{"title":"Zone 3 Self-Fertile Fruit Trees","description":"\u003cp class=\"mft-zone-btn\" style=\"margin:0 0 16px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\" title=\"Our zones follow the MFTC Modified Zone Hardiness Scale. Comparing them to USDA averages will give you a discrepancy, so look up where these trees will be planted.\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:4px;background:#3e6b33;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3\"\u003eMFTC Zones, Not USDA Averages: Look Up Your Address →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFruit trees that set fruit on their own and can take a zone 3 winter. If you only have room for one tree, start here. Everything is listed A to Z, and the plants rated only to 3b, the warmer half of the zone (-35°F to -30°F), have a 3b tag on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About Zone 3 Self-Fertile Fruit Trees\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost of these are cherries and apricots. Tart cherries like Evan's Bali and Meteor and apricots like Westcot and Debbie's Gold will all fruit with no partner. A second variety still helps the crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this page: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/balaton-tart-cherry\"\u003eBalaton Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eBlack Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/corbett-apricot\"\u003eCorbett Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hudar-pear\"\u003eHudar Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/juliet-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eJuliet Dwarf Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lapins-cherry\"\u003eLapins Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/romeo-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eRomeo Dwarf Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-peach\"\u003eSiberian C Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C Peach Seedling\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/self-fertile-fruit-trees\"\u003eSelf-Fertile Fruit Trees\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-2-self-fertile-fruit-trees\"\u003eZone 2 Self-Fertile Fruit Trees\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\u003eWhat does zone 3 mean on your scale?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn our MFTC scale, zone 3 means the coldest night you should plan for (the 1-in-30-year low) falls between -40°F and -30°F. Zone 3a runs -40°F to -35°F and zone 3b runs -35°F to -30°F. That is colder than a USDA zone 3, which is built on the average yearly low, so run your address through our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e instead of going off a USDA map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat fruit trees don't need a pollenizer in zone 3?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTart cherries, the dwarf sour cherries and several apricots, plus Hudar pear and Mount Royal plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAre there self-fertile apples for zone 3?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo apple is truly self-fertile. Plant two apples, or an apple and a crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"black-gold-cherry-1","title":"Black Gold Sweet Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Gold Sweet Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late for a sweet cherry), and it ripens about Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -33°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,000). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), mid spring here. Black Gold is self-fertile and will crop on its own. Because it blooms late, it is the best pollenizer in our lineup for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e, which also blooms late and needs a partner. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldcherry-4aefh\"\u003eGold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sweet-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eSweet Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMazzard: full size, about 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Slow to bear, often 5 to 6 years. Mahaleb: full size, about 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Loves dry, well-drained soil. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/black-gold-vs-white-gold-cherry\"\u003eBlack Gold vs White Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Regular Grade or 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026amp; More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBlack Gold is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries, having survived temperatures as low as -33°F. We used to rank Black Gold third in cold hardiness amongst sweet cherries, only behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, but we've found that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lapins-cherry\"\u003eLapins\u003c\/a\u003e actually surpasses Black Gold and White Gold in terms of winter survival. Still Black Gold has fared well in the cold compared to many other varieties of sweet cherries we've grown in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile and Ideal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis cherry variety delivers a distinct sweet cherry flavor with notes of honey and a delightful splash of tanginess. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adds a delicious topping to ice cream. Black Gold typically ripens in July, making it a great summer treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBlack Gold is a self-fertile variety, meaning it doesn’t require another cherry tree for pollination. However, it is also an excellent pollenizer for other sweet cherry varieties, earning the reputation of being a \"universal\" pollenizer. Its bloom time overlaps with many other sweet cherries, making it a valuable addition to any orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLate Blooming and Cold Climate Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the key advantages of Black Gold is its late blooming nature. This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts that can damage early-blooming varieties, making it ideal for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe fruit of Black Gold shows resistance to cracking, and the tree itself exhibits significant tolerance to canker, a common issue in cherry orchards. This makes Black Gold a must-have for anyone planting a Montana sweet cherry orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrafting Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Black Gold cherries are grafted onto two full-size rootstocks, Mazzard and Mahaleb. Both come in a regular grade and a larger, more branched grade (all 5-7 ft. and pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Hans Braxmeier under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Black Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Black Gold Sweet Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Black Gold Sweet Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Black Gold is self-fertile and will crop on its own. Because it blooms late, it is the best pollenizer in our lineup for \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e, which also blooms late and needs a partner. Partners we carry include Gold Sweet Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Black Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Black Gold Sweet Cherry hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -33°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Black Gold Sweet Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Late bloom is Black Gold's big advantage in frosty valleys. Its chill need is moderate and easily met in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Black Gold Sweet Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 17 to Jul 29 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Black Gold Sweet Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Black Gold Sweet Cherry onto Mazzard (full size), which makes a tree roughly 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Mahaleb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Black Gold Sweet Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Black Gold Sweet Cherry are fresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Black Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Black Gold Sweet Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082314818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082347586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004767810,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004800578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019220"},{"product_id":"evans-bali-tart-cherry","title":"Evan's Bali Tart Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evan's Bali Tart Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a tart cherry), and it ripens about Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvans cherry, Bali cherry (Prunus cerasus)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -42°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Evans Bali is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with Montmorency and Meteor if you want to plant more than one. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/balaton-tart-cherry\"\u003eBalaton Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e and 1 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tart-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eTart Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), drying (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/evans-bali-vs-montmorency\"\u003eEvans Bali vs Montmorency\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"93\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"288\"\u003ePerhaps the most cold hardy of all tart cherries, Evan’s Bali is a prolific bearer of decently sized (roughly 1” diameter) cherries that are sweeter than most of the other tart cherry varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"314\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"499\"\u003eHardy to zone 2b because of their ability to withstand -42F temps near Bozeman, although surely these have survived colder temps on the Canadian prairie’s where the tree was discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"522\"\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"627\"\u003eThese Evan’s Bali’s are clonally propagated from root suckers and are therefore identical to the parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eNotable Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"886\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eNoted for their ability to withstand long, advective frost events including polar high pressure systems that affect the region for days on end, their flower buds’ hardiness, the prolific bearing nature of the tree, and their flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Evan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Evan's Bali Tart Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Evan's Bali Tart Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Evans Bali is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to plant more than one. Partners we carry include Meteor Tart Cherry, Montmorency Tart Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Evan's Bali Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Evan's Bali Tart Cherry hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -42°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. An Alberta prairie survivor. Montana winters easily meet its chill; what it's really known for is shrugging off deep winter cold. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 6 to Aug 17 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Evan's Bali Tart Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Evan's Bali Tart Cherry are pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Evan's Bali Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Evan's Bali Tart Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Evan's Bali Tart Cherry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42499065741378,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"lapins-cherry","title":"Lapins Sweet Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lapins Sweet Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for a sweet cherry), and it ripens about Jul 25 to Aug 6 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 -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 450 hours (400 to 600). 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#lapins-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 2 of 7 (early), mid spring here. Lapins is self-fertile and does not need a partner. It is one of the earliest sweet cherries to bloom, a few days ahead of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bing-cherry\"\u003eBing\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sweet-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eSweet Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 25 to Aug 6 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMazzard: full size, about 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Slow to bear, often 5 to 6 years. Mahaleb: full size, about 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Loves dry, well-drained soil. