Encyclopedia of Fruits, Berries & Nuts A cornucopia of photographs follows. Flavor and color descriptions are included for hundreds offruit, berry, and nut varieties. Hardiness, time offruiting, and special care requirements are discussed.

he information in this encyclopedia is designed to help you ·: choose the best possible fruits for your garden. It describes the Tbes t and most popular fruits. Some varieties are known by more than one name. In these cases the most common name is used with the less well known alternatives following in parentheses. Many varieties have chilling requirements that must be met for the fruit to develop properly. The chilling requirements are described, in terms of the number of hours of exposure to winter temperatures below 45° F. Fruits and berries that require chilling fall into one of three general categories: Low chill 300 up to 400 hours below 45° F Moderate chill 400 up to 700 hours below 45° F High chill 700 up to 1000 hours below 45° F The maps accompanying each fruit show where it is best adapted. The darkest part of the map shows where most varieties are well­ adapted; the lighter part shows where you will need to use adapted varieties. You may still be able to raise the fruit in parts of the country uncolored on the map if special varieties are available for your region, or if you use special techniques, such as bringing the plants into a greenhouse for the winter. Just because a variety is recommended for one area does not neces­ sarily mean that it can't do well in others. Local climate, as well as special treatment from the gardener, can support plants that generally are not expected to do well in a given region.

The home orchardist's reward-a bountifUl harvest. a fruit show by C. M. Stark of Well over a thousand Stark Nurseries. Stark didn't varieties are available t-Oday. learn the name of the grower Many of these are sports, or until 1894, and by then the accidental mutations of an­ apple had already begun its other variety. Others, espe­ rise to fame. cially the more recent intro­ 'Delicious' has produced a ductions, are the result of number of sports, including the original red sport, 'Star· king'; the redder 'Richard', 'Hoyal Reel', 'Hi Early', 'Chelan Red', and 'Red Queen'; and the spur-type 'Starkrimson', 'Red­ spur', 'Wellspur', 'Hardispur', and 'Oregon Spur'. 'Delicious' painstaking crossing and selec· is also a parent of ''. tion by apple breeders. Each The first seedling of 'Jona· parent plant supplies half the than' sprouted in Woodstock, heritage of seedlings, but that New York, apparently from half may be a set of charac· the fruit of an 'Esopus teristics either partly or com­ Spitzenburg'. A Judge Buel of pletely hidden in the parent. Albany found the appie so The seedlings are an unknown good thaL he presented speci· mixture until breeders grow mens to the Massachusetts them Lo fruiting size to see Horticultural Society, naming what characteristics they it for the man who first An informal espaliered apple have. This work takes time, showed it to him. '' and many seedlings prove to was the most important com· even a true, or genetic, dwarf ing: The following year you be inferior to their parent'5. mercial variety before 'Deli· that stays small on any may find that your tree bears Sports, or mutations, may cious' took over. rootstock. on ly a handful of apples be· occur at any time, often with· Red sports of 'Jonathan' in· Spur-type apple varieties cause the large crop of the out apparent reason: Suddenly elude 'Jon-A-Red' and 'Jonnee'. are sports of standard variet­ previous year has depleted the one branch of a tree is differ­ Hybrid descendants include ies. They grow more slowly tree's reserves. Most important ent. Occasionally the odd 'Jonagolcl', 'Jonamac', 'ldared', than other plants, and their of all, the quality of the re­ branch results from mechani· 'Melrose', 'Minjon', and spurs are packed closer to­ maining fruit is better after cal damage, such as pruning; 'Monroe'. gether on the branch. This Jess thinning. sometimes experimenters pur· The 'Mcintosh' apple came vigorous growth means that There are many thinning posely change genetic struc· from the Mcintosh Nursery they are a kind of genetic methods, but the best method ture with chemicals or radia­ in Ontario, Canada. John dwarf, but they are still good­ is lo make a light first thin· tion. Most sports are worth­ Mcintosh discovered it about sized trees unless grafted to ning by the time the fruit is less, but now and then one 1811 but did not propagate dwarfing roots. Spur varieties pea size. After this, wait for turns out to have characteris· grafted stock until 1835, when are difficult to train formally. the natural drop of young fruit tics that make it worth propa· the grafting technique was lf you buy spur varieties on in June, then thin the remain­ gating to create a new strain. perfected. Well-known descen· dwarfing roots, use a training ing fruit so that there is a 'Delicious', which is by far dant.~ of 'Mcintosh' include method that doesn't call for single apple every 6 inches the most popular and economi­ 'Summerred', 'Niagara', 'Early any particular form. along the branches. Each spur cally important apple in Amer­ Mcin tosh', 'Puritan', 'Tyde· Pruning methods depend may have a cluster of fruit. A ica, first sprouted in an Iowa man's Red', 'Jonamac', on how you grow the tree. For single fruit is less likely to be­ orchard in 1872. Its parentage 'Macoun', '', 'Cort· general pruning of the larger come diseased, so leave only is uncertain, but one parent land', 'Spart.an', and the spur dwarfed trees or standard the largest fruit on each spur. may have been a nearby 'Yel­ variety, 'Macspur'. trees, see pages 40-43. For spe­ Thin carefully or you will low Bellflower' apple. That Other apples with long cial training, turn to page 46. damage the spurs or even pull 'Delicious' exists at all today is lines of descendants include Thinning is crucial with them olf wi th the young fruit. almost a miracle. The owner, 'R-0me', '', apple varieties. If left alone If the apples are small one Jesse Hiatt, cut the seedling '', and ''. the trees set too much fruit, year, thin more heavily the down twice, but it resprouted The extensive work on and the heavy crop can snap next year. If the fruit set is each time, so finally he let it dwarfing rootstocks for apples branches. Even more impor­ light but the fruit is large, grow. In about 1880 it bore has produced plant sizes rang­ tant., many apple varieties thin less next season. fruit that Hiatt thought was ing from a 4-foot bush to a 30- tend to bear every other year. Most apples are self-infer· the best he'd ever tast.ed. The foot spreading tree. There is If you leave too much fruit you tile, so for a good crop most name 'Delicious' was given at encourage this alternate bear- varieties need a pollinator. A formal espalier 'Mcintosh'

Almost any two kinds that spray schedule is best. Re· '' The fruit is up to 3 Early to Midseason Varieties bloom together offer good peated sprays can control dis· inches in diameter, with light '' Fruit is large cross-pollination. The follow­ eases such as mildew. green skin, sometimes with a but not uniform, with skin ing varieties produce poor pol· slight orange blush. The flesh that's red against light green. Early Season Varieties Jen so cannot pollinate other is nearly white with a green­ The greenish yellow flesh is varieties: '', 'Spigold', '' A hybrid of ish tinge; fine grained, tender, moderately fine textured, '', 'Gravenstein', 'Worcester ' and and juicy; but sour. The eating crisp, firm, and juicy. It is ex­ 'Winesap', '', and 'Jonathan', 'Akane' has bright quality is only fair, but 'Lodi' cellent for eating fresh, in 'Stayman' sports such as red skin; crisp, juicy white is excellent in sauce and pies. sauce, and in pies. The trees 'Blaxstayman' and flesh; and 'Jonathan'·like Ila· The tree tends to overset fruit a.re strong, very vigorous, up­ 'Staymared'. If you plant one vor. The moderately produc­ and must be thinned. Widely right, and spreading. Widely of these varieties, you will tive tree is Jess susceptible to available. Origin: New York. available along with 'I«ld need to plant three different fireblight than the 'Jonathan' 'Tydeman's Early' A Gravenstein'. Origin: Germany. varieties in total to get fruit parent is. Origin: Japan. 'Mcintosh' type, similar in 'Jonamac' This 'Mcintosh' from all of them. Also, if you 'Jerseymac' A 'Mcintosh' shape and ripening four weeks plant only a very early and a type dessert apple is of very cross that ripens in August, earlier, this apple is almost en· good eating quality, milder in very late variety, they will not this red fruit is medium firm, tirely red from a very early flavor than the 'Mcintosh'. cross-pollinate. juicy, and of good quality. The stage. Fruit drops quickly at Origin: New York. All apples need some cool maturity and should all be tree produces a crop every If winter weather, but there is picked within a few days for 'Mcintosh' you write year and is generally avail· down the attributes of a great an enormous range in this re· able. Origin: New Jersey. optimum quality and flavor. quirement, so varieties a.re a.pple-medium-to·large fruit '' The medium-sized The eating quality is good and available for any climate ex· with sweet, tender, juicy white fruit is sweet and juicy, some­ the fruit keeps much longer cept tropical and low desert than most early varieties. flesh; very good fresh or in what coarse-grained, and sauce, pies, or -you are regions. When few other varieties are abundantly produced; the skin describing 'Mcintosh'. The Apples a.re subject to at­ being harvested, early ripen· is almost entirely red. The skin is yellow with a bright tack by many organisms, but ing is a virtue. One drawback the gardener will have most tree's greatest virtue is ex­ red blush. The tree is strong treme resistance to rust. and is growth habit: 1'he branches trouble with codling moth and are undesirably long and lanky and very vigorous. Widely other fruit-spoiling pests and scab and high resistance to available. Origin: Ontario. fireblight and mildew. Origin: and need to be controlJed by with the usual aphids, mites, New York. pruning. For best results grow and scales. See the pest and this one on dwarf or semi· disease section on pages 29-37 dwarf rootstocks. Widely avail· for further details. A regular able. Origin: England. 'Golden Delici

