kc","title":"Ian White Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eIan, similar to Jules, is also very sweet—possibly even sweeter than the red Nankings. Be sure to read the description on Jules for details about their impressive frost tolerance. During the winter of 2022, we left them outside in pots with roots fully exposed—and they still came through strong. Very cold hardy. Hardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"461\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"557\"\u003eThese Ian Nankings are 6–18\" tall and have lots of fine root hairs, ready to establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"559\" data-end=\"581\"\u003ePollination Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"630\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePlant with Red Nanking or Jules for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499257892930,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ian-white-nanking-cherry-fruit.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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 4-6 ft. - One Year Older (Less Branching than 6-8 ft.) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751573327938,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42499268542530,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/italian-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"jules-nanking-cherry-bundle-of-2","title":"Jules Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJules is the sweetest of all the Nankings. Interestingly enough, it seems to be just as cold hardy—if not more so—than the red Nanking. Some of these were left out in pots all winter long with no root protection whatsoever. Only native trees or trees we’ve specifically bred to handle frozen roots can withstand that kind of treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRemarkable Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe White Nanking seemed to come back even stronger, with no noticeable frost damage to the root tissue. Jules is hardy to Zone 2 and shows serious resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant with Ian or Red Nanking for good cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2027 Plant Sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 2027, these Jules Nankings come in 6-18\" and have really nice root systems with lots of fine root hairs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499692953666,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jules-nanking-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020384"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500896686146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134015365186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015397954,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015430722,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015463490,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015496258,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mount-royal-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"native-american-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Native American Plum (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Native American Plum produces fragrant, white flowers in showy, flat-topped clusters that appear before the leaves in spring. These blooms are tied with Linden for the best floral, perfumy blossom smell when in full bloom. Their scent is unreal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEdible Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit that follows ripens to a shiny, bright red in August or September. It’s great fresh (if left to ripen longer on the tree), dried, or made into preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGreat for Pollinators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tree will pollenize other Native American Plums, making it a perfect choice for creating a natural windbreak or attracting pollinators. Help support native pollinators with this addition to your landscape!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardy and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are 3–5 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull-size tree image (last photo) taken in Bozeman and courtesy of Matt Lavin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472438464578,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/native-american-plum-fruit.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"northwest-greening-apple","title":"Northwest Greening 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\u003eNorthwest Greening is an American heirloom apple with a unique origin story. Allegedly a cross between Golden Russet and Alexander, it was originally planted in 1849 by Jasen Hatch of Iola, Wisconsin. The resulting seedling was initially used as rootstock for another variety that ultimately failed. However, the tree was left to grow—and it wasn’t until the 1870s, when E.W. Daniels of Auroraville, Wisconsin, tasted the fruit, that it gained recognition. Daniels began promoting the variety and officially introduced it in 1872.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMontana History and Legacy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAccording to the Western Agriculture Research Center in Corvallis, MT, Northwest Greening was already being grown commercially in Montana by 1900. It was listed as one of the hardiest apples in Ravalli County, and among cultivars found in Dawson, Carbon, Custer, Park, Yellowstone, Sweet Grass, and Rosebud Counties by 1901.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIncredible Yields\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat truly caught our attention was a report from Bruce Benson, who noted that in a tough production year (2023), many of his trees failed to produce—except his lone Northwest Greening. That tree, grafted onto semi-standard MM111, produced a whopping 800 pounds (or 20 bushels) of apples from a single tree!