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gold-vs-lapins-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold vs Lapins\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\/summerland-bc-cherry-and-apple-breeding\"\u003ethe Summerland, BC 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. Regular Grade or 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026amp; More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eLapins Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"600\"\u003eLapins Cherry is perhaps second only to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e in terms of cold hardiness. While many sources don't list it among the hardiest sweet cherries, we’ve updated our assessment based on years of experience and observations from growers in extreme conditions. After seeing one of our growers in Cowley, Wyoming, report no damage to his Lapins trees after experiencing temperatures as low as -33°F, and noting the performance of mature trees in the Bitterroot Valley, we consider Lapins to be hardy to Zone 3b, that can possibly even make it with some winter injury in zone 3a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Exceptional Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eWe previously ranked Gold, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eBlack Gold\u003c\/a\u003e as the hardiest sweet cherries, but after firsthand experience, we’ve found that Lapins has performed better than Black Gold in extreme cold, and may either be just as hardy as White Gold, or even hardier. We've observed mature Lapins trees in the Bitterroot (one in Lolo, over 20 years old, and two others in Stevensville, over 30 years old) that have survived temperatures below -30°F, possibly even colder. This makes Lapins an excellent choice for fairly cold climates, where other varieties might be at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1181\"\u003eThe Flathead Cherry Legacy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1182\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eLapins is considered one of the main cherries grown in the Flathead region of northwest Montana, especially around beautiful Flathead Lake. Developed in British Columbia as a cross between Van and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stella-cherry\"\u003eStella\u003c\/a\u003e, Lapins has become a staple in the region. After the devastating winter of 1988–1989, Flathead cherry growers wisely replanted \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bing-cherry\"\u003eBing cherries\u003c\/a\u003e with Lapins, and the variety has thrived ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Improvements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1875\"\u003eLapins produces a dark, sweet cherry that is often compared to Bing, but with several notable improvements. The cherries are firmer and more resistant to splitting, making them easier to handle and less prone to damage during harvest or bad weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1904\"\u003ePollination and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003eWhile Lapins is partially self-fertile due to its Stella parentage, it will benefit from cross-pollination with another cherry variety. For optimal results, plant Lapins with another compatible pollenizer such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rainier-cherry\"\u003eRainier\u003c\/a\u003e, Van, Gold, White Gold, Black Gold, or Stella.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2209\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eThese Lapins trees are grafted onto Mazzard full-size rootstock, which is hardy to -40°F in our experience seeing Lapins grafted onto Mazzard and surviving into the -30Fs, and surviving as a stand alone at -35F is Kalispell off of Rose Xing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2565\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eLapins is hardy to Zone 3b, withstanding temperatures as low as those recorded in the Bitterroot Valley. This makes it an excellent choice for growers in fairly cold regions. That said, still exercise caution when siting the tree, avoiding depressions and areas where frost can pool. If your area reliably sees temps below -35F, then either you could possibly try Gold (has survived -38F), or just stick with the dwarf cherries, although these are on the sweeter side of the tart cherry spectrum, but certainly not sweet cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Lapins Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Lapins Sweet Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Lapins Sweet Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Lapins is self-fertile and does not need a partner. It is one of the earliest sweet cherries to bloom, a few days ahead of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bing-cherry\"\u003eBing\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Lapins Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Lapins Sweet Cherry hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Lapins Sweet Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 450 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 600. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. One of the lowest-chill sweet cherries. It's also an early bloomer, so in Montana give it a spot with good cold-air drainage. 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#lapins-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Lapins Sweet Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 25 to Aug 6 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 Lapins Sweet Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Lapins Sweet Cherry onto Mazzard (full size), which makes a tree roughly 25 to 35 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Mahaleb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Lapins Sweet Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Lapins Sweet Cherry are fresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Lapins Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Lapins Sweet Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539685314626,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539688460354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014794818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014827586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/lapins-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"montmorency-tart-cherry","title":"Montmorency Tart Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Montmorency Tart Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a tart cherry), and it ripens about Jul 22 to Aug 3 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. 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 700 hours (500 to 950). 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#montmorency-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. Montmorency is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. A second tart cherry nearby is not required. 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\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor 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 22 to Aug 3 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\u003eMahaleb: full size, about 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Loves dry, well-drained soil. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanning and freezing (9\/10), drying (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (9\/10), sauce and butter (9\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (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\/evans-bali-vs-montmorency\"\u003eEvans Bali vs Montmorency\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\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 data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"5348\"\u003eOne of the most famous tart cherries and most widely grown in the US, Montmorency is thought to have originated in the Montmorency Valley just north of Paris, where it was named after a noble family that had grown it since the 13th century. French settlers moving up the St. Lawrence River Valley toward the Great Lakes brought it to the New World around 1760, or perhaps earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5350\" data-end=\"5901\"\u003eAlthough the literature on Montmorency does not indicate why Montmorency was imported from Europe over other cultivars, we suspect it was because of its cold hardiness. Given how much more temperate Europe is generally speaking than Canada, around the Great Lakes, and other northern areas where Montmorency was first grown, it is likely that many of the other tart cherry cultivars did not survive harsher winters. Meanwhile, we have seen Montmorency growing in cuspy zone 3\/4 areas. Still not as hardy as meteor, and certainly not as hardy as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvan's Bali\u003c\/a\u003e or the dwarf cherries, though, for Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5903\" data-end=\"5923\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6249\"\u003eThe Montmorency fruit sweetens as it ripens, but remains fairly tart for most people to eat out of hand. However, its flavor and tartness makes for spectacular dried cherries. Plant in conjunction with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danube-cherry\"\u003eDanube\u003c\/a\u003e, which is less tart (albeit still a tart cherry), and complements the Montmorency in terms of uses. Hardy to zone 3b, or roughly -35F (possibly -40F in protected sites).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Perfect Cluster” by 26.3andBeyond, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/152376767@N03\/35211992024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Montmorency cherries (3648681426)” by Martha Dol., via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Montmorency_cherries_(3648681426).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Montmorency Sour Cherry Blossoms DSC 7916” by Dick Thompson Sandian, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/32234827@N03\/26363452781\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Montmorency Tart Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Montmorency Tart Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Montmorency Tart Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Montmorency is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. A second tart cherry nearby is not required. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fe-tart-cherry\"\u003eFE Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Montmorency Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Montmorency Tart Cherry 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 Montmorency Tart Cherry 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 950. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Montana winters satisfy it easily; spring frost at bloom is the real risk for tart cherries. 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#montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Montmorency Tart Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 22 to Aug 3 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 Montmorency Tart Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Montmorency Tart Cherry onto Mahaleb (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Montmorency Tart Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Montmorency Tart Cherry are canning and freezing (9\/10), drying (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (9\/10), sauce and butter (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Montmorency Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Montmorency 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":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500893442114,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500893474882,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/montmorency-tart-cherries-cluster.jpg?v=1791617260"},{"product_id":"morden-604-apricot","title":"Morden 604 Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Morden 604 Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 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#morden-604-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop alone. Another early apricot such as Westcot nearby usually improves yields. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root 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 (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\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\/canadian-prairie-breeding-stations\"\u003ethe Canadian prairie breeding stations\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 6-8 ft or 7-9 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\u003eMorden 604 is one of the earliest and most notable improved, ultra-hardy apricot varieties developed for the prairies. It was released in 1946 by the Agriculture Canada research facility in Morden, Manitoba, and represents a major milestone in cold-climate fruit breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is a cross between:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Scout’ – a seedling of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘McClure’ – another hardy cultivar with proven resilience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe received our first harvest in Summer 2023 in Missoula, and the flavor did not disappoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuke’s tasting notes:\u003cbr\u003e“Creamy, and very sweet. It’s too bad we only got a few this first year. Looking forward to more.