'' 'Jonagold' ''

'Panlared' This apple rates apple, for eating and cooking. 'J onathan' The standard Midseason to Late Varieties high on several counts. It has The tree bears heavy crops of 'Jonathan' is one of the top 'Golden Delicious' For a an attractive solid red blush large, red-striped fruit with varieties grown in commercial great eating and cooking ap· with a bright yellow ground white flesh that is slow to turn orchards in the Central States. pie, 'Golden Delicious' ranks as color. The flesh is white to brown when exposed to air, '!'he fruit is medium sized and high as any. The fruit is me· cream and nonbrowning. Its making it especially suited uniform; the skin is washed dium to large and uniform in excellent, slightly tart flavor for use in salads. The tree is red and pale yellow; and the size. The skin is greenish yel· makes it good both for eating strong and very vigorous, with flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy. low with a bright pink blush. fresh and in sauce and pies. a spreading, drooping growth Rich flavor makes it a good The flesh is firm, crisp, juicy, Although it colors early, for habit. Widely available. choice for snacks, salads, and and sweet- excellent fresh quality apples it should not be Origin: New York. all culinary uses. Trees bear and in desserts and salads, picked until nearly mature. 'Empire' This cross between heavily. Widely available. and very good for sauce. The Fruit holds well on the tree 'Mcintosh' and 'Delicious' has Origin: New York. tree is of medium height, mod· and ls harvested in two pick· medium, uniform fruit with 'Spartan' A cross between erately vigorous, upright, and Jngs; it has a long storage life. dark red striped skin and 'Mcintosh' and 'Yellow New­ round, with wide-angled The tree is everything an whitish cream flesh that is town', the fruit is medium crotches. It bears very young attractive tree should be­ firm, medium textured, crisp, sized, uniform, and symmetri­ and continues to bear annually strong and upright, with good very juicy and of excellent cal. It has solid dark red skin if thinned. This is an excellent branch structure. Origin: eating quality. A fault is and light yellow, firm, tender, pollinator and will set some Michigan. that it develops full color long crisp, and juicy flesh. The tree crop without cross-pollination. 'Prima' This juicy red apple before maturity, tempting the is strong, moderately vigorous, Widely available. Origin: West has fair quality, but its main grower to harvest too early. and well shaped. It must be Virginia. feature is its resistance to The trees are moderately vig· thinned to assure good size 'Jonagold' A cross of 'Jona· scab, mildew, and fireblight. orous and of spreading form. and annual bearing. Widely than' and 'Golden Delicious', Origin: Illinois. Origin: New York. available. Origin: British this is a beautiful large apple '' This variety gains Columbia, Canada. with a lively yellow-green Midseason Varieties high marks for quality as a ground color and bright red '' According to fresh fruit with the advantage blushes. The cream-colored many apple growers, this is of long storage life. The me· flesh is crisp and juicy and excellent-even better than dium-sized fruit is yellow has good flavor. It is good for 'Mcintosh'- as a dual-purpose brightly striped with red and cooking, is among the very borne on a large, upright tree. best apples for fresh eating, Origin: New Zealand. and stores well. The trees are vigorous with wide-angled branches. Origin: New York. nnySmith'