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor and Storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor-wise, Northwest Greening is comparable to Granny Smith when fresh off the tree—crisp, tart, and refreshing. One of its biggest advantages is its storability: the apples last for over three months in storage, and many say the flavor improves over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlexander (one parent): hardy to -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGolden Russet (other parent): hardy to at least -40°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBased on parentage and anecdotal reports, Northwest Greening is likely hardy to -40°F to -45°F, with some claims of survival even at -50°F. Northwest Greening had withstood temps near -35Fs on Bruce Benson's farm in Missoula (back in the 1980's). The tree seems to not have suffered from that at all. But for now we are listing this a zone 3 apple until we can confirm it can survive lower temps than this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Northwest Greening trees are grafted onto semi-dwarf Bud 118, hardy to -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134251458626,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134251491394,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/northwest-greening-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020680"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"red-gold-nectarine","title":"Red Gold Nectarine","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRed Gold is one of the most well-known and widely planted of all nectarines. A vibrant red-colored nectarine with firm and juicy freestone flesh, it stores and keeps well. As with all nectarine cultivars, Red Gold does not require cross-pollination, as it bears fruit with its own pollen. Plant with any of our other nectarines for slightly more fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAs for the flavor, Red Gold is one of the best tasting nectarines. This is Tom McCamant’s best performing taste wise from his Forbidden Fruit Orchard in Paradise, MT. His favorite nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Regional Suitability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn line with all other nectarines, it should not be planted if you are in zone 4. It can survive in protected spots in Missoula, and only the absolute warmest microclimates in Montana (in good spots around Flathead Lake, warm spots along the Flathead River near Dixon\/Paradise) but will not survive in most parts of Montana. Hardy to about -27°F to maybe even -30°F but this might even be pushing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503721156674,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-gold-nectarine-on-tree.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"ribstonpippin","title":"Ribston Pippin Cider Apple","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePerhaps the most famous apple variety from Yorkshire, England, Ribston Pippin was a Victorian favorite prized for its strong, aromatic flavor. It remains a standout for fresh eating and cider, with a rich history and excellent character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuke’s 2023 Tasting Notes (Missoula Harvest)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Honey flavor with hints of grape. Dense apple with an interesting woody texture that makes you continually want more. Decent acidity and good sweetness. Medium thickness in terms of the skin.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is one of our favorite apples for fresh eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeyed, with subtle grape notes; aromatic and complex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense with a unique, slightly woody bite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin: \u003c\/strong\u003eYellow, flushed orange, streaked red, with russeting at the base and apex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest after:\u003c\/strong\u003e A month or so of storage to reach full flavor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent for fresh eating, culinary applications, and sweet-sharp hard or soft cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHeritage \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRibston Pippin is most likely the parent of Cox's Orange Pippin, one of the world’s most famous apple varieties. It’s a classic example of English heirloom apples bred for complexity and depth of flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFairly hardy, but not among our most cold-hardy apples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eLikely hardy to about -40°F, but may struggle in parts of Eastern Montana where temperatures drop below that\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrafted onto Bud 118, a super-hardy semi-dwarf rootstock, which adds resilience and size control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eImage Credit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Markus Hagenlocher under CC 3.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134529167426,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45134529200194,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (1 Year Older)","offer_id":42504516796482,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ribston-pippin-apple-in-hand.webp?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"sandcherry-bundle-of-2","title":"Sand Cherry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA small tree native to the Northern Great Plains, Sand Cherry is very cold-hardy and produces tart, dark purple to black edible fruits. These fruits can be eaten fresh (best when left on the tree a little longer), dried, or made into jams and pies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe’ve heard that Sand Cherries are excellent for juicing, though we don’t have direct experience with it. According to Les McCartney of Bozeman, “Sandcherries make for a mean syrup that puts chokecherry syrup to shame. Also great in pies.