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor: Creamy, sweet, and pleasant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Large fruit, averaging 4.5 cm (1¾\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor: Classic apricot tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExceptional Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is one of the most cold-hardy apricots available, with buds capable of withstanding -40°F or colder. It rivals (and possibly exceeds) the hardiness of other known cold-climate champions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold\u003c\/a\u003e: -41°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrookcot: -48°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e: -48°F near Bemidji, MN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunrise: -50°F+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe comfortably list this as a Zone 2b apricot, although it can be feast or famine the colder you are in terms of reliably getting a crop due to the blossoms getting damaged from late Spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrafted onto: Full-size, cold-hardy Manchurian apricot rootstock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height: Up to 25 feet if left unpruned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes available: Varies by inventory (see size options when ordering)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Morden 604 Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Morden 604 Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Morden 604 Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop alone. Another early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e nearby usually improves yields. Partners we carry include Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Morden 604 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Morden 604 Apricot 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 Morden 604 Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 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. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#morden-604-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Morden 604 Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Morden 604 Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Morden 604 Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Morden 604 Apricot are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Morden 604 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Morden 604 Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Morden 604 Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft or 7-9 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500894556226,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133941997634,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133942030402,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500894588994,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/morden-604-apricot-in-hand.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"mount-royal-plum","title":"Mount Royal Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mount Royal Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European plum), and it ripens about Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -44°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mount-royal-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Mount Royal is self-fertile and fruits as a single tree. It is also a good pollenizer for other European plums. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/longjohn-plum\"\u003eLongjohn Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/italian-vs-mount-royal-plum\"\u003eItalian vs Mount Royal\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal plum has been a reliable European plum variety for northern growers. It is an upright to spreading tree with an open center and moderate vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light blue plums are juicy, semi-freestone, and have sweet flesh. They are excellent for fresh eating, okay for drying, and ripen in late August to early September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal has survived temperatures as low as -44°F in West Central MN and -42°F in Columbus, MT, proving its hardiness in extreme conditions. UPDATE FALL 2025: We just discovered that Mount Royal has survived and borne a consistent crop in Lodgepole, Montana at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/agresearch.montana.edu\/warc\/research_current\/msu-ext-fruit-research-sites\/lodge_pole.html\"\u003eMSU's Lodgepole Fruit Research Site,\u003c\/a\u003e where it has gotten down to sub -45F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Mount Royal plums are grafted onto Native Plum and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, both of which are hardy to at least -50F. Native Plum is semi-dwarf in our MT climate\/soils, although we have found that there is some natural variation in size, as these plants are grown from seed. Prairie Red, meanwhile, exhibits less variation in size according to what Dan Sheild has observed at his site in MN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Fruits du prunier Mont-Royal (Prunus domestica 'Mont-Royal')” by Maxime Laterreur, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Fruits_du_prunier_Mont-Royal_(Prunus_domestica_%27Mont-Royal%27).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Fleurs du prunier Mont-Royal (Prunus domestica 'Mont-Royal')” by Maxime Laterreur, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Fleurs_du_prunier_Mont-Royal_(Prunus_domestica_%27Mont-Royal%27).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Mount Royal Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Mount Royal Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Mount Royal Plum is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Mount Royal is self-fertile and fruits as a single tree. It is also a good pollenizer for other European plums. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Mount Royal Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Mount Royal Plum hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -44°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Mount Royal Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#mount-royal-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Mount Royal Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 31 to Sep 12 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Mount Royal Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Mount Royal Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Mount Royal Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Mount Royal Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Mount Royal Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Mount Royal Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500896686146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134015365186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015397954,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015430722,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015463490,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015496258,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mount-royal-plums-on-tree.jpg?v=1791616066"},{"product_id":"siberian-peach","title":"Siberian C Peach (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C Peach\u003c\/a\u003e is a peach tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a peach or nectarine).\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 850 hours (600 to 1,100). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-peach\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Peaches are almost always self-fertile, so a single tree should set fruit. Because this line is grown from seed, a second tree is good insurance. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/risingstar-peach\"\u003eRisingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/peach-pollination-map\"\u003ePeach Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root 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), drying (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-5 ft or 5-6 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;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWith genetics that trace back to the harsh Gobi Desert region of Mongolia and China, these are \u003cem\u003ehands down\u003c\/em\u003e the most hardy peaches that we know of. They’re the only peach that even has a chance of surviving in zone 3. Hardy to at least -35°F, according to Miekal from Driftless Sacred Grove, who has been breeding these for the last 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThey saw -35°F on two separate occasions during 2012 and 2018 in Wisconsin, and the trees showed no signs of winter damage. Their flower buds were, however, damaged at those temps. The trees also went undamaged after 55 consecutive days below 0°F in Wisconsin during 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAntifreeze Tested \u0026amp; Field Proven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe started growing these several years back, and when we attempted our Antifreeze Selection methods on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C\u003c\/a\u003e (deliberately freezing and thawing the seeds many times at the seed and 1st-year potted stage), none of them died—which was a serious testament to their hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are grown from 5th-generation selections of Siberian C by Miekal of Driftless Sacred Grove out of La Farge, Wisconsin, from 3rd–4th generation mother trees originally from Bear Creek Nursery (1992). Over the years, Miekal has been selecting for larger size, less mealiness, and improved juiciness and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSummary \u0026amp; Tree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone -38F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Siberian C Peach\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Siberian C Peach need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eSiberian C Peach\u003c\/a\u003e is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Peaches are almost always self-fertile, so a single tree should set fruit. Because this line is grown from seed, a second tree is good insurance. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/risingstar-peach\"\u003eRisingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Siberian C Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Siberian C Peach 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 Siberian C Peach need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Seedlings vary, so that's based on the parent, Siberian C. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-peach\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Siberian C Peach get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Siberian C Peach onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Siberian C Peach good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Siberian C Peach are fresh eating (6\/10), drying (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Siberian C Peach?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Siberian C Peach now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Siberian C Peach ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-4 ft or 4-5 ft or 5-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42504573878338,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":42504573911106,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504573943874,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-c-peach-harvest-bucket.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"westcot-apricot","title":"Westcot Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Westcot Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot), and it ripens about Jul 26 to Aug 5 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 -50°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 600 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#westcot-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. Adding another early apricot such as Morden 604 or Debbie's Gold gives heavier crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot 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 26 to Aug 5 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\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root 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 (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\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\/canadian-prairie-breeding-stations\"\u003ethe Canadian prairie breeding stations\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 6-8 ft or 7-9 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;\"\u003eWestcot is another standout cold-hardy prairie variety from Manitoba, bred for tough northern climates. Like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, it’s a cross between ‘Scout’ and ‘McClure’, but was introduced later in 1982 by Agriculture Canada at Morden, MB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to: -48°F (proven in Bemidji, MN). Zone: 2b (we're listing it conservatively at -45°F until we have more data). Bloom time is just before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold\u003c\/a\u003e. Second only to Sunrise (hardy to -50°F+) in terms of extreme cold resilience amongst named varieties (that we know of).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertile \u0026amp; High-Yielding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSelf-fertile, so no pollination partner is required, although greater yields may be obtained if planted with Debbie's Gold, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sungold-apricot\"\u003eSungold\u003c\/a\u003e, Morden 604, or some of the other Prairie Province apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom Bob Purvis:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Westcot is sweet (18° Brix), with yellow-orange skin, good for fresh eating and firm enough to can. Tree vigor is moderate, growth habit is irregular but can be trained with spreaders. Average production on two 9-year-old trees in SW Minnesota was 200 lb\/tree in 2010.