{"title":"University of Minnesota Fruit Varieties","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe University of Minnesota has been breeding fruit for cold winters since 1878, and its fruit breeding farm at Excelsior has given northern growers more of their go-to varieties than any other program. Here's everything we grow that came out of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About University of Minnesota Fruit Varieties\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoneycrisp, Haralson, Frostbite and Zestar! are all Minnesota apples, and so are the Centennial and Chestnut applecrabs. Minnesota also bred the plums that made cold-country plum growing possible (Underwood, Superior, Pipestone and La Crescent) and kicked off the cold-hardy wine grape boom with Frontenac, Marquette, La Crescent and Itasca.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this page: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bluebell-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eBluebell Grape\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eCentennial Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eFrontenac Grape\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frostbite-apple\"\u003eFrostbite Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eItasca Grape\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eLa Crescent Grape\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mn-1628-apple\"\u003eMN 1628 Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMarquette Grape\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-spy-apple\"\u003ePrairie Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-baron-apple\"\u003eRed Baron Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eRed Lake Currant\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/snowsweet-apple\"\u003eSnowsweet Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sweet-sixteen-apple\"\u003eSweet Sixteen Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zestar-apple\"\u003eZestar! Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/morden-research-station-fruit-varieties\"\u003eMorden Research Station Varieties\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/elmer-swenson-grapes\"\u003eElmer Swenson Grapes\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-3-fruit-trees\"\u003eZone 3 Fruit Trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions We Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Honeycrisp from the University of Minnesota?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It came out of the Minnesota apple breeding program and was released in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAre University of Minnesota varieties hardy in Montana?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of them are. They were bred and tested through Minnesota winters, and each product page shows the zone we rate it to on our own scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bluebell-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Bluebell Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bluebell Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 17 to Sep 29 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (350 to 750). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bluebell-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring to early summer here. Bluebell is grown as a single variety and is treated as self-fertile, like its hybrid relatives. No source was found that states its flower type, so a second grape nearby is cheap insurance. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 17 to Sep 29 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBluebell Grape – A Cold-Hardy Concord Alternative\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAn exceptionally cold-hardy, disease-resistant variety introduced by the University of Minnesota. Bluebell produces clusters of medium to large, blue-black grapes with tender skins and rich flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVersatile \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is a super versatile grape—great for fresh eating, juice, jams, jellies, and even winemaking. Bluebell resembles \u003ca href=\"\/products\/concord-grape-bundle-of-3\"\u003eConcord\u003c\/a\u003e in both size and color, but it matures earlier and is much more cold-hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuilt for Harsh Winters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIf you’re in a really cold area and have considered planting Concord—plant Bluebell instead. It’s hardy to -50°F, making it one of the best options out there for extreme climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Bluebell Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Bluebell Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Bluebell Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Bluebell is grown as a single variety and is treated as self-fertile, like its hybrid relatives. No source was found that states its flower type, so a second grape nearby is cheap insurance. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Bluebell Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Bluebell Grape hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Bluebell Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 350 and 750. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bluebell-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Bluebell Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 17 to Sep 29 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Bluebell Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Bluebell Grape are jams and jellies (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Bluebell Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Bluebell Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Bluebell Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434401346,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bluebell-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"centennial-apple-crab","title":"Centennial Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Centennial Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 750 hours (500 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#centennial-apple-crab\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), hard cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIntroduced in 1957 by the University of Minnesota, Centennial is closely related to the beloved \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e. While Kerr is a cross of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e x \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e, Centennial is the result of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wealthy-apple\"\u003eWealthy\u003c\/a\u003e x Dolgo—a pairing that brings both cold hardiness and flavor potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Centennial, though. While we haven’t tasted the fruit yet, we’ve been impressed by the tree’s resilience—zero winter injury at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, MT after a winter that saw -47°F on his site. It’s also a favorite among growers in Alaska, which says a lot about its toughness. Here is a direct quote from Ed, “\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFlavor is excellent. And they’re really pretty. They’ve got a yellowish pink skin. They come on earlier but they hang on the tree a long time and stay good without getting mealy. Centennial ripens end of August\/first part of September.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAccording to the University of Minnesota:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e“Large, red-over-orange crabapple that is excellent for fresh eating and sauce, but does not store well.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens late August in Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest used fresh or for sauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGreat for Zone 2 and colder regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Centennial trees are grafted onto the hardy full size Dolgo and semi-dwarf Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Centennial Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Centennial Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Centennial Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Centennial Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Centennial Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Centennial Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Not tested. Its parents are Wealthy (800 to 1,000 hours) and Dolgo (about 500), so we estimate around 750. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#centennial-apple-crab\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Centennial Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 25 to Sep 4 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Centennial Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Centennial Applecrab onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Centennial Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Centennial Applecrab are fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Centennial Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Centennial Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064294466,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45125064327234,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125064360002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":45125064392770,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/centennial-applecrab-fruit.jpg?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chestnut Applecrab is an applecrab tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 750 hours (600 to 950). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/martha-applecrab\"\u003eMartha Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM26: dwarf to semi-dwarf, about 8 to 14 ft tall unpruned. Stake it the first few years. Bud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChestnut, developed by the University of Minnesota, is technically an applecrab—50% apple and 50% crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parentage of Chestnut is a cross between \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian Crab\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/malinda-apple\"\u003eMalinda\u003c\/a\u003e, released by the University of Minnesota in 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut don’t let the “crabapple” part fool you. Hand this to someone who thinks crabapples are too tart or ornamental, and you’ll likely make a believer out of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the sweetest applecrabs we’ve tried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2023 (Kalispell orchard), we noted hints of bubblegum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2024 (WARC field day), the flavor shifted to nutty, mellow, sweet, and less acidic. Super yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens 1–2 weeks before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, making it a perfect complementary variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something intense and tangy? Go with Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something smooth, sweet, and nutty? Get Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens early: 1st–2nd week of September in western Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but also works in sauces or ciders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStores decently for a crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for Zone 2 and possibly colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly enough to ripen even in parts of Alaska\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Chestnut applecrabs are grafted onto Bud 118, hardy to -50 F or more, and M26, which is less hardy (to -40F) and a little less dwarfing. If buying Chestnut on M26 and you can experience sub -40F, then bury the graft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Chestnut Applecrab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Chestnut Applecrab need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Chestnut Applecrab needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Chestnut Applecrab hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Chestnut Applecrab need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 950. That comes from published figures for this variety. Blooms early, with Dolgo. Lab tests put it well below standard apples, about 750 hours. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Chestnut Applecrab ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 10 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Chestnut Applecrab get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Chestnut Applecrab onto M26 (dwarf to semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 8 to 14 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Chestnut Applecrab good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Chestnut Applecrab are fresh eating (9\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Chestnut Applecrab?