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to zone 2, or possibly even zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrees are 2-3 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":45155306831938,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sand-cherry-fruit-on-branch.webp?v=1789021038"},{"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 style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: “Amelanchier alnifolia” by Meggar, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Amelanchier_alnifolia.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535403651138,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/serviceberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1790181391"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"winesap-apple","title":"Stayman Winesap Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"675\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"675\"\u003eStayman Winesap is a classic American late-season apple known for its firm texture and bold, spicy-tart flavor. It’s prized for fresh eating by those who enjoy high-acid apples, and it excels in baking and cider blending thanks to its strong aromatics and structure. It is a triploid cultivar, which affects pollination planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003eStayman originated as a chance seedling selected by Dr. Joseph Stayman in Leavenworth County, Kansas in 1866. It is generally regarded as a Winesap seedling, meaning Winesap is believed to be the seed parent, but because it arose from open pollination, the pollen parent is unknown and no formal pedigree exists. The variety entered commercial trade in the late 1800s, with Stark Brothers commonly credited for its broader introduction around 1895. Stayman became especially important in Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian growing regions, where it developed a reputation for flavor intensity and storage quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1714\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1714\"\u003eFruit is medium to large with a greenish-yellow base and deep red striping or blush, often with some russeting in the stem cavity. Flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy with a distinctive spicy, tart profile. Excellent for fresh eating if you like assertive flavor, and outstanding for pies, baking, and cider. Stores well for an heirloom-type apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003eTrees are vigorous and can become large without pruning. Spacing depends on rootstock vigor. We offer these trees on semi-dwarf M7 and 15 ft spacing is our recommendation. Choose tighter spacing if you plan active pruning, wider spacing for lower input management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2859\"\u003eStayman is a triploid, meaning it produces poor-quality pollen and should not be relied on to pollenize other apple trees. In other words, it typically requires two different compatible diploid apple varieties nearby for reliable fruit set, and it cannot serve as an effective pollenizer for other apples. Bloom is generally mid-season. Examples of good pollenizers for Stayman Winesap include: McIntosh\/Fred's Mac, Dolgo, Dearborn's Unknown, Prairie Sensation, and all of our applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"3286\"\u003eCold hardiness \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"3286\"\u003eStayman Winesap had no injury from our cold that approached -30F on 1\/13\/24. It is at least hardy to this temperature, and likely even hardier. To stay conservative, we are listing this as a zone 4a tree, which would, at least for now, put it as doing well  in most of the warmer valleys of Western MT, but should not be planted even in the warmer valleys east of the divide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eIllustration: “Stayman Winesap” by Royal Charles Steadman, USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection, Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/10113\/POM00003591\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePOM00003591\u003c\/a\u003e). Public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 6-7 ft. 2 years older (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504946581570,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M7 Semi-Dwarf: 7-8 ft. 2 years older (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504946614338,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stayman-winesap-apple-watercolor.jpg?v=1790139979"},{"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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"Montana Fruit Trees","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":"belle-de-boskoop-aple","title":"Belle de Boskoop Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003eBelle de Boskoop is a large, tart, heirloom apple that originated in Boskoop, Netherlands, in 1856. Recognized for its rustic greenish-yellow skin with red blush and russeting, it has firm, crisp, aromatic flesh with high acidity. This makes it an outstanding all-purpose apple—excellent for pies, cakes, and strudels, prized in cider blends, and sharp but enjoyable fresh if you like a tangy flavor. A superb keeper, its flavor mellows and improves in storage over several months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is vigorous, heavy-bearing, and some have reported showing a good resistance to scab and canker. It is triploid, requiring a compatible mid-blooming pollenizer, and ripens late in the season. Hardy to zone 4, will liekly do well in most places in Western Montana. Likely wouldn't survive in areas that experience below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: this is the first year we’re growing Belle de Boskoop in Montana, so our notes are based on trusted secondhand sources rather than firsthand experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Sandstein\"\u003eImage courtesy of Wikimedia user Sandstein\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45124784652354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/belle-de-boskoop-apple-fruit.jpg?v=1789019191"},{"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 