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens in mid-July in southern Minnesota. In Missoula, it ripens anywhere from last week of July to first week of August. In Homedale, it was ripe when we filmed our \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/G06qBrYmMWU?si=lsS-T4tKwVokPG2F\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Luke Ruffner Robinson of Montana Fruit Tree Co and Bob Purvis of Purvis Nursery and Orchard get together on Bob's farm to discuss cold climate apricot growing \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCold Climate Apricot Growing with Bob Purvis\u003c\/a\u003e\" on July 8th 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet, 18° Brix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm enough for canning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow-orange\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, canning, and potentially drying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRootstock: Grafted onto cold-hardy \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, which can reach up to 25 feet if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Westcot Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Westcot Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Westcot Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. Adding another early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e gives heavier crops. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, Debbie's Gold Apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Westcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Westcot Apricot hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -50°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 Westcot Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 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. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#westcot-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Westcot Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 26 to Aug 5 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 Westcot Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Westcot Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Westcot Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Westcot Apricot are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (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 Westcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Westcot Apricot 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":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42511194357826,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144385945666,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144385978434,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144477073474,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144386011202,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/westcot-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"alice-sharp-apricot","title":"Alice Sharp Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alice Sharp Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Another later-blooming apricot such as Harlayne or Hardy Iowa nearby will help crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chinese-apricot\"\u003eChinese Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 4 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root 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 (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot is one of the apricot varieties we only recently started growing. Alice Sharp is a chance seedling discovered in Illinois, where it does well. It blooms later and produces small to medium-sized, very pale yellow, sweet fruits. We haven’t tried the fruit first hand, so we don’t have much to go on in terms of flavor other than “sweet.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has an upright to spreading growth habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been noted to survive at least down to -34°F in southwest Minnesota. The fruits are fragile and can bruise easily, so it’s best suited for home growers or small, local producers. Hardy to zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Alice Sharp itself. Photos of Alice Sharp are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “a bunch of fruit hanging from a tree (Apricots in abundance)” by JOGphotos, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bunch-of-fruit-hanging-from-a-tree-4nsvGEA3Lu4\" 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\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Alice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Alice Sharp Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Alice Sharp Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Another later-blooming apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa\u003c\/a\u003e nearby will help crops. Partners we carry include Hardy Iowa Apricot, Harlayne Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Alice Sharp Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Alice Sharp Apricot 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 Alice Sharp Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Alice Sharp Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Alice Sharp Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Alice Sharp Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Alice Sharp Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Alice Sharp Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Alice Sharp Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Alice Sharp Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-5 ft or 5-7 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124743528514,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498753495106,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pale-yellow-apricots-on-branch_9fdebdb7-76be-4790-9588-9a972b20d2ae.jpg?v=1791615247"},{"product_id":"dr-606-apricot","title":"Dr 606 Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dr 606 Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late for an apricot), and it ripens about Aug 26 to Sep 7 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#dr-606-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so it can crop alone. Planting Precious or Zard nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in cool, marginal springs. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 5 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot 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 26 to Sep 7 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. 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 (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\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, 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\u003eDr. 606 Apricot is a cold-climate apricot selection originating from British Columbia and associated with long-term evaluation by fruit growing legend Bob Purvis, from whom we obtained scionwood for grafting these trees. It is valued for its late bloom, very late ripening, and solid winter survival in northern growing regions. While clearly hardy, Dr. 606 is generally considered less extreme in cold tolerance than the prairie province apricots, which were selected under harsher continental conditions. Instead, Dr. 606 occupies a middle ground: tougher than most commercial apricots, but not as bulletproof as the hardiest prairie selections, but it’s best quality is that it is later blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 forms an upright to spreading tree with low to moderate vigor. Growth is balanced rather than aggressive, allowing the tree to develop a strong framework without excessive vegetative growth. On standard rootstock, which is the case here as we have grafted these onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, trees should be spaced approximately 15 feet apart to allow for adequate light penetration and airflow. The moderate vigor makes it easier to manage with pruning and well suited to mixed orchards and diversified plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of Dr. 606 is medium sized, orange, very firm, and sweet. The firmness gives it excellent eating quality when chilled and makes it especially enjoyable with cold desserts. Ripening is very late for an apricot, typically mid-August in central Washington, or about a week after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne\u003c\/a\u003e, extending the apricot season beyond most cold-hardy cultivars. The fruit is best suited for fresh eating and simple dessert use rather than early-season processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 has demonstrated winter survival to at least −34°F in southwestern Minnesota. While this places it solidly among cold-hardy apricots, it is likely not as hardy as the prairie province apricots, (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, Brookcot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, etc.) which were bred and selected under more severe winter conditions. Dr. 606 is best considered a USDA Hardiness Zone 3b apricot, and while it may succeed in favorable microclimates in the colder half of zone 3, it should not be relied upon as a full zone 3 cultivar. That said, its later-blooming habit significantly improves reliability by reducing exposure to spring frost events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Fruit Set\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 is self-fruitful and capable of setting fruit on its own. However, as with many self-fertile apricots, fruit set may be improved and stabilized by planting with other late-flowering apricots. Suitable companions include cultivars such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e, which bloom on a similar schedule and can enhance cross-pollination during marginal spring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are older and were grafted onto the hardy Manchurian apricot in 2025. Going on their third year (rootstock fourth year).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Dr 606 Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Dr 606 Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Dr 606 Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so it can crop alone. Planting \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in cool, marginal springs. Partners we carry include Precious Apricot, Zard Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Dr 606 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Dr 606 Apricot 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 Dr 606 Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#dr-606-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Dr 606 Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 26 to Sep 7 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Dr 606 Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Dr 606 Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Dr 606 Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Dr 606 Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Dr 606 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Dr 606 Apricot 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":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":42499027697730,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dr-606-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"precious-apricot","title":"Precious Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precious Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#precious-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Dr 606 or Zard nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in poor bloom weather. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 5 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root 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 (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"329\"\u003ePrecious is a remarkably cold-hardy and uncommon apricot valued for its late bloom, disease resistance, and ability to produce reliably in climates where most apricots fail. It has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable apricots for northern growers, particularly in regions with frequent spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"353\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"801\"\u003eAccording to Whiffletree Nursery, Precious originates from an old apricot tree discovered just south of Georgian Bay. Around 1900, the Fruit Growers Association brought hardy apricot seedlings from Russia into the region, and this tree is suspected to be one of those early introductions. Precious has since proven itself as a dependable producer in Quebec and the New England states, contributing to its reputation as a true cold-climate apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"831\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"1020\"\u003eFruit is small to medium in size with thick yellow-orange skin and sweet, melting flesh. The pit contains an edible, almond-like kernel, a trait associated with some hardy apricot lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1348\"\u003eLuke’s tasting notes from this video \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G06qBrYmMWU\u0026amp;t=1084s\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e describe the flavor as:\u003cbr data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e“Mango flavor similar to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango\u003c\/a\u003e with a hint of acidity. Not quite the flavor you get when biting into a dried Turkish apricot. Doesn’t have too much sweetness but nice acidity from the skin. The texture is somewhat crunchy and the flesh doesn’t crumble. Very good flavor.