'!dared' 'Mutsu' 'Northern Spy' ·

'Red Delicious' The number '' The fruit is 'Mntsn' A cross of 'Golden 'Rome Beauty' This variety one supermarket apple. there medium to large and bright Delicious' and the Japanese and its sports are the world's is no question about its dessert glossy green. The flesh re­ 'lndo', this relative newcomer best baking apples. Many red and fresh-eating qualiiy. The sembles 'Golden Delicious' but has gained the approval of sports (such as 'Red Rome') fruit is medium to large with is more tart. It is very good both growers and consumers. are available in a beautifuJ, striped to solid red skin. The eaten fresh or in desserts, sal· Large, oblong, greenish fruit solid medium-dark red. The flesh is moderately firm in ads, sauce, and pies. The tree develops some yellow color fruit is large and round, and texture and very sweet and is strong, vigorous, upright, when mature. The flesh is the flesh is medium in texture, juicy, Your best choices are and spreading, but it can only coarse, firm, and crisp. The firm, and crisp. The tree is the red sports such as be grown in areas with a very flavor is excellent (tarter than moderately vigorous, starts to 'Wellspur' or 'Royal Red'. The long growing season. It has re­ 'Golden Delicious') when eaten produce at an early age, and is tree tends to produce full cently become the favorite fresh, and it is good for sauce, a heavy producer. The fruit crops every other year unless tart apple in groceries. Widely pies, and baking. Unlike has a long storage life. Widely properly thinned for annual available. Origin: Australia. 'Golden Delicious' it does not available. Origin: Ohio. · bearing. Widely available. 'ldared' A cross of 'Jona· shrivel in storage. The tree is 'Stayman' This variety is a Origin: Iowa. than' and 'Wagener', this hy­ vigorous and spreading. very late ripener. Where it can 'Yellow Newtown' The me­ brid has an attractive, nearly Origin: Japan. be grown, it is good for cooking dium-sized fruit has greenish solid red skin with a smooth 'Northern Spy' Trees of this or eating fresh. The fruit is yellow skin and crisp, firm finish. The large, uniform fruit variety are very slow to begin juicy with a moderately tart, flesh. It is good for eating has white, firm, smooth-tex­ bearing; sometimes 14 years rich, winelike flavor. The skin fresh and excellent for sauce tured flesh that is excellent elapse before they produce is bright red and has a ten­ and pies. The trees are strong for eating fresh and for cook· their first bushel (but they dency t-0 crack. The flesh is and vigorous. Widely avail­ ing. It has a long storage life. bear much sooner on dwarf fine-textured, firm, and crisp. able. Origin: New York. The tree is vigorous, upright, rootstock). The fruit is large, The tree is medium sized and and productive. Widely avail­ with yellow and red stripes, moderately vigorous. Widely Late Varieties abJe. Origin: Idaho. and the flesh is yellowish, available. Origin: Kansas. '' This variety is later to firm, and crisp. The quality is ripen than 'Granny Smith' excellent fresh and for pies. and, like that variety, needs a The fruit bruises easily, but long growing season (at least has a long storage life. Trees 200 days). Origin: Japan. are vigorous and bear in alter· nate years. Widely available. Origin: New York. Extrahardy Varieties tart. Overall the apple re­ In cold-winter areas where sembles 'Mcintosh'. Use it some of the favorite apple fresh or cook it in sauce or in varieties are subject to winter pies. The tree is suited mainly damage, gardeners may choose to cooler coastal areas, since one of three hardy varieties heat spoils the fruit. Locally developed by the University of available. Origin: California. Minnesota. '' Early. '' Midseason to This large 'Golden Delicious' - Late. This apple boasts a type fruit requires no frost or 'Golden Delicious' flavor. The significant winter chill and fruit is medium to large with performs well in coastal golden to yellowish green skin Southern California and the and yellow flesh that is crisp, hot-summer regions of the smooth, tender, and juicy. It is Deep South. Use it for eating good for eating fresh and in fresh or for cooking. A good sauce and pies. The tree is pollinator for '' and 'Ein moderately vigorous. Origin: Shemer'. Origin: Bahamas. Minnesota. 'Ein Shemer' Early. This is 'Red Baron' Midseason. another 'Golden Delicious' - This cross of 'Golden Delicious' type fruit that is well-adapted and 'Red Duchess' has round, to the Deep South, Texas, and medium-sized fruit with Southern California. The tree cherry-red skin. The flesh is begins bearing at an early age. crisp and juicy with a pleas­ Makes a good copollinator for antly tart Oavor. It is good 'Dorsett Golden'. Origin: Israel. eaten fresh or in sauce and 'Gordon' Early to midsea· Apricots may last from 15 to 30 years, pies. Origin: Minnesota. son. The crisp flesh is enclosed In the colder regions of the depending on care. 'Regent' Late. This variety in red-striped green skin. The country, the selection of apri· Many apricots are self­ is recommended for a Iong­ blooming and bearing period is cot varieties is limited because fertile, but in colder regions it keeping red winter apple. The unusually prolonged-August apricots bloom early and may is usually best to plant a sec­ fruit is medium sized, with to October in California. It per­ suffer frost damage. In recent ond variety for pollination to bright red skin and crisp· forms particularly well in years, however, breeders have encourage the heaviest fruit textured, creamy whit~. juicy coastal Southern California. produced a number of hybrids set possible. Frost may thin flesh. Rated excellent for cook­ The fruit is good both for eat· much of the young fruit. ing or eating rresh, it retains ing fresh and for cooking. Self­ Thinning is generally natu­ its fine dessert quality late fruitful. Origin: California. ral, either from frost or from into winter. The tree is vigor· '' Midsea· natural drop in early summer. ous. Origin: Minnesota. son. The large fruit is strik· If your tree sets heavily, you ingly beautiful. The skin color will get larger apricots by Low.Chill Varieties is pale and waxy with a thinning to 2 inches between 'Anna' Early. This apple spreading pink blush. The with hardy Manchurian apri· each fruit. For pruning and cots, and now varieties such flowers and fruits in Florida flesh is tender, with a wonder­ training details, see page 46. 'Chinese' will fruit fairly and Southern California. The ful aroma and tangy flavor. as Apricots can also be apple is green with a red blush 'Winter Banana' requires a regularly even in the northern used as stock plants for grafts. and fair quality. It is normally pollinator such as 'Red Astra­ plains. The choice of varieties Plums do well on apricot stock, harvested in July but some­ chan' in order to set a good widens in milder regions, and and peaches may take, al­ times sets another late bloom crop. Locally available. Origin: more tender varieties such as though the union is weak. that produces apples for the Indiana. 'Moorpark' will bear even in Your apricot tree can bear sev· the eastern states. fall. Use an early blooming 'Winter Pearmain' Mid­ era! different fruits over a Dwarfed apricots on spe­ variety such as 'Dorsett season. This large green apple long season. cial rootstocks produce fair· Golden' or 'Ein Shemer' as a has moderately firm flesh of Brown rot and bacterial sized trees, and a full-sized pollinator. Origin: Israel. excellent quality. It is a con­ canker are serious pests. tree will fill a 25-foot·SQuare 'Beverly Hills' Early. This sistent producer in Southern site, but you can train the tree is a small to medium-sized California. Origin: Unknown. to branch high and use It in apple, striped or splashed with the landscape as a shade tree. red over a pale yellow skin. Trees are fairly long-lived and The flesh is tender, juicy, and large and rangy, blooms early, and needs another early-flow­ ering pollinator such as 'Per· fection'. Origin: Washington. 'Royal Rosa' This is a good choice for fresh-off-the-tree eating. The bright yellow fruit is firm fleshed and aromatic with a tart tang to its sweet­ ness. The compact, medium· sized tree bears heavy crops early in the season. Origin: California. 'Scout' This variety origi­ nally came from a Manchurian fruit experiment station. The Oat, bronzy fruit is medium to large with deep yellow flesh. It is good fresh and can also be canned or used in jams. The tree is tall, upright, vigorous, and hardy. The fruit ripens in late July. Good for the Mid· west. Origin: Manitoba. 'Moorpark' 'Sungold' This is a selection from the same cross as 'Moon· Varieties 'Goldcot' Late flowering, red. The flesh is orange and gold', and the two must be Check for climate adaptability late bearing, and hardiness to has excellent flavor and a pro­ planted together for polli na­ and pollinating requirements, -20°F recommend this variety nounced and agreeable per­ tion. The fruit is rounded and and be sure to buy hardy trees to midwestern and eastern fume. Ripening is uneven, of medium size, with a tender, in the colder regions. growers. The medium-sized to with half the fruit still green golden skin blushed orange. 'Blenheim' ('Royal') This is large fruit is tough-skinned when the first half is already The flavor is mild and sweet, the best eating, drying, and and flavorful, good for eating ripe. This is an advantage in and the fruit is good fresh or canning apricot in California. fresh and for canning. Self· the home garden, since the preserved. The tree is upright, The fruit is medium sized and fruitful. Origin: Michigan. gardener does not have to use vigorous, and of medium size. flat orange with some ten· 'Harcot' Another cold hardy the fruit all at once. The tree The fruit ripens somewhat dency to have green shoulders. variety with late flowering but does well in all but the most later than 'Moongold'. Good for It requires moderate chilling early ripening. Fruit is me­ extreme climates. Widely all zones. Origin: Minnesota. available. Origin: England. and will not tolerate excessive dium to large and flavorfu l. 'Tilton' The vigorous tree heat (over 90° F) at harvest Heavy-bearing, compact trees 'Perfection' ('Goldbeck') The bears heavily most years. The time. Origin: England. resist brown rot and are some· fruit is very large, oval and fruit is yellow-orange and tol· 'Chinese' ('Mormon') Its what resistant to bacterial blocky, and light orange­ erates heat when ripening. It Utah birthplace marks this spot. Origin: Ontario, Canada. yellow without a blush. The has a high-chill requirement variety as a good choice for 'Harogem' Small to me· flesh is bright orange and of (over l,000 hours below 45° F) the coldest regions of the dium-sized fruit is blushed fair quality. The tree is vigor­ but performs well in hot West's apricot climates. Late bright red over orange; the ous and hardy but blooms summer climat.es. Origin: flowering gives blossoms a flesh is firm. This variety rip­ early and so is uncertain in California. late-frost areas. Since it re­ chance to escape late frosts. ens in midseason and the fruit 'Wenatchee' The fruit is a quires little winter chill it will Trees bear heavy crops of is especially long-lasting when large, flattened oval with grow in mild-winter areas. It small, sweet, juicy fruit at an picked. The tree is resistant to orange-yellow skin and flesh. needs a separate pollinator early age. Origin: Utah. perennial canker and brown Trees are fairly long lived and and sets a light crop. Good for 'Flora Gold' This genetic spot. Origin: Ontario, Canada. may last from 15 to 30 years, the South and West. Origin: dwarf apricot reaches about 'Moorpark' This variety, depending on location and Washington. half the size of a full-sized dating from 1760, is considered care. The tree does well in the tree. Its small to medium-sized by many to be the standard of 'Rival' Its northwestern ori· Pacific Northwest and the fruit is of high quality-best excellence among apricots. gins make 'Rival' especially West. Origin: Washington. for eating fresh and for can­ The large fruit is orange with well adapted there. Large, ning. The heavy crop ripens a deep blush, sometimes over· heavily blushed fruit is firm, early, about a month before laid with dots of brown and mild flavored, and particularly 'Blenheim'. Moderate-chill re­ good for canning. The tree is quirement. Origin: California. Cherries many varieties developed for out a dwarfing rootstock is one Early Season Varieties Cherries come in three distinct special conditions. The dwarf of the largest fruit trees and 'Black Tartarian' Medium­ forms with many varieties 'Meteor' and 'Northstar' pie can equal a small oak in size sized, this sweet black cherry in each category. The sweet cherries were developed for if the climate permits. Such is fairly firm when picked but cherry sold in markets js cherries can serve as major softens quickly. It is widely planted commercially in the shade trees. planted because it is one of coastal valleys of California See page 47 for pruning the earliest cherries and an and in the Northwest, espe- and training information. excellent pollinator. The trees All sweet cherries, with are erect and vigorous. Use the exception of 'Stella', need any sweet cherry as a polli­ a pollinator. 'Windsor', 'Van', nator. Good for all zones. Minnesota winters. These and and 'Black Tartarian' are good 'Early Richmond' and 'Mont­ Widely available. Origin: pollinators and bear well, but California morency' can all withstand always plant at least two vari­ 'May Duke' This duke both cold and poor spring eties or use a graft on a single cherry produces medium-sized cially Oregon. There are also weather better than sweet tree. Sour cherries are self­ dark red fruit of excellent ' extensive commercial plant­ cherries. fertile. ings near the Great Lakes. Sour cherries are all self­ Dwarf pie cherries have flavor for cooking or pre­ All cherries require consid­ fertile and there are two lovely Oowers and make fine serves. In cold climates use an erable winter chilling, which types: the amarelle, with clear hedges and screens. They pro­ early sweet cherry for pollina­ tion. In mild climates it is self­ rules out planting in the juice and yellow flesh; and the duce good crops and larger fertile. Good for the West. mildest coastal and Gulf cli­ morello, with red juice and cherries can be grafted ont.o Origin: France. mates, but they are also dam­ flesh. In the coldest northern them for a choice of fruit and aged by early intense cold in climates, the amarelle is the good pollination. 'Northstar' This is a genetic fall and by heavy rainfall dur­ commercial cherry. Birds are the major pests, dwarf sour morello, excellent ing ripening. Sweet cherries Duke cherries are hybrids but cherries also need protec­ for the home garden. It has are especially tricky for the with the shape and color of tion from fruit flies, pear slugs red fruit and flesh and resists home gardener, but try them sweet cherries and the hardi­ (actually an insect larva), and cracking. The tree is small, at­ where summer heat and win­ ness, flavor, and tartness of bacterial leaf spot. tractive, vigorous, and hardy ter cold are not too intense. sour cherries. For any cherry, check the and resists brown rot. The Sour, or pie, cherries are Standard sour cherries and recommended climate. If you fruit ripens early but will more widely adaptable and are sweet cherries on dwarfing try a cherry outside its grow­ hang on the tree for up to two good for cooking and canning. roots both reach 15 to 20 feet. ing zone, offer protection in weeks. Good for all zones. These are the most reliable for A standard sweet cherry with- fall and winter. Widely available. Origin: home gardeners, and there are Minnesota. 'Bing' 'Montmorency' 'Royal Ann'