Trees","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":"glocken-apfel-apple","title":"Glockenapfel Apple","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"231\"\u003eThis is the first year we have grown Glockenapfel, and we have not yet tasted the fruit or observed its long-term behavior under Montana conditions, so the information below should be considered secondhand rather than experiential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"247\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"711\"\u003eFrom the research we have done in creating this description, as well as from what we have read about the variety, Glockenapfel (also known as Weißer Winterglockenapfel and related regional names) is an old European winter apple of uncertain origin that was widely grown in parts of Central Europe. It was historically valued as a true storage apple, prized for keeping quality and for developing flavor after harvest rather than being eaten straight off the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"739\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eFrom what we have read, Glockenapfel is a versatile apple used for fresh eating after storage, baking, cooking, and juice or cider in traditional settings. Apparently, the fruit improves significantly with storage, with flavor becoming fuller and more balanced over time, which is characteristic of classic winter apples. It has been described as more useful than flashy, with strengths in reliability and post-harvest performance rather than immediate dessert appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1746\"\u003eBased on available cultivar descriptions and regional trial notes, Glockenapfel is generally described as winter-hardy and frost-tolerant. Multiple sources suggest survival down to approximately −33°C (around −27°F). This places it as a mildly cold-hardy apple, but not an extreme cold survivor in the −40°F or colder class. Applied to Montana, it appears best suited to milder sites, such as many Zone 5 areas and protected Zone 4b microclimates, rather than the coldest Zone 3 locations. Therefore, it could be grown in the best microclimates (up on a bench\/out of frost pooling zones) within the warmest Montana Valleys west of the divide: Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Flathead Valley, Jocko, Lower Kootenai, Mission, Missoula, and Upper Flathead \/ North Fork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1776\" data-end=\"2266\"\u003eApparently excellent storage ability, often keeping well into late winter or early spring under proper conditions. It also has historical significance in apple breeding, having been used as a parent in later cultivars such as Gloster. Reports generally describe moderate disease pressure, with some susceptibility to scab and canker, and better performance on fertile, well-managed soils with adequate moisture rather than thin or drought-prone sites (although since this is grafted onto Bud 118, which seems fairly drought tolerant, not sure why sources site this given rootstock choice would matter more).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499090939970,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/glockenapfel-apple-harvest.jpg?v=1789020067"},{"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 Trees","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":"hunt-russet-apple","title":"Hunt Russet Apple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe don't have long-term data from our own mother trees of Hunt Russet yet, so everything below is secondhand for now.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHunt Russet is an old Concord, Massachusetts russet and one of the great keepers. Fedco passes along a note from Maine pomologist Eugene Carpovitch, whose Hunt Russets kept for \"an astounding one year in the root cellar!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt came from the Hunt family farm in Concord, Massachusetts, and it's old. Downing wrote in the 1870s that it originated \"nearly 200 years since,\" and S.A. Beach in The Apples of New York (1905) quotes a Hunt family member saying at least 150 years. So it goes back to at least the mid-1700s. It's also been called Golden Russet of Massachusetts, Fay's Russet and Russet Pearmain, but Beach makes clear it's a different apple from the New York Golden Russet. DNA work with the Maine Heritage Orchard found that Hunt Russet and Blue Pearmain are the parents of Black Oxford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeach describes it as \"medium size, golden russet with broken patches of smooth bright red on the cheek. It is quite attractive for a russet apple, excellent in quality and a good keeper.\" The flesh is \"whitish tinged with yellow, rather fine, tender, juicy, subacid, sprightly becoming mild, not sweet as some have stated, very good to best.\" Beach gives its season as January to April or later. It's a fresh-eating apple, and Trees of Antiquity also lists it for pies and cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are on Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, up to 18 feet for airflow. Beach calls the tree moderately vigorous, upright spreading and productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt needs a pollenizer. Fedco says it blooms mid-season, so pair it with something like Blue Pearmain, Haralson, Macoun, Cortland, Wolf River or Kerr.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFedco rates Hunt Russet zone 4, and it's been grown in Maine for a long time. We haven't found a documented survival temperature. We've listed it at zone 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca title=\"View profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.geograph.org.uk\/profile\/10354\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL dct:creator\"\u003eOast House Archive.