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1360\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1594\"\u003ePrecious is well suited to fresh eating and also performs well for drying and preserves. Its balanced acidity and firm texture help the fruit hold together, making it versatile in the kitchen compared to many softer-fleshed apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1630\"\u003eBloom Time \u0026amp; Frost Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1879\"\u003ePrecious is a relatively late-blooming apricot and is noted for handling late spring frosts unusually well. This characteristic, combined with good disease resistance, makes it far more reliable than standard apricot varieties in marginal climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1914\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003eTrees are productive and consistent once established. While apricots are never entirely without risk in cold climates, Precious stands out for its ability to set crops under conditions that regularly eliminate other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2163\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2412\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePrecious is widely regarded as one of the hardier apricots in cultivation. Purvis lists it hardy to around -41F. Its long track record in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States supports its use in cold regions, where winter temperatures and late frosts limit apricot success. Solid Zone 3 apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Precious Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Precious Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Precious Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in poor bloom weather. Partners we carry include Dr 606 Apricot, Zard Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Precious Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Precious Apricot 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 Precious Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#precious-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Precious Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Precious Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Precious Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Precious Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Precious Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Precious Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Precious Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42503549616194,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503549583426,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751578865730,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/precious-apricot-on-tree.png?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"debbies-gold-apricot","title":"Debbie's Gold Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Debbie's Gold Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apricot), and it ripens about Jul 28 to Aug 8 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 650 hours (450 to 850). 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#debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, though crops are better with a second early apricot such as Westcot, Morden 604 or Manchurian nearby as a pollenizer. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot 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 28 to Aug 8 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\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. 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\u003eCanning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\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 or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"199\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold Apricot is a cold-climate apricot originating from the Canadian prairies, where it was selected for its ability to survive harsh winters while still producing high-quality fruit. It has earned a strong reputation among northern growers as one of the better-flavored hardy apricots for areas where apricots are often considered marginal. Still blooms fairly early, so this part it always a risk in the Spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing (Manchurian Rootstock)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003eOur Debbie's Gold are all grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock. Debbie’s Gold grows as a vigorous, upright to spreading tree with good structural strength and anchorage. Manchurian rootstock is equally cold hardy (-50F) and adaptable to our dry, alkaline soils. Trees should be spaced approximately 15 ft. apart (or more for less dense spacing). With pruning, size can be managed, but this is not a dwarf tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1138\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold produces medium-sized, golden-yellow apricots with firm, sweet flesh. The fruit is well suited for fresh eating, drying, canning, preserves, sauces, and desserts. While we did not have the opportunity to taste Debbie’s Gold specifically in our video, its reputation for flavor aligns closely with the types of hardy apricots we discussed in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1582\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G06qBrYmMWU\"\u003eCold Climate Fruit Growing with Bob Purvis\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-i9agxugi.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where fruit quality, genetics, and cold adaptation are explored in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie's Gold is at least partially self-fertile, like most apricots, although fruit set\/productivity will be higher if planted with any of our other Prairie Province apricots, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, as well as Manchurian, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1681\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"2074\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold is hardy to zone 2b (-45°F), having withstood temps into the -40Fs. Both the wood and buds have shown good tolerance to severe winter temperatures typical of prairie and northern mountain climates. Like many hardy apricots, it tends to shut down earlier in fall than tender varieties, which helps reduce winter injury and improves survival in regions with early cold snaps and long winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Debbie's Gold itself. Photos of Debbie's Gold are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Marelica Kečkemetska ruža - zreli plodovi na grani” by Silverije, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marelica_Ke%C4%8Dkemetska_ru%C5%BEa_-_zreli_plodovi_na_grani.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 Debbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Debbie's Gold Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Debbie's Gold Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, though crops are better with a second early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e or Manchurian nearby as a pollenizer. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Debbie's Gold Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Debbie's Gold Apricot 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 Debbie's Gold Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 650 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 850. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Debbie's Gold Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 28 to Aug 8 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 Debbie's Gold Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Debbie's Gold Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Debbie's Gold Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Debbie's Gold Apricot are canning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Debbie's Gold Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Debbie's Gold Apricot 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":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 3-5 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020456002,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634097218,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020521538,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634129986,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125634162754,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-yellow-apricots-on-branch.jpg?v=1791615372"},{"product_id":"hudar-pear","title":"Hudar Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hudar Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hudar-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\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Two northern nurseries describe Hudar as self-fruitful, so a single tree should fruit. A second pear such as Nova will still help crops in cold springs. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 29 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \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 10 to Aug 22 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\u003eOHxF87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 2-4 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"316\"\u003eHudar Pear is a cold-climate pear that originated on the Hudar farm in Hammond, New York. Its parentage is not documented (it’s not a named breeding-program cross with known parents), and it has mainly spread through northern grower networks because of its reputation for hardiness and early ripening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"344\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eHudar produces a yellow, juicy fruit that is good for eating and fair for canning. It is considered early ripening pear for cold climates (with timing reported around early September in Southcentral Alaska), and mid August in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, which is an important trait for short seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"675\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"676\" data-end=\"890\"\u003eWe have found conflicting reports on Hudar's hardiness. St. Lawrence nursery lists it is hardy to -50F or colder and University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension describes Hudar as \"hardy in Zones 1 and 2 and has survived three winters in Anchorage\", although they may be going off of St. Lawrence's observations for hardiness. This isn't to imply St. Lawrence is wrong, but there is also a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sites.google.com\/site\/alaskafruittrees\/home\/pears\"\u003esource\u003c\/a\u003e that says \"\u003cspan class=\"C9DxTc\"\u003eWe have tried \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp\u003c\/a\u003e, Hudar, Patten, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e \u0026amp; \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre\u003c\/a\u003e - all perished, despite being \"zone 2 or 3\" hardy. Golden Spice seems to be made of tougher stuff. 5 trees made it through 4 winters so far\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"676\" data-end=\"890\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"C9DxTc\"\u003eWhat we do know is that Hudar survived -38F in Stevensville, MT from a high pressure air mass that came down from the arctic on 1\/13\/24. What would be helpful to know regarding the Alaska source includes details on location, soils, cultural practices, and when and at what temps the trees perished. We're confident in stating that Hudar in our experience the Bitterroot Valley is that at the minimum, Hudar is a solid zone 3b tree and likely even 3a.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"C9DxTc\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"1379\"\u003ePerformance in even colder interior sites can vary with microclimate, wind exposure, acclimation timing, and rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1381\" data-end=\"1416\"\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1513\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1513\"\u003eEarly ripening is a major advantage for cold regions, where many pears fail to mature fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003ePears in general benefit from well-drained soils and good airflow; in cold valleys, siting on a slope with cold-air drainage can meaningfully improve both winter survival and bloom performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hudar Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hudar Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Hudar Pear is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Two northern nurseries describe Hudar as self-fruitful, so a single tree should fruit. A second pear such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e will still help crops in cold springs. Partners we carry include Nova Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hudar Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Hudar Pear hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hudar Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. 