'Sam' This medium to large, vigorous, and a good producer. ing and bears sweet, dark-red different ripening times and black-fruited sweet cherry is It is slightly hardier than fruit like 'Bing'. Good for the fruit characteristics. Good for firm, juicy, and of good qual­ 'Bing'. Use 'Bing', 'Sam', or West. Origin: California. all zones. Widely available. ity. 'l'he fruit resists cracking, 'Van' as a pollinator. Good for 'Kansas Sweet' ('Hansen Origin: France. and the tree is very vigorous, the West. Origin: Washington. Sweet') This is not really a 'Rainier' In shape this bearing heavy crops. Use 'Corum' This sweet variety sweet cherry but a fairly sweet cherry resembles 'Bing', 'Bing', 'Lambert', or 'Van' as a is the recommended pollinator sweet form of the pie cherry but it is a very attractive pollinator. Good for the North for 'Royal Ann' in the Pacific group. The fruit is red and has blushed yellow like 'Royal and West. Widely available. Northwest. The fruit is yellow firm flesh that is palatable Ann' with firm, juicy flesh. Origin: British Columbia. with a blush and thick, sweet, fresh as well as in pies. The The tree is vigorous, produc­ firm flesh. It is moderately tree and blossoms are hardy in tive, and spreading to upright Midseason Varieties resistant to cracking and is a Kansas. It is self-fertile. Good spreading. It is particularly 'Bing' This variety is the good canning cherry. The tree for the North. Origin: Kansas. hardy. Use 'Bing', 'Sam', o~ standard for black sweet cher­ is fairly vigorous. Use 'Royal 'Meteor' This amarelle sour 'Van' as a pollinator. Good for ries. The fruit is deep mahog­ Ann', 'Sam', or 'Van' as a polli­ cherry is a genetic dwarf that the South and West. Origin: any red, firm, and very juicy. nator. Good for the West. Lo­ reaches only about 10 feet tall. Washington. It is subject to cracking and cally available in the Pacific The fruit is bright red and 'Royal Ann' ('Napoleon') doubling. The tree is spreading Northwest. Origin: Oregon. large for a pie cherry, with This very old French sweet and produces heavy crops but 'Emperor Francis' Thls clear yellow tlesh. The tree is variety is the standard for suffers from bacterial leaf large, yellow, blushed cherry especially hardy but also does blushed yellow cherries. It is spot attack in humid climates. resembles 'Royal Ann' but is well in milder climates and is the major cherry used in com­ It is not easy to grow, although redder and more resistant to an ideal home garden tree for mercial candies and mara­ it is quite popular. Use 'Sam', cracking. The sweet flesh is all cherry climates. Good for schino cherries. The firm, 'Van', or 'Black Tartarian' as very firm. The tree is very all zones. Widely available. juicy fruit is excellent fresh a pollinator (not 'Royal Ann' productive and hardier than Origin: Minnesota. and good for canning. The tree or 'Lambert'). Good for the 'Royal Ann'. Use 'Rainier' or 'Montmorency' This is very large, extremely pro· West. Widely available. 'Hedelfingen' as a pollinator amarelle is the standard sour ductive, and upright, spread­ Origin: Oregon. (not 'Windsor' or 'Royal Ann'). cherry for commercial and ing widely with age. The tree 'Chinook' Like 'Bing' thls Good for the North. Origin: home planting. The large, bril­ is moderately hardy. Use variety has large, heart­ unknown-European. liant red fruit has firm yellow 'Corum', 'Windsor', or 'Hedel­ shaped, sweet fruit with 'Garden Bing' This genetic flesh and is strongly crack re­ fingen' as a pollinator (not mahogany skin and deep red dwarf plant remains only a sistant. The tree is medium to 'Bing' or 'Lambert'). Good for flesh. The tree is spreading, few feet high in a container large, vigorous, and spreading. all zones. Widely available. but grows to perhaps 8 feet in Various strains have slightly Origin: France. the ground. It is self-pollinat- 'Stella' 'Lambert'

'Schmidt' 'Bing' is being re­ canning it retains its color, tree is quite hardy but tends and is more difficult to train placed by 'Schmidt' as a major firmness, and flavor. Good for to overbear heavlJy and pro­ and prune. The strongly up­ commercial black cherry in the West. Origin: Utah. duce small fruit. Use any right growth produces weak the East. The fruit is large and 'Van' Large and dark, this sweet cherry as a pollinator. crotches if left untrained. Use mahogany colored with thick sweet cherry has some resis­ Origin: Oregon. 'Van' or 'Rainier' as a polli­ skin. The wine-red flesh is tance to cracking. The tree is 'English Morello' This late­ nator (not 'Bing', 'Royal Ann', sweet but somewhat astrin­ very hardy and especially good ripening morello sour cherry is or 'Emperor Francis'). Good gent. The large vigorous tree is in borderline areas, since it medium sized, dark red, and for all zones. Widely available. upright and spreading. It is has a strong tendency to over­ crack resistant. The tart, firm Origin: British Columbia. hardy, but the fruit buds are set and therefore may produce flesh is good for cooking and 'Late Duke' This large, light fairly tender. Use 'Bing', 'Lam­ a crop when other cherries canning. The tree has drooping red duke cherry ripens in late bert', or 'Royal Ann' as a pol­ fail. It bears from one to three branches and is small and July. Use it for cooking or pre­ linator. Good for the North years earlier than 'Bing'. Use hardy but only moderately vig­ serves. In cold climates it re­ and South. Widely available. 'Bing', 'Lambert', or 'Royal orous and productive. Good for quires a sour cherry polli­ Origin: Germany. Ann' as a pollinator. Good for the North. Origin: Unknown. nator. In mild climates it is 'Stella' This is the first true all zones. Widely available. · 'Hedelftngen' The sweet va­ self-fertile. Good for the West. sweet cherry that is self­ Origin: British Columbia, riety bears dark, medium-sized Origin: France. fertile (requiring no polli­ Canada. fruit with meaty, firm tlesh. 'Windsor' This is the stan­ nator). The fruit is large, dark One strain resists cracking, dard late, dark, commercial in color, and moderately firm. Late Varieties but some trees sold under this sweet cherry in the East. The The tree is vigorous and fairly ~ngel a' This large, dark name do not. The tree is win­ fruit is fairly small and not as hardy and bears early. It can cherry is comparable to 'Lam­ ter hardy, has a spreading and firm as 'Bing' or 'Lambert'. Its be used as a pollinator for any bert' but is hardier and late drooping form, and bears buds are very hardy, and it other sweet cherry. Good for flowering, so its blossoms are heavily. Use any sweet cherry can be counted on to bear a the South and West. Origin: not likely to be frost damaged. listed here as a pollinator. heavy crop. A fine choice for British Columbia, Canada. The sweet fruits are more re­ Good for the North and South. difficult borderline areas 'Utah Giant' This new sistant to cracking than those Origin: Germany. where others may fail, the sweet variety produces large, of 'Lambert'; the tree is easier 'Lambert' This large, dark, tree is medium sized and vig­ dark red fruit that has been to manage, vigorous, and very sweet cherry is similar to orous with a good spread. For compared to the quality of productive. For poltinators, 'Bing' but ripens later. The a pollinator, use any sweet 'Bing' and 'Lambert'. The use 'Emperor Francis' or 'Lam­ tree is more widely adapted cherry except 'Van' and 'Em­ fresh fruit is excellent, and in bert'. Origin: Utah. than 'Bing' but bears errati­ peror Francis'. Good for the 'Black Republican' ('Black cally in many eastern areas North and South. Widely avail­ Oregon') This sweet cherry able. Origin: Unknown. is firm and very dark with oliCJhthr <>~t~inCJ<>nt fl<>oh 'l'h<> flowers that open pink and then fade t-0 white. Origin: New York. 'Montreal Beauty' This me· dium-sized green crabapple wi th red striping makes good jelly on its own or is a good base for mint or rose geranium jellies. The tree is medium to large, hardy, and fairly dis· ease resistant. Locally avail· able. Origin: Quebec, Canada. 'Profusion' The tiny scarlet fruit of this variety ls good in jellies. The tree spreads only slightly, is small (about 15 feet), and produces small single flowers that are deep red in bud and open to pur· plish red to blue pink. It is moderately susceptible to mildew. Origin: Holland. 'Siberian Crab' This variety bears an abundance of clear 'Siberian Crab' scarlet, medium-sized fruit that can be jellied or pickled 'Dolgo' The smallish, oblong Crabapples and scab is a major problem whole. The tree is vase-shaped for some varieties. Choose red fruit is juicy and, if picked and reaches 15 to 30 feel tall, Fine for jellies or pickled resistant kinds. before fully ripened, gels eas· depending on climate and soil. whole fruit, crabapples are ily into a ruby-red jelly. The The l·inch-wide white flowers also the most decorative of Varieties tree is hardy, vigorous, and are fragrant. Some strains are fruit trees. Flowers range from The following includes both productive. The fruit ripens in disease resistant, and some red to pink to white. The fruits large-fruiting kinds and those September. Widely available. are not. Origin: Russia. are of many sizes, from tiny that are mainly ornamental, Origin: Russia. cherrylike varieties to large, 'Transcendent' These large but all oft'er a good crop of 'Florence' The large yellow yellow crabapples are blushed smaller fruits. Use red· or fruit has an attractive red with pink on one side. Use pink-fruited varieties if you blush. Use it for pale pink jelly them for clear jellies or eat want pink jelly. or for pickling whole. The tree them fresh if you like the 'Barbara Ann' This orna· is medium sized and somewhat wild, astringent flavor. The mentaJ oft'ers dark, reddish tender, so it is best planted in tree is medium to large and purple, 1h·inch fr uit with red· warmer regions. It ranges somewhat disease resistant, yellow, pink-<:heeked kinds. dish pulp. The tree produces a from fairly to very productive. but not very hardy. Origin: The varieties sold for their profusion of 2-inch, purple· Widely available. Origin: Unknown. flowers also have edible fruit, pink, full, double flowers. lt Minnesota. 'Whitney' An old favorite, but the large-fruited varieties grows to about 25 feet tall and 'Hyslop' This medium-sized this variety has very large are better if your aim is w is reasonably disease resistant. fruit is yellow blushed with fruit, good for fresh eating, grow the fruit for jelly. Origin: Massachusetts. red. Use it whole for relishes jelly, preserves, and apple but· Crabapples range from 'Chestnut' This very large, or for pale pink jelly. The tree ter. The fruit is yellow with small, 10-foot trees t-0 spread· bronze-red crabapple is big is fairly hardy and ornamen· red stripes. The tree is hardy, ing trees 25 feet tall. The enough to make a good dessert tal, with single pink flowers. medium w large, and reason· large-fruited kinds are larger or lunchbox fruit, and can also Origin: Unknown. ably disease resistant. Widely trees. If you have no space but be used to make a deep pink 'Katherine' The tiny fruit of available. Origin: Illinois. want a light crop for jelly, jelly. Its flavor is especially this variety is an attractive 'Young America' The large graft a branch to an existing pleasing. The tree is very yellow with a heavy red blush. and abundant red fruit on this apple tree. All types are self· hardy, medium sized, and rea· It can be made into a pink variety makes a clear red jelly fertile, but you can graft sev· sonably disease resistant. jelly. The tree is small, slow with splendid flavor. The tree era! kinds that bloom at differ· Origin: Minnesota. growing, and fairly hardy, but is especially vigorous, and the ent times onto one tree to it flowers and fruits only ev· fruit ripens about mid-Septem· extend the flowering season. ery other year. It grows about ber. Origin: New York. Crabapples are subject to 15 feet tall and is reasonably the same diseases as apples, disease resistant. It bas double Figs Although the fig is generally thought of as a subtropical fruit suited mainly to the warmer parts of the country, some varieties will bear in the milder parts of the