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Chestnut Applecrab with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498963603522,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498963701826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Frontenac Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frontenac Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 750). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. Frontenac has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFrontenac is a classic bluish-black grape known for its rich red wines and high-vigor vines. The first of the Frontenac family introduced to the public, it was released in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Cold-Climate Game Changer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe introduction of Frontenac marked the start of a major movement in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as the acreage of cold-hardy grapes—and public interest in cold-hardy wines—rapidly grew. Frontenac has proven its ability to survive extreme cold events down to -35°F with little damage compared to most other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eProven Performer in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe’ve been growing Frontenac in a commercial vineyard we planted in 2019 in an area of Alberton (just west of Missoula) that’s seen temps below -30°F—with no issues at all. It also bears heavily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhy It’s a Top Choice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIts extreme hardiness and winemaking qualities make it one of the best red varieties to grow in Zone 3b. \u003cspan\u003eThese vines are going on their third year and come bare root with lots of fine root hairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Frontenac Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Frontenac Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Frontenac Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Frontenac has perfect flowers and sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Frontenac Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Frontenac Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Frontenac Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 750. That comes from published figures for this variety. Frontenac's riparia blood means a modest chill need and quick response to warm spells. Plant where cold air drains away. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Frontenac Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Oct 4 to Oct 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Frontenac Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Frontenac Grape are wine (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Frontenac Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Frontenac Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Frontenac Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436334658,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/frontenac-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"haralson-apple","title":"Haralson Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Haralson Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -47°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (900 to 1,200). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#haralson-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. Bud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), winter storage (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/haralson-vs-honeycrisp\"\u003eHaralson vs Honeycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/malinda-apple\"\u003eMalinda\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wealthy-apple\"\u003eWealthy\u003c\/a\u003e, 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo crab\u003c\/a\u003e—of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kerr-crab\"\u003eKerr\u003c\/a\u003e, 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 2b 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Haralson Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Haralson Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Haralson Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Haralson Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Haralson Apple hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -47°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Haralson Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 900 and 1,200. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Montana winters deliver that with plenty to spare. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#haralson-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Haralson Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Haralson Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Haralson Apple onto Spy 227 (full size). Some sizes are on Bud 118, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Haralson Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Haralson Apple are pies and baking (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), winter storage (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Haralson Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Haralson Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-4 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":"honeycrisp","title":"Honeycrisp Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeycrisp Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 850 hours (800 to 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeycrisp\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-spy-apple\"\u003ePrairie Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. G890: semi-dwarf, about 11 to 16 ft tall unpruned. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), winter storage (9\/10), salads and slicing (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/haralson-vs-honeycrisp\"\u003eHaralson vs Honeycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft or 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoneycrisp has become one of the best-selling apples in the U.S. Since its creation by University of Minnesota breeders, Honeycrisp has been lauded for its winter hardiness and its ability to produce large, high-quality fruit. It quickly gained popularity, particularly in temperate regions like Washington and Oregon, but colder climate growers have had success with it, particularly here in western Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycrisp apple is known for its aromatic sweetness, with a honey-like flavor and a juicy, crisp texture that has made it a consumer favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness – A Relative Concept\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated 2024: While Honeycrisp is often considered cold-hardy, its hardiness is relative. It may be well-suited to regions like New York or parts of the Midwest, but in parts of Montana where temperatures can drop below -45°F, which is much of the state east of the continental divide, Honeycrisp does not perform well. This has been our observation in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, on Robert Narotsky’s farm in Bozeman, Honeycrisp suffered serious frost damage to the trunk after exposure to -50°F. Similarly, on Ed Schultz’s farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT, the apple saw -47°F, resulting in serious limb damage that made its way into the trunk. If your region experiences temperatures below -45°F, we do not recommend planting Honeycrisp. Final note, it's Ed Schultz' experience that Honeycrisp along with many of the University of Minnesota apples (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zestar-apple\"\u003eZestar\u003c\/a\u003e!, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sweet-sixteen-apple\"\u003eSweet Sixteen\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/snowsweet-apple\"\u003eSnowsweet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u0026amp; others) take awhile to shut down and can get wiped out by Montana's brutal early Fall frosts. Ed has a massive pile of dead University of Minnesota apple trees in the back of his farm from these Fall frosts he experienced in 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, these University of MN apples all did fine in most of Western Montana's early Fall frosts during this time period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Availability for 2027\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we offer Honeycrisp trees on a few different rootstocks based on your location and climate:\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDolgo Rootstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for areas where winters dip below -40°F and even -50°F, offering better cold hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpy 227: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull size, hardy to at least -45°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG890: \u003c\/strong\u003eSemi-Dwarf and disease resistant rootstock, but likely not hardy below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Honeycrisp apples” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apples.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp apple tree” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apple_tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp-Apple” by Evan-Amos, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp-Apple.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Honeycrisp apple orchard” by MikeyMoose, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Honeycrisp_apple_orchard.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Honeycrisp Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Honeycrisp Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Honeycrisp Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Honeycrisp Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Honeycrisp Apple hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Honeycrisp Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nurseries list 800 to 1,000 chill hours. Not a pick for mild-winter climates, but Montana winters cover it easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeycrisp\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Honeycrisp Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 8 to Sep 28 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Honeycrisp Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Honeycrisp Apple onto Spy 227 (full size). Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e, G890.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Honeycrisp Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Honeycrisp Apple are fresh eating (9\/10), winter storage (9\/10), salads and slicing (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Honeycrisp Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Honeycrisp Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230728258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230793794,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499230695490,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"G890 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching","offer_id":45133403029570,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeycrisp-apples-on-tree.jpg?v=1791615421"},{"product_id":"itasca-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Itasca Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Itasca Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. Itasca sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"311\"\u003eThe newest grape from the University of Minnesota’s breeding program, Itasca has proven itself to be one of the most cold-hardy grapes out there—even surpassing \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eFrontenac\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMarquette\u003c\/a\u003e in terms of cold tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"351\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Winemaking Potential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"352\" data-end=\"615\"\u003eWith aromas of apple, pear, and violet and naturally lower acidity, this variety is especially well suited for dry white wines and sparkling wines. That said, some very nice off-dry wines have also been produced from Itasca, showing its versatility in the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eEarly Ripening \u0026amp; Excellent Production\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"918\"\u003eItasca is a very productive grape that ripens early, reaching brix levels in the mid-20s and a moderate acidity around 10 g\/L. It’s self-pollinating and suitable for most of Montana, and if you’ve got the right site, it could even be worth trying in the colder half of zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"952\"\u003eResilient in Harsh Winters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eIf you regularly see temps below -30°F in the winter, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many others planting Itasca (and Marquette, among others)—that the tops may die back the first few winters, but the vines will consistently come up from the base the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eThis is totally fine because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts, so what grows back will still be 100% Itasca. While it might set the grape back a bit at first, after a couple of years the vine typically becomes strong enough to withstand deeper frosts without dying back. But there likely will be a limit for the whole plant, which may be around -40F (although we're unsure of the precise number that extreme cold would kill the whole plant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1619\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Itasca itself. Photos of Itasca are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Reif werden die Trauben” by Christine Tögel, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Reif_werden_die_Trauben.