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#hudar-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Hudar Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 10 to Aug 22 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 Hudar Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Hudar Pear onto OHxF87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hudar Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hudar Pear are fresh eating (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hudar Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Hudar 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":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42499237380162,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45133531578434,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133531611202,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133531643970,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hudar-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"juliet-dwarf-cherry","title":"Juliet Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Juliet Dwarf Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a dwarf sour cherry), and it ripens about Jul 19 to Jul 29 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\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDwarf sour cherry, bush cherry, Romance series cherry (Prunus cerasus x Prunus fruticosa)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 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#juliet-dwarf-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. Juliet is self-fertile, so one plant will crop on its own. It blooms with Romeo, Cutie Pie and Wowza!, and planting a mix can still help yields. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cutie-pie-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eCutie Pie Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/romeo-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eRomeo Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wowza-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eWowza! Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. \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 19 to Jul 29 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\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), drying (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/romeo-vs-juliet-cherry\"\u003eRomeo vs Juliet\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-saskatchewan-fruit-program\"\u003ethe University of Saskatchewan fruit 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-end=\"248\" data-start=\"227\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"630\" data-start=\"249\"\u003eJuliet Dwarf Cherry, a cross between Prunus fruticosa (Mongolian bush cherry) and Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), was developed by the University of Saskatchewan as part of the Romance Series of bush cherries, bred specifically for extreme cold climates. These cherries were selected to combine the winter hardiness of native cherry species with improved fruit size, flavor, and productivity. Juliet is one of the largest-fruited and most productive selections in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"650\" data-start=\"632\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"969\" data-start=\"651\"\u003eJuliet is exceptionally cold hardy and is reliably winter hardy to even −50°F. This makes it suitable for some of the coldest fruit-growing regions in North America, including much of the northern Plains, interior mountain valleys, and exposed continental sites where traditional sweet and sour cherries fail. Juliet will work in just about all of Montana apart from perhaps the absolute coldest places that can see sub -50°F temps. If you are in an area like this, Juliet and other Romance series cherries could still do well if you site them in a spot free of frost-pooling (higher up\/out of depressions on the landscape).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"993\" data-start=\"971\"\u003ePlant Form \u0026amp; Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1325\" data-start=\"994\"\u003eJuliet grows as a compact, multi-stemmed shrub rather than a standard tree. Sources online typically note Juliet reaching 6–8 feet tall and wide, although a ten year old Juliet tree we saw at the Western Ag. Research Center in Corvallis, MT is closer to 8-10 ft. The bush form eliminates the need for ladders and makes pruning, netting, and harvest straightforward. Plants are naturally dense and upright, and they fit well into small orchards, hedgerows, or mixed plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1347\" data-start=\"1327\"\u003eLeaves \u0026amp; Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1612\" data-start=\"1348\"\u003eLeaves are medium-sized and deep green through the growing season, contributing to good vigor and fruit development. In spring, Juliet produces abundant white blossoms that are attractive to pollinators. Flowering is typically reliable once plants are established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1635\" data-start=\"1614\"\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1636\"\u003eJuliet produces large, dark red cherries that are among the biggest in the bush cherry category. Fruit is borne in clusters and ripens evenly, making harvest efficient. The skin darkens significantly as the fruit reaches full maturity, and allowing cherries to fully color improves flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1944\" data-start=\"1927\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2300\" data-start=\"1945\"\u003eThe flavor of Juliet is balanced and rich, combining sweetness with enough acidity to keep the fruit lively. It is excellent for fresh eating when fully ripe and performs especially well for pies, preserves, juice, syrup, and drying. The higher sugar content compared to many bush cherries makes Juliet a standout for both home and small-scale processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2318\" data-start=\"2302\"\u003eProductivity \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is highly productive once established and often bears heavy crops annually, with the fruit ripening in Missoula and the Bitterroot around third week to end of July. As with other bush cherries, yield and fruit quality tend to improve as plants mature and develop a larger, better-lit canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is at least partially self-fertile, meaning you'll get fruit without the need from another variety of dwarf cherry (pollenizer), but planting it near another dwarf cherry, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/romeo-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eRomeo\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cutie-pie-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eCutie Pie\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wowza-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eWowza\u003c\/a\u003e!, can increase fruit yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2566\" data-start=\"2530\"\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Reliability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2809\" data-start=\"2567\"\u003eJuliet shows good resistance to common cherry diseases when grown in cold, dry-summer climates with good airflow. The bush form also provides resilience after harsh winters, as new shoots can regenerate from the base if older wood is damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2811\"\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3127\" data-start=\"2829\"\u003eJuliet performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is required beyond removing dead or crowded stems and occasionally renewing older wood. Because of its extreme cold hardiness and manageable size, it is one of the most dependable cherries for growers in challenging climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Juliet itself. Photos of Juliet are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Morello Cherries (11530343543)” by Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Morello_Cherries_(11530343543).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Juliet Dwarf Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Juliet Dwarf Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Juliet Dwarf Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Juliet is self-fertile, so one plant will crop on its own. It blooms with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/romeo-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eRomeo\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cutie-pie-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eCutie Pie\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wowza-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eWowza\u003c\/a\u003e!, and planting a mix can still help yields. Partners we carry include Cutie Pie Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2), Romeo Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2), Wowza! Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Juliet Dwarf Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Juliet Dwarf Cherry 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 Juliet Dwarf Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Bred on the Canadian prairies, so Montana's winters give it all the chill it wants. No measured figure exists yet. 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#juliet-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Juliet Dwarf Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 19 to Jul 29 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\u003eWhat is Juliet Dwarf Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Juliet Dwarf Cherry are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), drying (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Juliet Dwarf Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Juliet Dwarf Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Juliet Dwarf Cherry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42504520859714,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dark-red-sour-cherries-representative.jpg?v=1791615648"},{"product_id":"romeo-dwarf-cherry","title":"Romeo Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Romeo Dwarf Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a dwarf sour cherry), and it ripens about Jul 27 to Aug 4 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDwarf sour cherry, bush cherry, Romance series cherry (Prunus cerasus x Prunus fruticosa)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 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#romeo-dwarf-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. Romeo is self-fertile, so one plant will crop on its own. It blooms with Juliet, Cutie Pie and Wowza!, and planting a mix can still help yields. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cutie-pie-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eCutie Pie Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/juliet-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eJuliet Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wowza-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eWowza! Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. \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 27 to Aug 4 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 5 to 7 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJuice and sweet cider (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), wine (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\/romeo-vs-juliet-cherry\"\u003eRomeo vs Juliet\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-saskatchewan-fruit-program\"\u003ethe University of Saskatchewan fruit 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\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is a Romance Series dwarf sour cherry from the University of Saskatchewan, bred for extreme cold hardiness and high-quality, dark fruit on a compact, shrub-form plant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo was officially released in 2004 as part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Romance Series of dwarf sour cherries. (\u003ca title=\"Sour Cherries - USask Fruit Program | University of Saskatchewan\" href=\"https:\/\/research-groups.usask.ca\/fruit\/Fruit%20crops\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eusask\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003eThese Romance Series cherries are interspecific hybrids derived from \u003cem\u003ePrunus cerasus\u003c\/em\u003e (sour cherry) and \u003cem\u003ePrunus fruticosa\u003c\/em\u003e (dwarf\/cherry steppe types), commonly referred to as \u003cem\u003ePrunus × kerrasis\u003c\/em\u003e in cold-climate literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo produces deep red fruit that can ripen very dark and is slightly sweeter than some other bush cherry types. Good for fresh eating and can be used in pies, jellies, and pressed for juice. Never dried them but I'm sure they would be good.\u003cbr\u003eThey have relatively high soluble solids and are sweeter than most pie cherries, although do not listen to what some places say online which claim these are sweet cherries. They are not. They are sweeter for a tart cherry but they are still very much have a good deal of acidity. That said, children tend to love them fresh, which says a lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is grown as a compact shrub-form plant (not a standard cherry tree), and cold-climate guidance warns that training these as a single-trunk “tree form” can reduce hardiness in very cold settings (this has not been a problem here in Western MT, although people in colder parts of Eastern MT should take note of this).