Northwest and Northeast. If a freeze knocks the plant down, it will sprout again quickly. In warm regions the fig bears big, juicy fruit in early summer, then sets a heavier crop of small fruit, perfect for drying, in the fall. It lives for many years, loves clay soil if drainage is good, and needs next lo no attention. You have 'Mission' a choice of dark fruit with red flesh or greenish-yellow fruit Varieties in the Southeast but is also with bright pink flesh. two crops. Recommended for grown in the West. A hardy In cold-winter regions fig ~driatic' The fruit is green Oregon fig climates. Locally plant. Origin: Malt"1!. available. Origin: Italy. shrubs reach 10 feet tall and skjnned with a strawberry­ spread that much or more. In pink pulp. In hot areas the sec­ 'Conadria' One parent is 'Magnolia' ('Brunswick', ~d ri atic'. The fruit is thin warm regions trees reach 16 to ond crop has a paler pulp, and 'Madonna') This is a large 30 feet and spread wide and in cool areas the fruit of both skinned and white with a vio­ straw-<:olored fig on a fairly low, but you can easily cut crops is larger. The tree is vig­ let blush. The red flesh resists hardy tree. Recommended them back or confine them. orous and large. This fig is spoilage. The tree is vigorous for the Southeast. Origin: Figs can also be grown as con­ used principalJy for drying and and precocious, producing England. tainer plants for use on a for processing into flgbars in two crops. Recommended for 'Mission' ('Black Mission') patio, alJowing you to protect California. Locally available. the hot valleys of California. This variety bears two heavy them in winter by moving the Origin: Italy. LocalJy available. Origin: crops of black fruit with deep California. container to a garage or stor­ 'Brown Turkey' There are red pulp. The first crop has age area. two 'Brown Turkey' varieties. 'Kadota' ('Florentine') The larger fruit; the second crop Figs are not realJy fruit in 'Brown Turkey' of' California fruit is tough skinned and can be dried. The tree is large the botanical sense. They are ('Black Spanish', 'Negro greenish yellow, and the first and vigorous. Recommended flowers, borne on the inside of Largo', 'San Piero') A good crop has a richer flavor. This for California and desert a balloonlike stem and acces­ variety for fresh use, the large is principally a canning and regions but also grown in sible to the outside world only fruit is violet-brown to pur­ drying variety. Recommended warmer southeastern zones. through a hole at the base. plish black on the outside and for hot California valleys. Ori­ Origin: Spain-but came to Most home garden vari­ strawberry-pink inside. Prune gin: Italy. California via Mexico. eties of figs need no pollina­ heavily. Origin: Ita.ly. 'King' ('Desert King') The 'Texas Everbearing' ('Dwarf tion. The California commer­ 'Brown Turkey' of the fruit is green with flecks of Everbearing') The fruit and cial fig, 'Calimyrna', does need eastern United States The white; the pulp is violet-pink. tree resemble 'Brown Turkey'. a special type of pollinating medium-sized fruit is coppery The tree comes back from the This variety will resprout and is not recommended for brown with strawberry-pink roots after a freeze and bears after a freeze kills the top. home use. pulp. The flavor is very good. in fall. Recommended for Ore­ Recommended for the South. No fruit thinning is neces­ Good for container culture. gon fig climates. Locally avail­ Also check the local avail­ sary and figs need no atten­ 'Celeste' ('Blue Celeste', able. Origin: California. ability of 'Granata', 'Ne­ tion to pests or disease. See 'Celestial', 'Malta', 'Sugar') 'Latterula' ('White Italian gronne', and 'Neveralla' in page 48 for pruning and train­ The bronzy fruit has a violet Honey Fig') This large Oregon; 'Genoa' ('White ing information. tinge and the pulp is amber greenish yellow fig with Genoa') and 'Osborne Prolific' with rose tones. 'Celeste' is the honey-colored pulp grows on a on the California coast; and most widely recommended fig very hardy tree that bears 'Green lschia' and 'Hunt' in the Southeast. Origin: Texas. Peaches mate can grow satisfactory If a frost knocks off much 'Springtime' The small to The peach is one of the most fruit by selecting the right of your crop, leave all the medium-sized fruit has yellow popular of homegrown fruits. varieties for their own gar­ remaining fruit, even ir it is skin with a high blush and Both peaches and their close dens. Selected low-chill varie­ clustered. What is important abundant short fuzz. The llesh relatives, the nectarines, are ties can fruit well in all sub­ Is the ratio of leaf surface to is white and semifreestone. at their best when tree rip­ tropical climates but southern peaches, so a sparse crop will Good for the West. Origin: ened, so a home gardener's Florida. do equaUy well in singles or California. time and effort are rewarded The standard tree on a bunches. 'Tejon' The medium-sized peach rootstock grows to about Only a few peach varieties fruit is yellow with a red 16 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It need a pollinator. Normally blush over half Its surface; could grow larger if left alone, the trees are self-fertile, al­ light fuzz. The yellow flesh is but it is best pruned heavily though bees are a big help in semifreestone. The tree bears each year to maintain that pollen transfer. very well. Good for the West, size and to encourage lots of All peaches like a winter particularly Southern Callfor· new growth along the rest. Without it they bloom nia. Locally available. Origin: by a product that money can't branches. late, open their leaves errati­ California. buy. Probably the biggest A totally satisfactory cally, and finally die. Be sure drawback is that peaches are dwarfing rootstock for peaches to choose varieties that suit Early Varieties susceptible to many pests and has yet to be found. However, your climate. Low-chill 'Fairhaven' This large diseases and spraying is often the genetic dwarf peaches peaches have been bred for peach is bright yellow with an necessary for a g-OOd harvest. grow In bush shape to about short, mild winters and may attractive red cheek and light If you choose not to spray your 4 to 7 feet tall and require no bloom too early or freeze in fuzz. The firm freestone flesh peach trees you will have to be pruning to maintain size or the North. Be sure to buy is yellow with red at the pit. force growth. At most you will prepared to lose some or all of hardy, high-chill varieties for The fruit freezes we11. The your crop in a bad year. clip ollt tangles and remove the North. A high-chill peach tree has showy flowers. Good Peaches cannot tolerate ex­ broken twigs. Genetic dwarfs will leaf out and flower errati­ for the West. Origin: Michigan. treme winter cold or late frost, are a good choice for patio cally in southern Mississippi, so in the northern Plains containers or small yards. You while a low-chill peach may 'Flavorerest' A large, firm, yellow freestone with good Da­ States and northern New won't have any trouble fitting try to bloom before the bwt vor, it.s skin is blushed red. England, peaches arB purely a genetic dwarf peach into frost In Tennessee. Good for California. Origin: experimental. The hardiest, whatever space is available The universal peach ail­ California. such as 'Reliance', may sur­ to you. ment in the West is leaf curl, vive and bear in a protected In the home garden peach but you can control it easily 'Garnet Beauty' This vari­ spot, but you can't be sure. trees can be planted two or with a copper spray. You will ety is an early sport of Peaches do well in the more three to a hole if the varieties also probably encounter the 'Redhaven'. Medium to large temperate climates near the are well chosen. This will major Insect pest, the peach semifreestone fruit hangs on Great Lakes, but choose the spread the harvest over sev­ tree borer, gnawing the trunk the tree until overripe. The wannest site available for eral weeks. Dig an extra large at ground level. Brown rot at­ firm flesh is yellow streaked planting. A protected sunny planting hole and set tw-0 to tacks fruit but is controllable with red and is s1ightly fi­ spot where cold air can't col­ three varieties together with with sprays. In the East and brous. The tree is vigorous and lect and sit is the right place their roots almost touching. South, check the list for vari­ hardy and produces heavy for your tree. You can also graft different eties resistant to bacterial crops that achieve good size Some of the greatest limbs to different varieties spot. Brown rot and plum cur­ and color even inside the tree. peach-growing country in the and have three varieties on a culio are the chief pests in the It is susceptible to bacterial world is in the West: Califor­ single tree. North and South. See pages leaf spot. Good for the North. nia alone produces 50 percent Once a crop sets on a peach 29--37 for control methods. Widely available. Origin: On­ of the commercial peaches in tree, you may not even see the tario, Canad~. the United States. Peaches branches through all the fruit. Very Early Varieties 'Golden Jubilee' An old also do well in South Carolina, You can't leave it all on the 'Desert Gold' This medium­ standby, this medium to large Georgia, semicoastal areas of tree because it will be small sized, round fruit has yellow freestone has skin mottled the East, and dry areas of and of poor quality, it slows skin with a red blush. The bright red. The flesh is yellow, Washington. branch growth, and it may flesh is yellow, firm, and fl.rm, and coarse. The tree is To produce great peaches snap branches. Thin it out semifreestone. The tree is hardy and sets heavy crops the climate must fulftll high­ when it reaches thumbnail fairly vigorous and productive but is self-thinning. Good for chill requirements (700 to size. For early-season peaches, and requires heavy thinning. all zones. Widely available. 1,000 hours of cold winter leave 6 to 8 inches of space be-­ The chilling requirement is Origin: New Jersey. weather at 45° For below) tween fruit; for late seaoon very low: 200--300 hours. Good unless otherwise stated. This peaches, leave 4 to 5 inches for the desert and coastal shouJd be followed by warm between fruit. arBas of the West. Origin: dry spring weather and hot California. summers. Gardeners not blessed with this prime cli- 'Redhaven' 'Sunhaven'