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage shown is a russet apple but variety unknown and likely not Hunt Russet. Due to copyright, here are more photos from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/maineheritageorchard\/hunt-russet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMaine Organic Farmers and Gardeners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499251208258,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hunt-russet-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"pink-pearl-apple","title":"Pink Pearl Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl is a distinctive heirloom apple best known for its vivid pink to rose-colored flesh and bright, high-acid flavor. It stands out both visually and culinarily, offering an apple that is as striking when cut as it is refreshing to eat. Pink Pearl is especially valued by growers and cooks looking for something unusual that still performs reliably in the orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl was developed in the early 1940s by California fruit breeder Albert Etter, one of the most influential independent apple breeders in American history. It is sometimes referred to as \u003cem\u003eEtter Surprise\u003c\/em\u003e. Pink Pearl traces part of its lineage to red-fleshed Malus genetics, which is responsible for its characteristic interior color. Unlike many novelty apples, it has remained in cultivation due to its genuine eating quality rather than appearance alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is medium-sized with green to yellow skin that may show a light blush. Inside, the flesh ranges from light pink to deep rose, depending on maturity and growing conditions. Flavor is bright, tart, and refreshing, often compared to a well-balanced citrus acidity rather than sharp sourness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl excels in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh eating for those who enjoy high-acid apples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApplesauce and juice, where it imparts a natural pink hue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCider blends, adding acidity and color\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaking, where the flavor holds up well to heat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flesh tends to oxidize more slowly than many apples, helping preserve its color in fresh preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl typically ripens in early to mid-fall, depending on climate and site. Flavor improves as the fruit reaches full maturity, and early picking can result in excessive sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are moderately vigorous with a balanced, upright-spreading habit. Standard apple spacing applies based on rootstock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong\u003e12–15 ft\u003c\/strong\u003e on semi-dwarf systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18–20+ ft\u003c\/strong\u003e on more vigorous or standard rootstocks (can be even tighter with a more rigorous pruning regiment).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular pruning helps maintain light penetration and fruit quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl is \u003cstrong\u003enot self-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e and requires cross-pollination. Any compatible apple or crabapple with overlapping bloom will work. Crabapples are especially effective pollenizers due to their abundant and extended bloom period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl is commonly listed as hardy to Zone 4, although given Rod McIver's experience growing it successfully in a cold location near the Flathead River, where temps dipped near -35F on 1\/13\/24, without injuring Pink Pearl, it's at least hardy to that from what we have seen. This temperature was however only during the morning, so how Pink Pearl would perform with sustained temps at -35F is another story. We'll list it hardy to zone 3b until we get more data on this cultivar. Given its west coast origin, for site selection in colder regions, make sure to avoid frost pockets and exposure to drying winter winds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Pearl is often chosen by growers seeking a visually striking apple for fresh markets,a high-acid apple to balance sweeter varieties, and an heirloom with real culinary value, not just novelty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts combination of color, flavor, and versatility makes it one of the more enduring and useful red-fleshed apples in cultivation today. It performed realy well  for Rod McIver in Kaispell MT, where he saw temps near -35F on 1\/13\/24.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/38559542@N02\"\u003eLeslie Seaton\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42503438499906,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pink-pearl-apple-cut.jpg?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"prairie-spy-apple","title":"Prairie Spy Apple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"613\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"902\"\u003ePrairie Spy is a cold-climate apple valued for its late-ripening fruit, strong storage qualities, and reliable performance in northern regions. It is often compared to Northern Spy types for its keeping ability and structure, but with improved suitability for colder continental climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"929\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003eDeveloped in 1943 under the name Minnesota 1007 at the University of Minnesota's Fruit Breeding Farm in Excelsior, Minnesota (U.S.A.). Released in 1940. Likely an open pollinated seedling of \u003ca class=\"standard apple-link\" data-apple-id=\"8188\" href=\"https:\/\/pomiferous.com\/applebyname\/northern-spy-id-8188\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Northern Spy \u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1334\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003eThe fruit is typically large, firm, and tart, with flavor that improves notably after storage. Luke really liked it when he tried it at Bob's Purvis' for the first time back in 2022. It had been in storage, however, and Bob noted that the flavor is bland off the tree but that it improves markedly in storage. Great keeper. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003eRipening Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1942\"\u003ePrairie Spy ripens late in the season, generally in the fall, and benefits from full maturity to develop its best flavor and storage potential. In colder regions, this makes good site selection and sufficient growing season important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1972\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003eTrees are generally vigorous with a traditional apple growth habit. Standard apple spacing based on rootstock applies, with wider spacing helpful for airflow and long-term tree health in colder, more humid spring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2408\"\u003ePrairie Spy is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination. Any compatible apple or crabapple with overlapping bloom will work, making it easy to pair within a mixed cold-climate orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2410\" data-end=\"2430\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003eHardy to at least -40F making it a solid zone 3 apple. However, Ed Schultz noted that his Prairie Spy did not shut down at his location in Gallatin Gateway, which resulted in the tree succumbing to winter injury from severe early fall frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503529365570,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/prairie-spy-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"red-wealthy-apple","title":"Red Wealthy Apple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wealthy is a cold-climate American apple with bright, classic “old orchard” flavor, known for its hardiness and for ripening early enough to succeed in a shorter growing season (may still not be short enough for some growers in AK). A good mid season apples (in Missoula, MT), ‘Wealthy’ was planted all over Montana over 100 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWealthy was developed in Minnesota by horticulturalist Peter M. Gideon, with the cultivar first grown\/introduced in 1868 after years of failed attempts to grow standard apples in Minnesota’s winters. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mnhs.org\/mnopedia\/search\/index\/thing\/wealthy-apple\" title=\"Wealthy apple | MNopedia\"\u003eMinnesota Historical Society\u003c\/a\u003e) It became an important milestone apple for the Upper Midwest because it proved that quality dessert and cooking apples could be grown reliably in cold continental climates. “Red Wealthy” is a sport of selected for improved red coloration and later keeping. Recent genetic fingerprinting has revealed that it’s actually a cross between ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’ and ‘Jonathan’, which makes sense given its look-a-like with ‘Duchess’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wealthy is a medium-sized, bright red apple with juicy flesh and a lively sweet–tart balance, making it a strong dual-purpose apple for fresh eating and kitchen use (sauce, pies, baking). This is the same “Wealthy-style” profile long associated with the original cultivar in cold-region orchards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWealthy is a mid-season apple in Missoula, MT. in 2025, Farmer Fred at Green Bench Orchard had Wealthy on the trees and ready to be picked from Sept. 4th-Sept. 18th. This window shifts on a year to year basis, but this was pretty early for them in 2025. We wouldn't say this is a late apple for us, though, in Missoula. Curious if Wealthy could ripen in time in places like Anchorage (if any growers in Anchorage are reading this, let us know).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWealthy is widely grown in heritage orchards as a reasonably vigorous, durable tree. Spacing on Dolgo (what we currently offer) is in the 18-20 ft. range. Tighter spacing could be applied for a more intensive pruning regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wealthy (like Wealthy) is not self-fertile and needs a different apple variety nearby for reliable fruit set. As a diploid apple, it also provides viable pollen to other diploid apples when bloom overlaps. Examples we offer of what to plant with Red Wealthy for cross pollination include: McIntosh, Kerr, Honeycrisp, Haralson, Frostbite, Freedom, and Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing off of Wealthy's hardiness, Red wealthy is a solid zone 3 apple and should survive at least down to -40F. From our Montana observations and grower reports: Bruce Benson’s Red\/Wealthy-type trees reportedly withstood -30°F-range events in Missoula back in the 1980s without winter injury and are still going strong today. There are also reports from the coldest parts of the Bitterroot (colder microclimates around Stevensville and Hamilton) of Wealthy-type trees seeing near -40°F and appearing fine afterward. That said, we do not yet have solid, well-documented evidence in our network of this variety surviving cleanly well into the -40s or -50s (it may be capable, but we’re not going to claim this without better documentation). Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-3 ft.","offer_id":42503841382466,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42503841415234,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-wealthy-apple-on-tree.png?v=1789020871"},{"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 Trees","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 Trees","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 Trees","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":false},{"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":false}],"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 Trees","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"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/drying\/huckleberry-shrub.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}