\u003cbr\u003eFor spacing, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/gardening.usask.ca\/gardening-advice\/gardenline-nested-pages\/food-plant-pages\/fruit\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eUniversity of Saskatchewan gardening guidance\u003c\/a\u003e recommends dwarf sour cherries be spaced about 5–7 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo (like the other Romance Series bush cherries) is self-fertile, but fruit set can increase when you plant a second compatible bush cherry type nearby. Any of our other dwarf cherries we offer can cross with Romeo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is repeatedly positioned in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/research-groups.usask.ca\/fruit\/Fruit%20crops\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eresearch\/extension material\u003c\/a\u003e as a Zone 2–class hardy, and it should be able withstand near -50F temps. Good for the vast majority of growers in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Romeo Dwarf Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Romeo Dwarf Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Romeo Dwarf Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Romeo is self-fertile, so one plant will crop on its own. It blooms with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/juliet-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eJuliet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cutie-pie-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eCutie Pie\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wowza-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eWowza\u003c\/a\u003e!, and planting a mix can still help yields. Partners we carry include Cutie Pie Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2), Juliet Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2), Wowza! Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Romeo Dwarf Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Romeo Dwarf Cherry 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 Romeo Dwarf Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Bred on the Canadian prairies, so Montana's winters give it all the chill it wants. No measured figure exists yet. 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#romeo-dwarf-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Romeo Dwarf Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 27 to Aug 4 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Romeo Dwarf Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Romeo Dwarf Cherry are juice and sweet cider (9\/10), fresh eating (8\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Romeo Dwarf Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Romeo Dwarf Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Romeo Dwarf Cherry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42504520335426,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/romeo-dwarf-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2","title":"Siberian C Peach Seedling (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Siberian C Peach Seedling is a peach tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a peach or nectarine).\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 850 hours (600 to 1,100). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-c-peach-seedling-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 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Peaches are almost always self-fertile, so each seedling should set fruit on its own. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/risingstar-peach\"\u003eRisingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/blushingstar-peach\"\u003eBlushingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/peach-pollination-map\"\u003ePeach Pollination Map\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), drying (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contender-vs-siberian-c-peach\"\u003eContender vs Siberian C peach\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-5 ft. Lots of Branching or 5-7 ft. Lots of 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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith genetics that trace back to the harsh Gobi Desert region of Mongolia and China, these are \u003cem\u003ehands down\u003c\/em\u003e the most hardy peaches that we know of. They’re the only peach that even has a chance of surviving in zone 3. Hardy to at least -35°F, according to Miekal from Driftless Sacred Grove, who has been breeding these for the last 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey saw -35°F on two separate occasions during 2012 and 2018 in Wisconsin, and the trees showed no signs of winter damage. Their flower buds were, however, damaged at those temps. The trees also went undamaged after 55 consecutive days below 0°F in Wisconsin during 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAntifreeze Tested \u0026amp; Field Proven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe started growing these several years back, and when we attempted our Antifreeze Selection methods on Siberian C (deliberately freezing and thawing the seeds many times at the seed and 1st-year potted stage), none of them died—which was a serious testament to their hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese are grown from 5th-generation selections of Siberian C by Miekal of Driftless Sacred Grove out of La Farge, Wisconsin, from 3rd–4th generation mother trees originally from Bear Creek Nursery (1992). Over the years, Miekal has been selecting for larger size, less mealiness, and improved juiciness and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSummary \u0026amp; Tree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone -38F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese seedlings come in many different sizes. Email us about bulk, quantities and pricing. We have a lot of these on hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e2027 Siberian C Peach Trees\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLast Photo is Luke next to Spring 2027's Siberian C Peach Trees. Photo was from August 27th 2026. This isn't even the full size they'll be given peaches shut down a little later in the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Siberian C Peach Seedling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Siberian C Peach Seedling need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Siberian C Peach Seedling is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Peaches are almost always self-fertile, so each seedling should set fruit on its own. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/redstar-peach\"\u003eRedstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/risingstar-peach\"\u003eRisingstar Peach\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/veteran-peach\"\u003eVeteran Peach\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Siberian C Peach Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Siberian C Peach Seedling 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 Siberian C Peach Seedling need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 850 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Seedlings vary, so that's based on the parent, Siberian C. Seedlings vary, so chill and bloom time differ tree to tree. Planting two or more lets you keep the latest bloomer. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#siberian-c-peach-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Siberian C Peach Seedling good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Siberian C Peach Seedling are fresh eating (6\/10), drying (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Siberian C Peach Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Siberian C Peach Seedling now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Siberian C Peach Seedling ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-5 ft. Lots of Branching or 5-7 ft. Lots of Branching. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2 Year: 4-5 ft. Lots of Branching","offer_id":42504596488258,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Year: 5-7 ft. Lots of Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42751575228482,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-c-peach-harvest-bucket.webp?v=1789021076"},{"product_id":"white-gold-sweet-cherry","title":"White Gold Sweet Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e White Gold Sweet Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a sweet cherry), and it ripens about Jul 13 to Jul 25 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 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 700 hours (500 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#white-gold-sweet-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 5 of 7 (mid-late), mid spring here. White Gold is self-fertile and does not need a partner. It blooms a little after Bing and Rainier but overlaps them enough to be a useful pollenizer, and its pollen works on every sweet cherry. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bing-cherry\"\u003eBing Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eBlack Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldcherry-4aefh\"\u003eGold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rainier-cherry\"\u003eRainier Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e and 2 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sweet-cherry-pollination-map\"\u003eSweet Cherry Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 13 to Jul 25 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\u003eMahaleb: full size, about 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall unpruned. Loves dry, well-drained soil. Plant 18 to 22 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), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/white-gold-vs-rainier-cherry\"\u003eWhite Gold vs Rainier\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/black-gold-vs-white-gold-cherry\"\u003eBlack Gold vs White Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Regular Grade or 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026amp; More Branching. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is a self-fertile sweet cherry selected for growers who want \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rainier-cherry\"\u003eRainier\u003c\/a\u003e-style color and eating quality, but with a tree that is generally more dependable in tougher, wetter, and more disease-prone cherry climates. It’s widely regarded as one of the most broadly “all-around” light-fleshed sweet cherries: productive, good flavor, and notably tolerant of two of the biggest sweet-cherry problems in the North and Northeast—bacterial canker and cherry leaf spot. It has also been sold under the name Newfane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold was developed in the Cornell\/NYSAES sweet cherry breeding program in Geneva, New York and released as NY 13688. Its documented parentage is Emperor Francis × \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stella-cherry\"\u003eStella\u003c\/a\u003e, which is why it combines classic light-fleshed sweet-cherry traits with self-fertility. It was introduced in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold produces yellow fruit with a red blush and white to very pale flesh, generally in the midseason window. Fruit quality is consistently described as high, with very good sweet-cherry flavor and firm texture for fresh eating. Its tolerance to rain-induced cracking is commonly rated as intermediate—better than Rainier, not as good as the most crack-tolerant cultivars—so it’s still wise to prioritize siting, airflow, and canopy management in wet-summer locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn full-size rootstock, White Gold is a vigorous sweet cherry that benefits from early training to build strong scaffold angles and maintain an open canopy. Like other sweet cherries, it performs best when managed for sunlight penetration and airflow, which supports fruit quality and helps reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer White Gold on full size Mazzard rootstock. For Mazzard, a reliable long-term spacing is about 18–22 feet between trees, depending on soil vigor and how aggressively you plan to manage canopy size. If you want a bigger, lower-maintenance tree over time, push wider; if you plan consistent summer pruning and renewal to keep trees tighter, you can use the lower end of that range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is self-fertile, so it does not require a pollenizer to set fruit. However, additional sweet cherries nearby often improve consistency and yield. Sweet cherries to pair with White Gold include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eBlack Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, Stella, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lapins-cherry\"\u003eLapins\u003c\/a\u003e. White Gold is commonly treated as a strong pollination partner because it is self-fertile and blooms in the early-to-early-mid portion of the sweet cherry bloom season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet cherry hardiness is not a single fixed number: it changes through winter as trees acclimate, and it can be rapidly lost during warm spells (deacclimation). This happens more readily with sweet cherries than say apples. The duration of cold also matters—brief pre-dawn lows can be survivable where many hours or days at the same temperature would cause much greater injury, especially to flower buds.