'Redhaven' One of the finest withstand -200 to -25° F in Jan­ stone for Southern California. 'Early Elberta' (Gleason early peaches, this medium­ uary and February and will The tree has average vigor Strain) This large freestone sized freestone is widely rec­ still produce a crop that same and productiveness. The fruit matures 3 to 10 days before ommended. The skin is deep year. The large freestone fruit has yellow skin with a red 'Elberta'. The flesh is yellow red over a yellow ground. The has dark red skin over a yel· blush, good flavor, and firm and is of better flavor than flesh is yellow, firm, and non­ low background. The flesh is flesh. Available in Southern 'Elberta'. It is good for canning browning. Fruit sets heavily bright yellow, medium firm, California. Origin: California. and freezing. The tree is hardy and is good for freezing. This and slightly stringy. The flow­ 'Veteran' A favorite in and consistently productive. tree needs heavy thinning but ers are showy. Good for the western Washington and Ore­ Good for the South and West. rewards with outstanding North and West. Widely avail­ gon, this medium to large fruit Widely available. Origin: Utah. fruit. The tree is spreading, able. Origin: New Hampshire. is yellow splashed with red 'J. H. Hale' The skin of this vigorous, and highly produc­ 'Springcrest' This is a me­ and has medium fuzz. The extralarge freestone is deep tive and resists bacterial leaf dium-sized, flavorful, yellow nearly freestone flesh is yel­ crimson over a yellow back­ spot. Good for all zones. freestone variety. The tree is low and soft. The tree is vigor­ ground and nearly fuzzless. Widely available. Origin: vigorous and productive and ous and highly productive­ The flesh is golden yellow and Michigan. has showy flowers. The fruit one of the very best in cool firm. This variety needs cross­ Note: 'Early Redhaven' is matures in late May. Good for Pacific climates. Good for the pollination for best production. nearly identical, but two the West. Origin: California. West. Origin: Ontario, Canada. Good for all zones. Widely weeks earlier. 'Sunhaven' The skin of this available. Origin: Connecticut. 'Redtop' The large fruit is medium to large peach is Midseason Varieties 'July Elberta' ('Kim nearly covered with an attrac­ bright red over a golden 'Babcock' The small to me­ Elberta') This variety is tive blush and light fuzz. The ground and has short, soft dium-sized fruit is light pink best suited for the Willamette yellow freestone flesh is un­ fuzz. The firm, fine-textured, blushed red with little fuzz. Valley in Oregon. The medium­ usually firm and good for can­ and nonbrowning flesh is yel­ The skin peels easily. The sized fruit is greenish yellow ning or freezing. The tree is low flecked with red. '!'he tree white flesh is red near the pit, blushed and streaked with dull moderately vigorous and some­ is vigorous and consistently tender, juicy and has a mild red and very fuzzy. The yellow what susceptible to bacterial productive. Recommended for flavor. The medium to large flesh is of high quality. The leaf spot. The flowers are all zones. Widely available. tree is spreading and vigorous, tree is vigorous and bears showy. Good for the West. Origin: Michigan. but needs heavy thinning heavily but is susceptible to Origin: California. 'Ventura' This is a good early in the season to produce bacterial leaf spot. Good for 'Reliance' A promising low-chill ( 400 hours below large fruit. Good for the West, the West. Origin: California. home garden variety, this tree 45• F), yellow-fleshed free- particularly Southern Califor­ is very winter hardy. It will nia. Origin: California. 'Veteran' 'Early Elberta'

'Loring' This medium-sized 'Blake' This large freestone low heavily blushed with red. duces delicious white-1leshed freestone has a slight fuzz and has red, slightly fuzzy skin. This one may require consider­ freestone peaches. The skin is is blushed red over a yellow The flesh is yellow and firm. It able thinning for large fruit. red. Available in the East and ground. The 1lesh is yellow, is good for freezing and excel­ The blossoms are especially North. Origin: New Jersey. firm, and medium textured. It lent for canning. It is suscep­ showy. Origin: California. 'Redskin' This popular resists bacterial leaf spot. tible to bacterial canker. Good 'Jefferson' Especially peach ripens after 'Elberta'. It Good for the North and South. for the North and South. suited to localities where late has good red color and handles Widely available. Origin: Origin: New Jersey. spring frosts are a problem, well. It is excellent for freez­ Missouri. 'Cresthaven' The skin of this peach is noted for its fine ing, canning, and eating fresh. 'Suncrest' This firm, large this medium to large freestone texture and flavor. The skin is Widely available in the East freestone has a red blush over is bright red over a gold bright red over a bright or­ and North. Origin: Maryland. yellow skin. It is susceptible to ground and almost fuzzless. ange background. The flesh is 'Rio Oso Gem' The skin of bacterial leaf spot and should The flesh is yellow and yellow and firm. lt is a reliable this large freestone is red over be grown in the West and nonbrowning. The tree is producer that cans and freezes a yellow ground; the flesh is other areas without this dis­ hardy. It is good for canning well. It has some resistance to yellow, firm, fine in texture, ease. It is hardy in cold sec­ and freezing. Good for the brown rot. Good for the North and nonbrowning. It is good tions of the North. Widely North and South. Widely avail­ and South. Origin: Virginia. both fresh and for freezing. available. Origin: California. able. Origin: Michigan. 'Madison' Adapted to the The blossoms are light pink, 'Elberta' This large free­ mountain areas of Virginia, very large, and showy, and Late Varieties stone is the old favorite for a this variety has exceptional appear later than most peach 'Belle of Georgia' ('Georgia midseason crop. The skin is tolerance to frosts during the bl0s.50ms. The tree is produc­ Belle') The skin of this out­ red blushed over a deep golden blossoming season, setting tive but not vigorous. Good for standing white peach is red yellow. The fruit tends to drop crops where others fail. The the South and West. Widely blushed over creamy white. at maturity. It is resistant to skin of this medium-sized free­ available. Origin: California. The flesh is white and· firm, brown rot. Good for all zones. stone fruit is bright red over a 'Sunhigh' This is a very has excellent 11avor, and is Origin: Georgia. bright orange-yellow ground. good medium to large free­ fair for freezing but poor for 'Fay Elberta' In California The 1lesh is orange-yellow, stone. The skin is bright red canning. The tree is vigorous, this ranks as the most popular very firm, and fine in texture. over a yellow ground. The very winter hardy, and pro­ all-purpose freestone peach. It The growth of the tree is aver­ flesh is yellow and firm. The ductive but very susceptible to equals 'Elberta' for eating age to vigorous. Good for the tree is vigorous and spreading. brown rot. Good for the North fresh, cook ing, and canning, North and South. Widely avail­ It is very susceptible to bacte­ and South. Widely available. and excels it for freezing. It able. Origin: Virginia. rial leaf spot and requires Origin: Georgia. ranks below 'Elberta' in adapt­ 'Raritan Rose' This vigor­ thorough summer spraying. ability, growing where winters ous, winter hardy tree pro- Good for the North and South. fall to 20° F. The color is ye!- Origin: New Jersey. Nectarines The nectarine is simply a fuzzless peach. Peach trees sometimes produce nectarines as sports, and nectarine trees will produce fuzzy peach sports. The two plants are nearly identical, but nectar· ines are generally more sus· ceptible to brown rot. Garden· ers in the South may have trouble with the disease be­ cause hot humid weather en­ courages it. You will have to spray regularly to control it. Otherwise, nectarines require the same care as peaches.