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Itasca Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Itasca Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Itasca Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Itasca sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Itasca Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Itasca Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Itasca Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#itasca-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Itasca Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 22 to Oct 1 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Itasca Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Itasca Grape are wine (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Itasca Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Itasca Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Itasca Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437416002,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/white-grape-cluster-on-vine.jpg?v=1791615998"},{"product_id":"la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"La Crescent Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e La Crescent Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -36°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 550 hours (400 to 750). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring to early summer here. La Crescent has perfect flowers and needs no pollenizer, even though its parent St. Pepin is female-flowered. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (9\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"343\"\u003eLa Crescent is a white grape developed by the University of Minnesota's cold-hardy grape breeding program. Since its release in 2002, La Crescent has proven its resilience in plantings across cold regions like Montana, Vermont, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"376\"\u003eThriving in Cold Climates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"620\"\u003eLa Crescent grows particularly well in cold, exposed areas, such as in Wes Burnham’s vineyard in Kalispell. According to the licensing application, the variety is cold-hardy to −36°F (−38°C), making it a top choice for extremely cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"622\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Wine Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003eWines made from La Crescent feature desirable aromas of citrus, apricot, pineapple, and muscat—similar to those found in Riesling or Vignoles. Notably, La Crescent lacks the 'foxy' aromas associated with V. labrusca and the herbaceous aromas linked to V. riparia, making it an appealing option for winemakers seeking cleaner, fruit-forward profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1042\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1143\"\u003eLa Crescent is hardy to Zone 3, making it suitable for colder regions that experience harsh winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003eImage Credit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1313\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of James Luby – University of Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about La Crescent Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes La Crescent Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. La Crescent Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. La Crescent has perfect flowers and needs no pollenizer, even though its parent St. Pepin is female-flowered. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is La Crescent Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate La Crescent Grape hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -36°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does La Crescent Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 550 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 750. That comes from published figures for this variety. La Crescent loses hardiness fast once its chill is met, so late-winter thaws matter more than how much chill it gets. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does La Crescent Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 30 to Oct 14 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is La Crescent Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for La Crescent Grape are wine (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat La Crescent Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect La Crescent Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does La Crescent Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437645378,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/la-crescent-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"marquette-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Marquette Grape (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marquette Grape is a grape vine rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one plant can crop, and it ripens about Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (450 to 800). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring to early summer here. Marquette sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. It leafs out early, so a frost-protected spot helps. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/grape-pollination-chart\"\u003eGrape Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWine (9\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1810\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"2151\"\u003eThought that cold climates and good wine were mutually exclusive? Think again. A granddaughter of Pinot Noir, Marquette sets a new standard in cold-hardy wine grapes. Finished wines are complex, with an attractive ruby color, pronounced tannins, and desirable notes of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice—on both the nose and the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003eProven Performance in Harsh Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eThese grapes have done particularly well at a cold location in Alberton that has seen temperatures well into the -30°F range. If you're in an area that regularly sees winter temps below -30°F, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many who’ve planted Marquette over the years—that the tops may die off the first few winters. But don’t worry: they’ll reliably come back from the base each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2637\"\u003eRooted Cuttings, Not Grafts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2991\"\u003eThis is totally okay because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts. That means the roots themselves are Marquette, so what comes back in the spring will still be Marquette grapes. It does set the vine back a little, but eventually—usually after a couple of years—it’ll be strong enough to handle harder frosts without dying back to the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003eA Must-Have for Montana Winemakers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eThis self-pollinating grape is a must for any Montanan looking to make high-quality, cold-climate wine. These grapes are going into their second year after being rooted from cuttings. Nice, strong vines with solid root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3263\" data-end=\"3279\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Marquette-grona” by ZbyszekB, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marquette-grona.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Marquette-owocujący krzew” by ZbyszekB, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marquette-owocuj%C4%85cy_krzew.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Marquette Grape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Marquette Grape need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Marquette Grape is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Marquette sets fruit on its own, so one variety is enough. It leafs out early, so a frost-protected spot helps. Grapes bloom in June, well after tree fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Marquette Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Marquette Grape hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Marquette Grape need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 800. That comes from published figures for this variety. Marquette breaks bud early once chilled, so frost-free sites with good air drainage matter more than chill in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#marquette-grape-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Marquette Grape ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Marquette Grape good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Marquette Grape are wine (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Marquette Grape?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Marquette Grape with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Marquette Grape ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437809218,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/marquette-grape-clusters.jpg?v=1791615622"},{"product_id":"mn-1628-apple","title":"MN 1628 Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e MN 1628 Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,050 hours (800 to 1,300). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mn-1628-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Not self-fertile. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 4 to 6 on our chart). Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter storage (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMN 1628 is a new variety for us. We started growing it in spring 2025. You might be wondering about the name. This apple comes from the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program, where all experimental seedlings are given numerical designations until they are officially named (if ever).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e was originally known as MN 1711, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frostbite-apple\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c\/a\u003e, developed in 1920, was labeled MN 447 until it was formally released in 2008. Interestingly, MN 1628 is a sibling of Keepsake, which is a parent of Honeycrisp. In turn, Frostbite is a parent of Keepsake, placing MN 1628 within the same distinguished genetic lineage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription and Flavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Bob Purvis, who provided the scionwood we used for grafting, MN 1628 is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Quite similar in many respects to Keepsake, ripens slightly earlier (early October in Western Montana), tree more vigorous, spreading growth habit. Red stripes over yellow-ocher background, with yellowish flesh, complex sweet flavor, dense flesh, keeps till late spring.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob also shared that MN 1628 became the favorite apple of his late wife, Connie, even surpassing Fuji.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe estimate the cold hardiness of MN 1628 to fall between -40°F and -45°F, placing it slightly hardier than McIntosh, but not as hardy as ultra-cold varieties like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-sensation-apple\"\u003ePrairie Sensation\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carroll-apple\"\u003eCarroll\u003c\/a\u003e, or the apple crabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes MN 1628 a solid choice for many Zone 3 to 4 growers, but not recommended for locations with sub -45°F winter lows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Tree Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have grafted MN 1628 onto Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. In our experience, Bud 118 is significantly hardier, even than Antonovka, as Bud 118 has seen near -50F without showing any rootstock damage (although there was snow on the ground when these numbers were obtained at Ed Schultz' farm in Gallatin Gateway, MT).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: MN 1628 ripens too late for growers with a very short growing season, such as those near Anchorage, AK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about MN 1628 Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes MN 1628 Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. MN 1628 Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety nearby that blooms at about the same time (bloom groups 4 to 6 on our chart). Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is MN 1628 Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list MN 1628 Apple at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. We're still new to it, so that rating comes from Bob Purvis and other growers' reports rather than our own winters. We'll adjust it as our own trees go through more Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does MN 1628 Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,050 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,300. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mn-1628-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does MN 1628 Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 27 to Oct 9 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does MN 1628 Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft MN 1628 Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is MN 1628 Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for MN 1628 Apple are winter storage (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on Bob Purvis's notes and other growers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat MN 1628 Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect MN 1628 Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500887281730,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mn-1628-apple-harvest.jpg?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"pipestone-plum","title":"Pipestone Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pipestone Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 29 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pipestone-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Pipestone needs a different hybrid plum nearby. Toka, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or South Dakota work well. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 10 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 10 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrairie Red: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Native Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePipestone was selected in 1928 and released in 1942 by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm at Excelsior. Its parentage is Burbank, a Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), crossed with Wolf, a hardy \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003enative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. It belongs to the Japanese by American hybrid line Minnesota started in 1908, and no European plum is involved. Over 80 years later, people are still growing this hardy, tasty, yellow-fleshed plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor and Fruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen we tried Pipestone several years ago, we were taken aback at their size—most coming in slightly under 2\" in diameter. And their flavor was really good: sweet yellow flesh with slightly tart skin. They ripened in early September for us in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEven when some of the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian plums\u003c\/a\u003e in town—which are typically fairly hardy—had suffered tip damage, Pipestone didn’t show any signs of damage. We’ve seen Pipestone growing in places that can hit -38°F, like a cold part of Stevensville in the Bitterroot. There wasn’t any noticeable damage on the tree after it saw those temps on 1\/12\/2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn short, Pipestone is a super-productive, tasty plum that we know has survived down to -38°F. Some even list it as surviving down to -50°F, although we don’t have direct experience with that ourselves—we just haven’t seen any trees planted where it gets that cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese plums come in several different rootstock\/sizes for Spring 2027. They are either on Native plum, which is likely slightly hardier, and tends to produce a semi-dwarf tree in our dry, alkaline soils and harsh climate. However, key word there is 'tends'. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe have found that there is some natural variation in the size of Native Plum as a rootstock (and in general as a stand along tree) as these plants are grown from seed. However, the other rootstock we have grafted Pipestone onto is \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e, which is far more uniform according to Dan Sheild, produces a semi-dwarf tree, and is hardy to around -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Pipestone Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Pipestone Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Pipestone Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Pipestone needs a different hybrid plum nearby. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e work well. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Pipestone Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Pipestone Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Pipestone Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#pipestone-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Pipestone Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 10 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Pipestone Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Pipestone Plum onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Native Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Pipestone Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Pipestone Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Pipestone Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Pipestone Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134355464258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134355497026,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134355529794,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503442333762,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134355562562,"sku":null,"price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pipestone-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"red-baron-apple","title":"Red Baron Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Baron Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,150). Our estimate. The one published figure (about 300) looks borrowed from Red Baron peach. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-baron-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lodi-apple\"\u003eLodi Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 42 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRed Baron is a cross between Golden Delicious and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaniels Red Duchess\u003c\/span\u003e, first bred in 1926 at the University of Minnesota’s Horticulture Research Center. It was selected as Minnesota 1500 in 1940 by Professor W.H. Alderman and was released in 1970.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture \u0026amp; Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e A juicy, crisp apple that holds its shape well when baked, making it an excellent choice for pies. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile it doesn’t resist browning when cut, it still remains a popular choice for cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage: \u003c\/strong\u003eNot the best storage apple, but will keep for about 4–5 weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease Resistance: \u003c\/strong\u003eHighly resistant to apple scab. Moderately resistant to fire blight, rust, and mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardy to -40F—these trees have survived down to -38F in the Bitterroot without any winter injury, making them suitable for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Red Baron itself. Photos of Red Baron are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “CSIRO ScienceImage 11491 Apples on tree” by Liese Coulter, CSIRO, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_11491_Apples_on_tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Red Baron Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Red Baron Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Red Baron Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 1 to 3. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chestnut-crabapple\"\u003eChestnut Applecrab\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crimson-beauty-apple\"\u003eCrimson Beauty Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Red Baron Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Red Baron Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Red Baron Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,150. The one published figure we found (about 300 hours) looks borrowed from Red Baron peach, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-baron-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Red Baron Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Red Baron Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Red Baron Apple onto Dolgo (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Red Baron Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Red Baron Apple are fresh eating (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Red Baron Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Red Baron Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503694581826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-blushed-apples-on-tree.jpg?v=1791616268"},{"product_id":"snowsweet-apple","title":"Snowsweet® Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snowsweet® Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 as a conservative estimate (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 19 to Oct 5 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#snowsweet-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-pearmain-apple\"\u003eBlue Pearmain Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 100 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 19 to Oct 5 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. Plant 16 to 20 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalads and slicing (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe're still fairly new to Snowsweet, an introduction from the University of Minnesota around 2005. According to Bob Purvis, who provided the scion wood for our grafts, Snowsweet has the following characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Size \u0026amp; Texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e The apples are large, crisp, and very sweet with low acidity. The flesh is fine-grained, juicy, and does not brown when cut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Storage: \u003c\/strong\u003eSnowsweet ripens mid to late September in Idaho, so we expect it to ripen in Missoula in late September and in Eastern Montana in early to mid October. These apples store well, lasting at least 4 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBased on the University of Minnesota’s description, Snowsweet is expected to be comparable in hardiness to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e. While we have found Haralson to withstand temperatures down to -50F, we have observed Honeycrisp experiencing winter damage at around -46F, particularly when frost damage reaches the trunk. Given these observations, we conservatively estimate that Snowsweet is hardy to at least -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur friends at Swanson's Mountain View Orchard, which is the largest orchard in the state of Montana, have told us that their customers cannot get enough of their Snowsweet apples, which is why they are planting even more in the coming years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur Spring 2027 Snowsweet trees are grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock, known for their cold hardiness, reportedly surviving temperatures down to -50F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSince these Snowsweet are grafted onto full size Dolgo, plan to plant these anywhere between 16-20 ft. apart. If planted on the lower end of this spectrum, a more rigorous pruning regiment will be required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUpdates Coming Soon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSince this is still only our third year growing Snowsweet, we look forward to gaining more firsthand experience with its flavor and performance. We will update this description once we have more personal insights to share!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Snowsweet® Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Snowsweet® Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Snowsweet® Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 2 to 4. Its pollen quality isn't confirmed yet, so don't count on it as the only pollenizer for another tree. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hewes-virginia-crabapple\"\u003eHewe's Virginia Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hyslop-crabapple\"\u003eHyslop Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wickson-crabapple\"\u003eWickson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Snowsweet® Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Snowsweet® Apple at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. That's a conservative estimate. The University of Minnesota compares it to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/haralson-apple\"\u003eHaralson\u003c\/a\u003e, and we've seen Haralson take -50°F and Honeycrisp get damaged around -46°F. We'll adjust it as our own Snowsweet trees go through more Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Snowsweet® Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#snowsweet-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Snowsweet® Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 19 to Oct 5 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Snowsweet® Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Snowsweet® Apple onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 16 to 20 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Snowsweet® Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Snowsweet® Apple are salads and slicing (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Snowsweet® Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Snowsweet® Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504633417794,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/snowsweet-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"summercrisp-pear","title":"Summercrisp Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summercrisp Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Aug 13 to Aug 27 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -45°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,000). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#summercrisp-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. Summercrisp needs a different pear nearby to set fruit. It makes lots of good pollen, so it is also one of the best early pollenizers for Beurre Giffard, Ure and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/luscious-pear\"\u003eLuscious\u003c\/a\u003e. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giffard-pear\"\u003eBeurré Giffard Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 25 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 13 to Aug 27 in Missoula (estimated for Missoula from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. Ussurian: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest pear species there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese pears have done very well at Rod McIver’s orchard off Rose Crossing in Kalispell, MT, where temperatures reached -35°F on 1\/12\/24. \u003cem\u003eSummercrisp\u003c\/em\u003e showed no damage at these temps and has survived even colder conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Growth and Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tree is upright to spreading, fairly precocious, and very well spurred. It's considered an excellent pollenizer for early-ripening pears and has good resistance to fireblight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Quality and Hardiness Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruit is medium-sized and best eaten when crisp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSummercrisp\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is hardy to Zone 2b, down to at least -45°F. However, Alaska growers in Fairbanks have not had success with these, as they’re hardy, but not quite to -45°F or colder. For that, we recommend the Russian pears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTree Sizes and Rootstock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese trees come in multiple different sizes and are grafted onto OHxF87, and OHxF Mix, and Pyrus ussurienses, with the OHxF hardy to roughly -45°F, and the P. ussuriensis hardy to -50F or more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"is-empty\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"is-empty\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of University of Minnesota \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/trees.umn.edu\/summercrisp-pear-pyrus-summercrisp\"\u003e\u003cem\u003elink\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Summercrisp Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Summercrisp Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Summercrisp Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Summercrisp needs a different pear nearby to set fruit. It makes lots of good pollen, so it is also one of the best early pollenizers for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giffard-pear\"\u003eBeurre Giffard\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/luscious-pear\"\u003eLuscious\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Ure Pear, Beurré Giffard Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Summercrisp Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Summercrisp Pear hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Summercrisp Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Most listings say about 800 chill hours. It blooms early, so spring frost is a bigger risk than chill. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#summercrisp-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Summercrisp Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 13 to Aug 27 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Summercrisp Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Summercrisp Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Ussurian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Summercrisp Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Summercrisp Pear are fresh eating (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Summercrisp Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Summercrisp Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 2-3 ft.","offer_id":45135329755202,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Semi-Dwarf OHxF mix: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42505021980738,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42505022079042,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45135329787970,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Semi-Dwarf OHxF mix: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45135329820738,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older)","offer_id":42505022111810,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45135329853506,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/summercrisp-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021110"},{"product_id":"zestar-apple","title":"Zestar!® Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zestar!® Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 19 to Sep 2 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,100). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#zestar-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eRed Splendor Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 2 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpy 227: full size. A Northern Spy selection. Plant 18 to 20 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/zestar-vs-paula-red\"\u003eZestar vs Paula Red\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZestar! is another standout from the University of Minnesota, bred from a cross of State Fair x MN 1691. An early to mid-season apple, it ripens in late August to early September at Benson’s Farm in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCrunchy, subacid, and pleasantly spiced—with a hint of cinnamon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOnly tried fresh so far, but we love the refreshing snap and complex flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the best-storing summer apples we’ve grown—holds up over two months in the fridge without turning mealy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to -40F, and possibly -45F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eUse caution in regions colder than that—this variety may not hold up in Zone 2 or colder pockets without protection. Zestar! and many other University of Minnesota apples do not shut down early enough in time in the Fall for Ed Schultz in Gallatin Gateway, MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Growing Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we’ve grafted Zestar! onto the full size Spy 227. These were actually grafted in 2025 and will have been growing for two years before the time of fulfillment in Spring 2027. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpy 227 rootstock produces a standard size tree. At maturity, they require spacing of approximately 18–20 feet between trees. With intensive pruning and canopy management, closer spacing may be possible, while wider spacing can improve airflow and light penetration in humid or disease-prone sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Zestar!® Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Zestar!® Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Zestar!® Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-splendor-crabapple\"\u003eRed Splendor Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Zestar!® Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Zestar!® Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Zestar!® Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,100. That comes from published figures for this variety. Montana winters cover that easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#zestar-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Zestar!® Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 19 to Sep 2 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Zestar!® Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Zestar!® Apple onto Spy 227 (full size). Plant 18 to 20 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Zestar!® Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Zestar!® Apple are fresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Zestar!® Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Zestar!® Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511547990082,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spy 227 Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45145048514626,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ZestarApplesinaFruitBasket.jpg?v=1789671194"},{"product_id":"frostbite-apple","title":"Frostbite Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frostbite Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Oct 1 to Oct 15 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frostbite-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/burgundy-apple\"\u003eBurgundy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 103 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Oct 1 to Oct 15 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard cider (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\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, and we list it as hardy to zone 2b (-45°F). 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Frostbite Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Frostbite Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Frostbite Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 3 to 5. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/otterson-apple\"\u003eOtterson Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trail-crabapple\"\u003eTrail Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alexander-apple\"\u003eAlexander Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Frostbite Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Frostbite Apple hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Frostbite Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#frostbite-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Frostbite Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Oct 1 to Oct 15 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Frostbite Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Frostbite Apple onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Frostbite Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Frostbite Apple are hard cider (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Frostbite Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Frostbite Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 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":"prairie-spy-apple","title":"Prairie Spy Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prairie Spy Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Oct 5 to Oct 17 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#prairie-spy-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Oct 5 to Oct 17 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM26: dwarf to semi-dwarf, about 8 to 14 ft tall unpruned. Stake it the first few years. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), winter storage (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy\u003c\/a\u003e 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Prairie Spy Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Prairie Spy Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Prairie Spy Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Prairie Spy Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Prairie Spy Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Prairie Spy Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#prairie-spy-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Prairie Spy Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Oct 5 to Oct 17 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Prairie Spy Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Prairie Spy Apple onto M26 (dwarf to semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 8 to 14 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Prairie Spy Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Prairie Spy Apple are pies and baking (8\/10), winter storage (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Prairie Spy Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Prairie Spy Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"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":"la-crescent-plum","title":"La Crescent Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e La Crescent Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 6 of 7, late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), early spring here. La Crescent blooms late, so pick a later-blooming hybrid such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e as its partner. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e will not pollenize it, and it cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 3 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrairie Red: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Native Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"19\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"36\" data-end=\"268\"\u003eLa Crescent is a Japanese × American hybrid plum released by the University of Minnesota in the early 1920s. Its reported parentage is Prunus salicina ‘\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shiro-plum\"\u003eShiro\u003c\/a\u003e’ × \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrunus americana\u003c\/a\u003e ‘Howard Yellow’.  We have grown Shiro, which is one of the hardier Asian plums (although likely only to about -30F), but since Howard Yellow is a seedling of native american plum, this is where La Crescent gets its hardiness.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"295\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"529\"\u003eLa Crescent was introduced by the University of Minnesota (commonly dated to 1923) and is also sometimes sold under names like Golden La Crescent \/ Golden Minnesota. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"557\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"859\"\u003eLa Crescent is a thin-skinned yellow plum that can develop a pink blush, with tender, juicy yellow flesh and a sweet, aromatic flavor that is often compared to apricot-like notes. Bob Purvis pointed this out to Luke the first time he visited Bob's orchard in Homedale, ID back in 2022. It’s primarily used for fresh eating and preserving\/canning. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"889\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"1106\"\u003eIt’s growth habit is upright to spreading and vigorous. As a practical backyard spacing range, plan about 15 ft apart for trees on Native American rootstock (12 ft for tighter spacing\/more pruning), and 18 ft. for trees on Krymsk 86 (15 ft. for tighter spacing).\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003eLa Crescent needs a pollenizer. You can use Native American plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, or another Japanese x American hybrid that overlaps bloom (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, or others).\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1399\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003eWe do not have a whole lot of first hand data on La Crescent because this is one of the newer plums we have grown, although knowing that when Bob Purvis lists the hardiness of plums he grows, which is from whom we got cuttings of La Crescent, he goes off of the same USDA zone scale of temperatures, but if he lists something as Zone 3a, which is the case for La Crescent, then he implies here that the plum is hardy to -40F. And given we have grown plenty of other Asian x American hybrids that do well down to these temps, i.e. Pipestone and Underwood surviving -38F in Stevensville, MT without any winter injury, I think \"hardy down to -40F\" for La Crescent tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about La Crescent Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes La Crescent Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. La Crescent Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. La Crescent blooms late, so pick a later-blooming hybrid such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e as its partner. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e will not pollenize it, and it cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is La Crescent Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate La Crescent Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does La Crescent Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. A late bloomer for a hybrid plum, which helps dodge spring frost. Chill is estimated around 700 hours from its parents. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does La Crescent Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does La Crescent Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft La Crescent Plum onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Native Plum. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is La Crescent Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for La Crescent Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat La Crescent Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect La Crescent Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":43865971261506,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500337500226,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/la-crescent-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"underwood-plum","title":"Underwood Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Underwood Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#underwood-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), early spring here. Underwood blooms early and needs a different hybrid plum nearby. Toka, South Dakota or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e are good choices. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 13 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is a classic cold-climate hybrid plum known for dependable survival in relatively harsh winters and for producing attractive, flavorful fruit that works well for both fresh eating and processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is a University of Minnesota introduction from the early 1920s. According to the bilingual plum reference hosted at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberfruit.info\/flipbook\/flipplum\/files\/basic-html\/page86.html\"\u003eCyberfruit\u003c\/a\u003e, it was introduced in 1921 by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm (Excelsior, Minnesota) and is described as a hybrid-type plum derived from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shiro-plum\"\u003eShiro\u003c\/a\u003e × Wyant. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberfruit.info\/flipbook\/flipplum\/files\/basic-html\/page86.html\" title=\"Page 86 - Our Plums - Les Pruniers de chez nous.pdf\"\u003ecyberfruit.info\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood sits in the “Japanese–American hybrid” category that many northern-region plum programs leaned on to combine improved fruit quality with the ruggedness of native North American plum species. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/yardandgarden\/research\/plums-in-the-home-garden\" title=\"How to Grow Plums in Your Home Garden | USU\"\u003eUtah State University Extension\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood fruit is large for a hardy hybrid plum, with dark red skin and yellow flesh. The fruit is juicy, melting, and tender, ripening around mid-August in Missoula, and it also holds well in cold storage.\u003cbr\u003eIn practice, Underwood can be enjoyed fresh when fully ripe, but it also (apparently) works well in sauce, jam, fruit leather, baking, and fermentation, although we have only ever eaten it fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood grows as a medium-sized plum tree rather than a true dwarf. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese Underwood plum trees come in several different rootstock\/sizes for Spring 2027. They are either on Native plum, which is likely slightly hardier, and tends to produce a semi-dwarf tree in our dry, alkaline soils and harsh climate. However, key word there is 'tends'. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe have found that there is some natural variation in the size of Native Plum as a rootstock (and in general as a stand along tree) as these plants are grown from seed. However, the other rootstock we have grafted Underwood onto is \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e, which is far more uniform according to Dan Sheild, produces a semi-dwarf tree (roughly 15 ft. at maturity or slightly larger in deeper soils), and is hardy to around -50F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many hardy hybrid plums, good air drainage matters because hybrid plums bloom early (right after peaches) and can be more “spring-frost limited” than “midwinter-cold limited” on marginal sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is not a “plant-one-tree-and-forget-it” plum in most climates. It needs a compatible hybrid plum nearby for consistent fruit set. Pollenizers for Underwood include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gracious-plum\"\u003eGracious\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eKuban Delight\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, and other Asian–American hybrids. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e and Prairie Red can work as pollenizers for these hybrid types as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have observed Underwood surviving -38F in Stevensville, MT from a 1\/13\/24 polar front without showing any signs of winter injury. St. Lawrence lists Underwood as hardy to -50F with occasional winter injury. Because we cannot verify this claim in our experience, we are conservatively saying Underwood is hardy to -40F. Hardy to zone 3. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Underwood Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Underwood Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Underwood Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Underwood blooms early and needs a different hybrid plum nearby. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e are good choices. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Underwood Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Underwood Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Underwood Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#underwood-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Underwood Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Underwood Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Underwood Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Underwood Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Underwood Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Underwood Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Underwood Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42508244353090,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42508244320322,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (1 Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143186440258,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (1 Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143186473026,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/underwood-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"superior-plum","title":"Superior Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Superior Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (500 to 800). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#superior-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Superior pollenizes most hybrid plums but not \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, and it needs a partner itself such as Toka or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 9 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie Red: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Plant 12 to 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/toka-vs-superior-plum\"\u003eToka vs Superior\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum is a cold-hardy hybrid plum developed specifically to bring improved fruit quality into colder regions where pure Japanese plums often struggle. Remains one of the better-known Japanese–American hybrids for northern plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum was bred by University of Minnesota in 1933 from a cross of ‘Burbank’ × ‘\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Burbank’ is a Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), while Kaga’ is itself an interspecific hybrid derived from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrunus americana\u003c\/a\u003e × Prunus simonii.