\u003cbr\u003eIn our Montana experience, we used to list White Gold as the second-hardiest sweet cherry after Gold, but we have revised that over time. Based on years of experience and customer observations, we now believe Lapins is the second hardiest in our lineup, having survived down to or very close to -38°F in the Bitterroot (Stevensville, MT) on 1\/13\/24, which is about what Gold can withstand, although Gold may push even colder (potentially near -40°F) under the right conditions. White Gold was not at that same site. However, we have seen White Gold show real vulnerability to early-season cold before full dormancy: a sharp fall frost on 10\/25\/20 that reached -10°F wiped our White Golds, while some Gold trees were okay. That event is a strong reminder that timing of cold (hardening-off status) can matter as much as the absolute low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is notable historically as the first commercially released self-fertile light-fleshed sweet cherry in the U.S., which is a big reason it remains relevant for small orchards and home growers who only have room for one sweet cherry. On disease, the most defensible claim for White Gold is not “disease-proof,” but that it has unusually good tolerance to cherry leaf spot and bacterial canker relative to many sweet cherries, which is one of the main reasons it’s been recommended for more humid and disease-prone regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about White Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes White Gold Sweet Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. White Gold Sweet Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. White Gold is self-fertile and does not need a partner. It blooms a little after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bing-cherry\"\u003eBing\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rainier-cherry\"\u003eRainier\u003c\/a\u003e but overlaps them enough to be a useful pollenizer, and its pollen works on every sweet cherry. Partners we carry include Bing Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-gold-cherry-1\"\u003eBlack Gold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eGold Sweet Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is White Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate White Gold Sweet Cherry 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 White Gold Sweet Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Chill won't limit White Gold in Montana. Its early-mid bloom and its sensitivity to hard freezes before full dormancy matter more. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#white-gold-sweet-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does White Gold Sweet Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 13 to Jul 25 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does White Gold Sweet Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft White Gold Sweet Cherry onto Mahaleb (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft (sweet cherry), 15 to 18 ft (tart cherry) tall if you never prune it. Plant 18 to 22 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is White Gold Sweet Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for White Gold Sweet Cherry are fresh eating (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat White Gold Sweet Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect White Gold Sweet Cherry with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742134338,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742167106,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/white-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.png?v=1789021327"},{"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":"corbett-apricot","title":"Corbett Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corbett Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b on Bob Purvis's estimate (winters to -35°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). 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 (400 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#corbett-apricot\"\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. Self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, so one tree can crop. A second apricot nearby usually improves the crop. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sungold-apricot\"\u003eSungold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 7 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. 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\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, 5-7 ft or 7-9 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 Corbett, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorbett is a large \"white\" apricot with a blush, found in Colorado and passed around by Bob Purvis. Purvis says it's self-fruitful and very productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Purvis, Corbett was \"found in central CO.\" His 2013 apricot newsletter says it came from Barry Todd's cousin's tree in Colorado. In the same newsletter he tells how a late frost wiped out Barry's crop in Littleton that year, while ten miles away his cousin Dave Corbett \"had a wonderful crop of 'cots.\" It isn't a release from any breeding program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis describes \"a large 'white' apricot with blush on skin\" with thicker skin that's \"more resistant to bruising than Sugar Pearls.\" We don't have our own tasting notes yet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis says the tree is upright and very productive, and that it \"defoliates promptly in autumn,\" which is a good sign for hardening off before winter. Ours are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock, which makes a full size tree of about 15 to 20 feet unpruned. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, or more if you want less pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis lists Corbett as self-fruitful, so one tree will set fruit. As with most apricots, another variety nearby usually helps, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003e3rd and Myrtle\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e are all options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis says Corbett \"should be hardy in Zone 3b.\" That's his estimate, not a documented winter low, and we've listed it at 3b on that basis. We'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Corbett itself. Photos of Corbett are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Apricot fruits on tree, Niğde 2017-08-05 01-3” by Zeynel Cebeci, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Apricot_fruits_on_tree,_Ni%C4%9Fde_2017-08-05_01-3.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 Corbett Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Corbett Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Corbett Apricot is self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, so a single tree can set fruit. A second apricot nearby usually improves the crop. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sungold-apricot\"\u003eSungold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Corbett Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Corbett Apricot at zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. That's Bob Purvis's estimate, not a documented winter low, and we haven't wintered our own trees yet. We'll update it once we have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Corbett Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#corbett-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Corbett Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Corbett Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Corbett Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Corbett Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Corbett Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 5-7 ft or 7-9 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177135595586,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177135628354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pale-blushed-apricots-on-tree.jpg?v=1791615359"},{"product_id":"balaton-tart-cherry","title":"Balaton Tart Cherry (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balaton Tart Cherry is a cherry tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a tart cherry), and it ripens about Jul 29 to Aug 10 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 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 700 hours (600 to 900). 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#balaton-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 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. Balaton is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms a little ahead of Montmorency and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvans Bali\u003c\/a\u003e. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danube-cherry\"\u003eDanube Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-bundle-of-3-3l736\"\u003eEvan's Bali Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency 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 29 to Aug 10 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\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 (10\/10), jams and jellies (9\/10), brandy and liqueurs (9\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), drying (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 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\u003cstrong\u003eNew for Spring 2027! These are the best pie cherries we have ever had!\u003c\/strong\u003e Balaton (Újfehértói Fürtös) is a Hungarian dark tart cherry, and it is one of the clonal landrace pie cherries out of Hungary, the same group as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danube-cherry\"\u003eDanube\u003c\/a\u003e and Erde Jubileum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOur Take\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe had grown both Danube and Erde Jubileum and thought highly of them, but we had not tried Balaton until this year. Balaton may take the cake. These cherries have real size and real flavor, and the flesh is a deep burgundy rather than the pale flesh of a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e. They made the best cherry pie we have had, and the best looking one, too. Hardy to zone 3b (to about -35°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom a Hungarian Village to Michigan\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hungarian name means \"the bunched one of Újfehértó,\" after the village in far eastern Hungary where it was collected and the way the fruit hangs in clusters. It went on to become the most widely planted sour cherry in Hungary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. Amy Iezzoni, a cherry breeder at Michigan State University, came across it there in the early 1980s while hunting for tart cherries that bloomed later and could dodge late spring freezes. She brought it to the US in 1984. Nobody here was going to pronounce Újfehértói Fürtös, so it was named after Lake Balaton, and Michigan State and the Hungarian institutes released it together in 1998.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: large and plump for a tart cherry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor: dark red skin, with burgundy flesh and juice all the way through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlavor: sweeter than Montmorency, with a deeper, almost wine-like cherry flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTexture: firm, so it holds its shape in a pie instead of cooking down to mush\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat color carries into everything you make with it, which is why the pie looked so good. It's just as good for jam, juice, drying and cherry liqueur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Balaton Tart Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Balaton Tart Cherry need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Balaton Tart Cherry is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Balaton is self-fertile, so one tree will crop on its own. It blooms a little ahead of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montmorency-tart-cherry\"\u003eMontmorency\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/evans-bali-tart-cherry\"\u003eEvans Bali\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danube-cherry\"\u003eDanube Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e, Evan's Bali Tart Cherry, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/meteor-tart-cherry\"\u003eMeteor Tart Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Balaton Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Balaton Tart Cherry 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 Balaton Tart Cherry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 900. That comes from published figures for this variety. That's about the same as Montmorency. Montana winters cover it easily; spring frost on the blossoms is the real risk. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#balaton-tart-cherry\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Balaton Tart Cherry ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 29 to Aug 10 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Balaton Tart Cherry get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Balaton 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 Balaton Tart Cherry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Balaton Tart Cherry are pies and baking (10\/10), jams and jellies (9\/10), brandy and liqueurs (9\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Balaton Tart Cherry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Balaton 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. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45191724171330,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45191724204098,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/BalatonTartCherry.jpg?v=1789173522"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/white-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree_9cfbfe74-f69c-4e79-9690-e619395a974d.png?v=1792787193","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/zone-3-self-fertile-fruit-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}