Early Varieties 'Earliblaze' This is a me­ dium-sized, clingstone, yellow­ fleshed fruit that ripens ahead of the 'Redhaven' peach. It has red skin and a prominent su­ ture (seam down the length of 'Earliblaze' the fruit). Good for the North and South. Origin: California. 'Sungold' This medium­ 'Flavortop' The large oval 'Panamint' The fruit has a sized freestone has red skin fruit is mostly red, with firm, red skin, and the freestone 'Independence' This me­ and firm yellow flesh. It is a smooth, freestone, yellow flesh is yellow. The tree is vig­ dium-sized, oval fruit has bril­ moderate-chill (555 hours be­ flesh. The tree is vigorous and orous and productive and liant cherry-red skin. The free­ low 4-0° F) variety and has productive with showy flowers needs little winter chilling. stone flesh is yellow and firm. some resistance to brown rot. and needs moderate winter Good for the South and West. The tree is productive and Good for the South. Origin: cold. It is susceptible to brown Origin: California. moderately vigorous, with Florida. rot and bacterial leaf spot. showy flowers. It will take 'Pioneer' The fruit has a 'Sunred' This low-chill nec­ Good for the South and West. thin red skin. The freestone warm winters. Good for the Origin: California. South and West. Origin: tarine (300 hours below 45° F) yellow flesh is red near the pit California. is adapted to Florida and rip­ 'Mericrest' An extremely and has a rich, distinctive fla­ ens there in May. It is a small, winter hardy, yellow-fleshed, vor. The tree requires little 'Pocahontas' The medium yellow-fleshed clingstone with red-skinned nectarine with a chilling and has large, showy to large oval fruit is bright red skin. Origin: Florida. large suture. It resists bacte­ blossoms. Good for the West. red. The semifreestone flesh is rial leaf spot and brown rot. Locally available. Origin: yellow, slightly stringy, and of Midseason Varieties Good for the North. Origin: California. good quality. This variety re­ New Hampshire. sists brown rot and frost dur­ 'Fanta.sia' This fairly large 'Redchief' This medium ing the blossoming season. The fruit has bright yellow skin 'Nectared 4' The fairly fruit is bright red and attrac­ tive. The flesh is freestone, flowers are not showy. Good covered up to two thirds with large fruit is yellow \vith a red for the North and South. Ori­ a red blush. 1'he freest.one blush over much of the sur­ white, and fairly firm. The gin: Virginia. flesh is yellow, firm, and face. The semifreestone flesh tree is vigorous and produc­ smooth. The tree is vigorous is yellow. The tree is produc­ tive, has showy flowers, and is 'Silver Lode' The skin of and productive with showy tive with showy flowers. Good very resistant to brown rot. this fruit is red. The freestone flowers. It requires moderate for the North and South. Ori­ Good for the South. Origin: flesh is white and sweet and chilling (500-600 hours below gin: New Jersey. Virginia. of good texture. The tree re­ 45° F) and is susceptible to quires little chilling. Good for 'Nectared 5' The large fruit brown rot and bacterial leaf is smooth with a blush cover­ the South and West. Origin: spot. Good for the South and California. ing most of the yellow skin. West. Origin: California. The yellow flesh is semifree­ stone until fully ripe, then freestone. The tree is produc­ tive. Good for the South. Ori· gin: New Jersey. 'Redgold' A hardy, firm, freestone nectarine with glossy red skin, resists brown rot and cracking, but is sus· ceptible to mildew. Good for the North and South. Origin: California.

Late Varieties 'Cavalier' The medium fruit is orange-yelJow with splashes and mottles of red. The yellow freestone flesh is firm, aro­ matic, and slightly bitter. The vigorous and productive tree has showy flowers and resists brown rot. Good for the North and South. Origin: Virginia. 'Fairlane' This very late ripening, red-skinned, yellow clingstone is good for the West. Origin: California. 'Flamekist' This Is a large, red-skinned, yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine. It has moderate-chill requirements (500-600 hours below 45° F). It Genetic Dwarf 8 feet and spread 6 to 9 feet. 'Compact Redhaven' This is unfortunately susceptible to Peaches and They can be used as orna· tree is larger than other brown rot and bacterial leaf Nectarines mentals and require minimal dwarfs (up to IO feet), and its spot. Good for the West. The genetic dwarf peaches pruning. Their fruit flavor and leaves and growth habit re­ Origin: California. and nectarines form dense texture a.re not as good as semble those of standard trees those of standard-sized vari­ more than genetic dwarfs. The 'Gold Mine' The large fruit bushes, with long leaves trail· eties, so they are not used fruit resemble 'Redhaven' in of this favorite old variety is ing in tiers from the branches. commercially. The fruit must size, quality, and color but are white blushed with red. The In spring the branches are be thinned, and the trees need borne on a more compact tree. juicy white freestone flesh has entirely hidden by flowers normal spraying for all the It tolerates cold better than a sweet aroma and excellent that are usually semidouble peach diseases and pests. other genetic dwarfs. Good for flavor. Tt is a moderate-chill and always very showy. In These dwarfs are more suscep­ all zones, especially the North, variety (500 hours below winter the bare plants are also tible to mites than normal· Midwest, and East. Origin; 45° F). Good for the West. Ori· visually interesting. The fruit sized peach trees. Washington. gin: New Zealand. is of normal size. These dwarf plants were 'Empress' This medium· 'Late Le Grand' The large Most require moderate created by breeding numerous sized, yellow-fleshed cling· clingstone fruit has yellow winter chilling (400-600 hours varieties, but they all probably stone with glowing pink skin skin with a light red blush. below 45° F) for good bloom. share the common heritage has a sweet flavor and juicy This was the first large, firm, None are blossom hardy in of the 'Swataw' peach or the texture. It has a moderate­ yellow commercial nectarine. really cold places, but they can 'Flory' peach, both Chinese chill requirement (500-600 The spreading tree is produc· be grown in containers and genetic dwarf varieties. hours below 45° F) and ripens tive and has large, showy protected until the warm sea­ in early August in California. flowers. It is susceptible to son. If you try this method in Genetic Dwarf Peaches Good for the West and South. brown rot and bacLerial leaf the coldest northern regions, 'Bonanza' A medium-sized, Origin: California. spot. Good for the West. you may have to pollinate the yellow-fleshed freestone with Origin: California. flowers yourself with a pencil 'Garden Gold' Thls is a eraser, touching it first to pol­ a red blush, this was the origi­ large, yellow-fleshed freestone len, then to the stigma of a nal genetic dwarf peach devel­ with red skin and cavity. A different flower. oped for the home gardener moderate-chlll variety (500- The plants can be kept in from earlier dwarfs like 600 hours below 45° F) with containers until about 5 feet 'Flory'. It has a moderate-chlll showy flowers, the fruit ripens tall, but in the ground they requirement (about 500 hours in mid-August in California. will eventually reach 6 to below 45° F), and the fruit rip· Good for the West and South. ens in mid-June in California. Origin: California. Good for the West and South. Origin: California. 'Garden Sun' 'l'his large, yellow-fleshed freestone has red skin and cavity. A moder­ ate-chill variety (500-600 hours below 45° F), the fruit ripens in early August in Cali­ fornia. Good for the West and South. Odgin: California. 'Honey Babe' A large, firm, orange-fleshed freestone with red skin, this fruit rates high for flavor and sweetness. It is a moderate-chill variety (500-600 hours below 45° F), ripening before 'Redhaven'­ mid-June in California. Good for the West and South and worth trying in the East with protection. Origin: California. 'Southern Flame' A large, yellow freestone with red skin and caviLy, this is a good eat­ ing fruit that ripens in late July in California. It has low­ chill requirements (about 400 'Nectarina' hours below 46° F). Good for the West and South. Origin: Genetic Dwarf Nectarines in the East and North if given Pears California. 'Garden Beauty' This yel­ winter protection. Origin: Pears, especially dwarf pears, 'Southern Rose' 'l'his is a low-fleshed clingstone with California. are a ftne choice for the home large, firm, yellow-fleshed red skin has a low·chlll re­ 'Nectarina' A medium-sized, gardener. The trees are attrac­ freestone with red blush. quirement (about 400 hours yellow-fleshed freestone with tive even in winter; they re­ Rated as a low-chill (300-400 below 45° F). It has large dou­ a red blush and cavity, the quire little pruning after they hours below 45° F) variety, the ble flowers and ripens in late fruit of this low-chill variety begin to bear; they begin to fruit ripens in early August in August in California. Good for (300-400 hours below 45° F) bear early; and the fruit stores California. Good for low-chill the South and West. Origin: ripens in mid-July. Good for areas of the West and South. California. the South and West. Origin: Origin: California. 'Garden Delight' A yellow­ California. 'Southern Sweet' 'l'his lleshed freestone, this has a 'Southern Belle' 'l'his is a medium-sized, yellow-fleshed low-chill requirement and red large, yellow-fleshed freestone freestone has a red blush and skin. The fruit ripens in mid­ with red blush. 'l'he fruit of August in California. Good for this low-chill variety (300-400 good llavor. This moderate· fairly well without any special the South and West. Origin: hours below 45° F) ripens in chill variety (500-600 hours requirements. The plants take California. early August in California. below 45° F) matures in mid- well to formal or informal J une in California, ahead of 'Garden King' This yellow­ Good for the South and West. Origin: California. training so space is not a 'Redhaven'. Origin: California. lleshed clingstone with red problem. 'Sunburst' A large, firm, skin has a low-chill require­ 'Sunbonnet' 'l'his is a large, Standard pears will spread firm, yellow-fleshed clingstone yellow-fleshed clingstone with ment and ripens in mid­ 25 feet across and grow as tall with a red blush. 'l'he fruit of a red blush, the fruit is juicy August in California. Good for or taller. A dwarf in natural this moderate-chill variety with a red cavity, has good fla­ the South and West. Origin: shape needs a space about 15 vor, and ripens in mid-July. California. (about 500 hours below 45° F) feet square, but with the prun­ ripens in mid-July in Califor­ It is a high-chill variety (900 'Golden Prolific' 'l'his large, ing and training methods nia. Origin: California. hours below 45° F) suggested yellow-fleshed freestone with described on pages 39-57 you for warm areas or the East orange skin and a red center can grow a pear flat against and South and colder areas of has a high-chill requirement a fen ce or wall using very the West. Origin: California. (900 hours below 45° F). The little space. fruit ripens in late August. You don't need to thin the Good only for high-chill areas fruit, but if a very heavy crop in the West but worth trying sets, remove fruit that is dam· aged or very undersized. Thin a few weeks before harvest. Midseason Varieties 'Bartlett' This familiar commercial pear is yellow, medium to large, and thin skinned. The flesh is very sweet and tender, fine for eat­ ing, and good for canning as well. The tree does not have especially good form and is subject to flreblight. It takes summer heat, provided there is adequate cold in winter. In cool climates it needs a polli· nator (any variety but 'Seckel' or 'Magness') to set fruit well. Good for all zones. Widely available. Origin: England. 'Lincoln' Called by some "the most dependable pear for the Midwest," this variety bears large fruit abundantly. The tree is extremely hardy and blight resistant. Good for the North and South. Origin: 'Bartlett' unknown- Midwest. All pears need a pollinator. place if you intend to eat them 'Moonglow' This large at­ 'Magness' The medium­ sized oval fruit has a slightly Use almost any other pear. within a few weeks. For longer tractive fruit is soft and juicy 'Bartlett' is a poor polli nat-0r storage refrigerate the har­ with a mild flavor. Use it for russet color. The flesh is for 'Seckel', however, and vested fruit and remove it canning or eating fresh. The highly perfumed. The tree is 'Magness' does not pollinate from cold storage about a tree is upright, vigorous, and vigorous and spreads widely even for a pear: This variety anything. week before you want to use heavily spurred and begins produces small amounts of The one real drawback it. Pears ripen faster if they bearing a good crop when with pears is fireblight, but are held with other pears in a quite young. It resists flre­ good quality fruit. It wm not a home gardener can work poorly ventilated spot. For fast blight, so it is good wherever pollinate any other pear vari­ around it by choosing varieties ripening place several in a the disease is a severe prob­ eties. It is highly resistant to fireblight. Good for the South wisely and diligently pruning plastic container. lem. Good for all zones. Widely and West. Origin: Maryland. off diseased wood. Fireblight available. Origin: Maryland. 'Maxine' ('Starking is at its worst in spring, when Early Varieties 'Orient' This nearly round insects carry it from tree to 'Clapp's Favorite' This fruit has firm flesh that Delicious') This large and tree. Resistant plants are the large yellow fruit with red makes it a good canner; how­ attractive fruit has firm, juicy, sweet white flesh. The tree is best answer. Cut off any in ­ cheeks resembles 'Bartlett'. ever, the flavor is too mild somewhat blight resistant. fected tissue well below the The flesh is soft, sweet, and for a good fresh pear. The tree Good for the North and South. infection and burn it. Other good both for eating and can­ produces moderate crops and Origin: Ohio. pests are codling moth, mites, ning. The tree is attractively resists flreblight. Good for the pear psylla, and pear slug. See shaped and very productive South. Origin: California. 'Parker' This medium to pages 29-37. but highly susceptible to 'Red Clapp' ('Starkrimson') large pear is yellow with a Most fruits are best when fireblight. Since it is hardy, An attractive red-skinned red blush. The flesh is white, picked ripe or nearly so. Pears this variety is best in cold, sport of 'Clapp's Favorite', it juicy, and pleasantly sweet. are the exception. A tree­ late-spring zones. Good for the does well in the West or North The tree is upright, vigorous, ripened pear breaks down and North and West. Widely avail­ but is susceptible to fireblight. and fairly hardy but suscep· tible to flreblight. Good for turns soft and brown at the able. Origin: Massachusetts. It has good quality fruit. the North. Origin: Minnesota. core. Always harvest pears Good for the West and North. when they have reached full Origin: Michigan. size but are still green and firm. Hold them in a cool, dark 1 sc'