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes Superior a complex hybrid combining Japanese plum genetics with American plum and Simon plum ancestry. The breeding goal was to capture the fruit quality of Japanese plums while incorporating the cold tolerance and resilience of American plum material. Because of this background, Superior is often broadly described as a Japanese × American hybrid, but its exact pedigree is more accurately represented as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurbank × (americana × simonii).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior has been planted in colder regions for decades as part of early efforts to expand reliable plum production beyond traditional Japanese plum climates. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior produces red-skinned plums with yellow flesh. The fruit is sweet and suitable for fresh eating, while also working well for preserves, baking, jams, and other kitchen uses. It is generally grown as a dual-purpose plum: enjoyable fresh when fully ripe and practical for processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Superior on Native Plum and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e semi-dwarf rootstock. Although these are both seedling rootstocks, Superior should be expected to mature as a moderately sized tree rather than a full standard tree. Native plum can be more dwarfing at times (given their seedling nature), but from our initial test results, Prairie Red seems to be a more consistently sized semi-dwarf, reaching about 15 ft tall at maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA planting spacing range is about 12–15 feet between trees, depending on pruning intensity and desired canopy size. Wider spacing supports airflow and light penetration; tighter spacing requires more active canopy management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum is not self-fertile and requires another plum nearby to act as a pollenizer for reliable fruit set. Plant with other hybrid plums that we offer, including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gracious-plum\"\u003eGracious\u003c\/a\u003e, as well \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e (often referred to as a universal pollenizer for the hybrid plums). Native and Prairie Red plums can also work as a pollenizer for Superior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften listed as a hardy plum, exact minimum survival temperatures and the most accurate zone ratings are not known yet in Montana, but given that Underwood, Alderman, and Pipestone have all survived -38F in Stevensville, MT, Superior would likely be part of this ilk. Likely a solid zone 3b plum at the minimum, and even possibly 3a with protection\/in a good location (out of frost pooling\/depression, up on a bunch, good airflow, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior’s value lies in its breeding: it represents an early and successful attempt to merge Japanese plum fruit quality with American plum toughness. This mixed ancestry is what allows it to function in colder regions where many Japanese plums fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are unsure of Superior's disease resistance in Montana, given we have only been growing it for a few years. As with most plums, long-term success depends primarily on site selection, spacing, pruning for airflow, and orchard sanitation to manage common stone-fruit diseases such as bacterial canker and brown rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Superior Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Superior Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Superior Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Superior pollenizes most hybrid plums but not \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, and it needs a partner itself such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Superior Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Superior Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Superior Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 800. That comes from published figures for this variety. Nursery figures run 500 to 800 hours, so it fits most cold-winter areas. Toka is a good pollenizer for it. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#superior-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Superior Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Superior Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Superior Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e. Plant 12 to 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Superior Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Superior Plum are fresh eating (9\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Superior Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Superior Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (1 yr. older)","offer_id":45135359148098,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (1 yr. older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42505024176194,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45135359180866,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45135359213634,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/superior-plum-harvest-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"meteor-tart-cherry","title":"Meteor Tart Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meteor Tart Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a tart cherry), and it ripens about Jul 30 to Aug 9 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (650 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Meteor is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with Montmorency and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvans Bali\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to plant more than one. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-bundle-of-3-3l736\"\u003eEvan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/balaton-tart-cherry\"\u003eBalaton Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e and 1 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tart-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eTart Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 30 to Aug 9 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMazzard: full size, about 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Slow to bear, often 5 to 6 years. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), drying (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. One Year Older Larger \u0026amp; More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is a tart (sour) cherry introduced in 1952 by the University of Minnesota fruit breeding program at Excelsior, Minnesota. It was developed for cold climates and later ripening than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtension and pomology references describe Meteor as a cross of Montmorency × a Russian-type selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor produces medium-sized, bright red tart cherries with clear juice and semi-firm flesh, ripening about a week after Montmorency (typically around early August here in Missoula, MT). It’s typically positioned as a kitchen\/processing cherry for pies, baking, sauce, preserves, and juice. But in our experience, they make dried cherries just as good as Montmorency. One extension note also mentions it’s not ideal for commercial processing because the pit can behave poorly during pitting in some settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is widely sold as a naturally smaller tart cherry tree (often described around the 10–12 ft class in home-orchard contexts), with an upright to spreading habit. A practical spacing for a small tart cherry like this is commonly 10–12 ft (wider if you want more airflow and less pruning pressure). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteor is as self-fruitful (self-fertile). Even so, tart cherries often crop heavier with another tart cherry nearby that blooms at a similar time. Will cross with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvan's Bali tart cherry\u003c\/a\u003e or even the dwarf cherries. Could also cross with the less hardy \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danube-cherry\"\u003eDanube\u003c\/a\u003e\/Montmorency, although if you're planting this due to its adaptability to the cold, plant with either Evan's or the dwarf cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a concrete mid-winter extreme figure, Meteor can tolerate down to about -40°F when fully dormant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Meteor itself. Photos of Meteor are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Sauerkirschen” by Kai-Martin Knaak, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sauerkirschen.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e. Other photo: “PI 592848 Meteor (Prunus cerasus), 2013 immature fruit” by USDA ARS National Plant Germplasm System (GRIN-Global), via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1507034\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUSDA GRIN\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Meteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Meteor Tart Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Meteor Tart Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Meteor is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvans Bali\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to plant more than one. Partners we carry include Evan's Bali Tart Cherry, Montmorency Tart Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Meteor Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Meteor Tart Cherry hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Meteor Tart Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 650 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. It was bred in Minnesota, and it blooms about a week after Montmorency, which helps it slip past spring frosts. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Meteor Tart Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 30 to Aug 9 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Meteor Tart Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Meteor Tart Cherry onto Mazzard (full size), which makes a tree roughly 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Meteor Tart Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Meteor Tart Cherry are pies and baking (8\/10), drying (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Meteor Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Meteor Tart Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. One Year Older Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539794104386,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/tart-cherries-on-branch-representative.jpg?v=1791615966"},{"product_id":"oriole-apple","title":"Oriole Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oriole Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Aug 14 to Aug 28 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (850 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#oriole-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-spy-apple\"\u003ePrairie Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 14 to Aug 28 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Dolgo: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Very hardy and well anchored. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew to our lineup, so the information below comes from the University of Minnesota records and from growers who have had it longer than we have.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriole is a big, showy, early apple bred for cold country. It is one of the better early varieties for people who want something worth eating in August rather than just something that survives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased by the University of Minnesota in 1949, from a cross of Okabena and Livland Raspberry. Both parents trace back to the Russian hardy material, and it shows in how far north Oriole will go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is large for an early apple, with yellow to orange skin striped and splashed with red. The flesh is soft, juicy and sweet. It is excellent fresh and it cooks down well, and it makes good sweet cider. Like most early apples it will not store, so use it as it comes off the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are offering Oriole on both Bud 118 semi-dwarf and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e full size rootstock. On Bud 118 plan on about 15 feet between trees. On Dolgo give it 18 to 20 feet. One thing worth knowing: Oriole is susceptible to powdery mildew, so site it where it gets air movement and do not crowd it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriole needs a pollenizer. It blooms mid to late, so pair it accordingly. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/macoun-apple\"\u003eMacoun\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arkansas-black\"\u003eArkansas Black\u003c\/a\u003e and most of our crabapples overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed at zone 2. The Minnesota program bred it for the north and the parentage supports it, but we have not yet taken it through a hard winter at our own sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Oriole itself. Photos of Oriole are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo by Kelsey Todd, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bunch-of-apples-hanging-from-a-tree-branch-ENcI37ufNSM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c\/a\u003e, under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash License\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: “Cross section of Oriole” by the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cross_section_of_Oriole,_National_Fruit_Collection_(acc._1951-067).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/doc\/open-government-licence\/version\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eOpen Government Licence v2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Oriole Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Oriole Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Oriole Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Oriole Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Oriole Apple hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Oriole Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 850 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#oriole-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Oriole Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 14 to Aug 28 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Oriole Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Oriole Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2\"\u003eDolgo\u003c\/a\u003e. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Oriole Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Oriole Apple are fresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Oriole Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Oriole Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156160831554,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156160864322,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45156160897090,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45156160929858,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/photo-1672155984758-383be9767f5e.jpg?v=1791638047"},{"product_id":"sweet-sixteen-apple","title":"Sweet Sixteen Apple (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet Sixteen Apple is an apple tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apple or crabapple), and it ripens about Sep 15 to Sep 29 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,050 hours (700 to 1,400). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sweet-sixteen-apple\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), late spring here. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oriole-apple\"\u003eOriole Apple\u003c\/a\u003e and 70 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apple-pollination-map\"\u003eApple Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 29 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBud 118: semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper, about 12 to 18 ft tall unpruned. Stands on its own, few suckers. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), hard cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew to our lineup, so this is drawn from the University of Minnesota records and from growers who have had it longer. We will update once we have fruit here.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet Sixteen is the apple we hand people when they say all apples taste the same. It does not taste like an apple is supposed to taste, and that is the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased by the University of Minnesota in 1978, from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frostbite-apple\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c\/a\u003e crossed with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy\u003c\/a\u003e. Frostbite is where the strange flavor and the hardiness both come from. Northern Spy brings the size and the texture. It is one of the better things that program ever did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium to large, red striped over yellow. Crisp, juicy, and the flavor is the whole story. People describe it as cherry candy, vanilla, anise, sometimes bourbon or spice. It is sweet without being flat, and it has enough acid to stay interesting. Excellent fresh, good in pies where that flavor carries through, and a genuinely interesting cider apple. Ripens late September and will keep a couple of months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 semi-dwarf rootstock. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, up to 18 feet for airflow. It is vigorous and it bears young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet Sixteen needs a pollenizer and blooms mid to late. Northern Spy, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/macoun-apple\"\u003eMacoun\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arkansas-black\"\u003eArkansas Black\u003c\/a\u003e all overlap well, as do our crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed at zone 3, which is where Minnesota puts it and where the Frostbite parentage points. We have not run it through a hard winter here yet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, New York, accession \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1021930\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePI 589906\u003c\/a\u003e. Public domain (U.S. government work).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Sweet Sixteen itself. Photos of Sweet Sixteen are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Braeburn am Baum” by Markus Hagenlocher, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Braeburn_am_Baum.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Sweet Sixteen Apple\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Sweet Sixteen Apple need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Sweet Sixteen Apple needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different apple or crabapple variety that blooms in groups 4 to 6. It has good pollen, so it can also pollenize other apples blooming at the same time. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-oxford-apple\"\u003eBlack Oxford Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeycrisp\"\u003eHoneycrisp Apple\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-spy-apple\"\u003eNorthern Spy Apple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Sweet Sixteen Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Sweet Sixteen Apple hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Sweet Sixteen Apple need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,050 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,400. That comes from published figures for this variety. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sweet-sixteen-apple\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Sweet Sixteen Apple ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 29 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Sweet Sixteen Apple get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Sweet Sixteen Apple onto Bud 118 (semi-dwarf in our dry Montana soils, semi-standard on paper), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 18 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Sweet Sixteen Apple good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Sweet Sixteen Apple are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Sweet Sixteen Apple?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Sweet Sixteen Apple with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45156175347778,"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":45156175380546,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-striped-apples-on-tree-representative_fd429be2-abca-4c6b-b153-9003bc49fbc2.jpg?v=1791617882"},{"product_id":"red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Red Lake Currant (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Lake Currant is a currant shrub rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one plant can crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,400 hours (1,000 to 2,500). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Red Lake sets fruit on its own, so one plant is enough. A second currant nearby can add to the yield. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/currant-gooseberry-pollination-chart\"\u003eCurrant \u0026amp; Gooseberry Pollination Chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 4 to 5 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), wine (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-breeding\"\u003ethe University of Minnesota breeding program\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 1-2 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Red Lake, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother plants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Lake is the classic red currant out of Minnesota, with big berries on long clusters that are easy to pick. It's been one of the most widely grown red currants in North America for decades, and it's done well in trials right here in Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was introduced by W.H. Alderman at the University of Minnesota in 1933, and its parentage isn't known. Montana State University's currant guide called it the leading currant variety in North America and noted it produced well in experimental plots at the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station in Bozeman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are large and bright red, on long clusters that USDA currant researchers describe as easy to pick. MSU calls the flavor mild and pleasant, though some nurseries call it tart. It ripens around mid-July. St. Lawrence Nurseries calls it the \"best known variety for jellies, compotes, and fresh eating,\" and it's good for jam, juice and wine too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn upright, productive bush in the 3 to 5 foot range. Space plants about 4 to 5 feet apart for easy picking and airflow. Sources disagree on how it handles powdery mildew. On blister rust, UMass Extension says Red Lake is less susceptible than Red Jacket, Green Hansa, Poorman and Pixwell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Lake is self-fertile, so one plant will fruit on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaintree lists it hardy to -40F, the University of Minnesota rates its hardiness excellent to very good, and University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension has seen it grown in Interior Alaska. We've listed it at zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions: white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eCurrants and gooseberries (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide, and New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto credit: USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon, accession \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/npgsweb.ars-grin.gov\/gringlobal\/accessiondetail?id=1451272\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePI 556300\u003c\/a\u003e. Public domain (U.S. government work).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Red Lake Currant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Red Lake Currant need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Red Lake Currant is self-fertile, so a single plant can set fruit. A second currant nearby can add to the yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Red Lake Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Red Lake Currant at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. That comes from Raintree's -40°F rating and its record in Minnesota and Interior Alaska, not from our own winters yet. We'll update it once our own plants have been through some Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Red Lake Currant need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,400 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 1,000 and 2,500. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Bred in Minnesota and proven in Bozeman trials. Red currants need more chill than black currants, but Montana winters cover it easily. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#red-lake-currant-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Red Lake Currant good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Red Lake Currant are jams and jellies (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Red Lake Currant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Red Lake Currant now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Red Lake Currant ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo dormant bare-root plants, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 1-2 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":45192135704642,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-lake-currant-fruit.jpg?v=1790130543"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/prairie-spy-apple-on-tree.jpg?v=1792787559","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/university-of-minnesota-fruit-varieties.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}