'Anjou' 'Secke.I' 'Cornice'

'Sensation Red Bartlett' with a heavy perfume that 'Duchess' This pear is 'Mericou.rt' This pear is ('Sensation') Juicy, white, makes some people consider it greenish yellow and very green to yellow-green, some­ 'Bartlett'-flavored flesh is cov­ among the very finest pears. large. The flesh is fine tex­ times blushed deep red and ered by yellow skin heavily It is good fresh or canned and tured and of good flavor. The flecked with brown. The blushed red. The tree form re­ is especially fine for cooking. tree is symmetrical and bears creamy white flesh is nearly sembles 'Bartlett' but is small­ The tree is large and suscep­ annually. Good for the North. grit free and is good fresh or er; leaves and shoots have a tible to fireblight. Good .for Origin: France. for canning. A vigorous tree, reddish tinge. It is susceptible the North and West. Widely 'Gorham' Of excellent qual­ it will withstand -23° F during to blight, and in cool climates available. Origin: France. ity, this fruit strongly re­ full dormancy. It resists both it needs a pollinator. Good for 'Cornice' The large, round sembles 'Bartlett' but ripens fireblight and leaf spot. the West. Origin: Australia. fruit is green to yellow-green later and can be stored longer. Good for the South. Origin: with a tough skin. This sweet, The tree is dense, upright, vig­ Tennessee. Late Varieties aromatic, and juicy pear is the orous, and productive. Good 'Patten' This large, juicy ~ou' The fruit is large finest for eating but is not rec­ for the North and South. pear is particularly good fresh and green, with a stocky neck. ommended for canning. The Origin: New York. and fair for canning. Since the The firm flesh has a mild fla­ large vigorous tree is slow to 'Kietfer' This sand pear tree is especially hardy, it vor and is not especially juicy. bear and moderately susc,-ep­ hybrid has large yellow fruit should be considered for the It stores well and is good for tible to fireblight. It sets fruit that is often gritty and there­ northern Mississippi valley eating fresh or for canning. better with a pollinator and fore poor for fresh use, but it where 'Bartlett' and ~njou' The tree is upright and vigor­ should be grown on dwarfiing keeps well in storage and is fail. Good for the North. ous but susceptible to fire­ quince rootstock. This is the excellent for cooking and can­ Origin: Louisiana. blight. Originating in the mild specialty of the Medford re­ ning. The tree is especially 'Seckel' This is a small, area near the Loire, it is not gion in Oregon, but it does well recommended because of a yellow-brown fruit that is not recommended for hot-summer in home garden.~ along the high resistance to fireblight especially attractive but has areas. Good for the North and California coast. Good for the amounting to near immunity. the finest aroma and flavor of West. Widely available. There West. Origin: France. It needs little winter chill but any home garden pear. Eat it are also red 'Anjou' selections stands both cold and heat well, fresh or use it whole for spiced available. Origin: France. so its range is wide. Good for preserves. The tree is highly 'Bose' This long, narrow the East, North, South, and productive and very fireblight fruit has a heavy russet color. Midwest. Widely available. resistant. It sets fruit best The flesh is firm, even crisp, Origin: Pennsylvania. with a pollinator (any pear but 'B~tlett' or 'Magness'). Good for all zones. Widely available. Origin: New York. 'Shenseiki'

Asian Pears are pruned like ordinary pear Varieties flavored. The medium-sized (Apple Pears) trees. Like other pears, they 'Chojuro' A flat, russet­ applelike fruit is a glowing Asian pears are true pears, but espalier well. The blossom is skinned variety with a strong color; lasting are a different species than white and attractive. flavor, this fruit is very firm, time after harvest is two to the common pear. The com­ The fruit has its own stores a long time, and bears three months. Origin: Japan. mon .name "apple pear" has characteristic flavor, texture, as regularly as clockwork ev­ 'Twentieth Century' probably been given them be­ and juiciness. All are suscep­ ery year. Origin: Japan. ('Nijisseiki') A flat, green tible to fireblight and need cause their texture is crisp 'Hosui' Golden brown skin pear with fine flavor, this is like an apple, and some of cross-pollination with any the most popular Asian pear in other pear that flowers at the covers a large, apple-shaped fruit with notably fine-tex­ California. It tends to bear in same time. alternate years since it crops All Asian pears grow well tured, juicy, sweet flesh. Fruit lasts up to six months after very heavily. Thin to one fruit on the West Coast and they picking. Origin: Japan. per cluster. Origin: Japan .. may grow in the South or the 'Kikusui' This flat, yellow 'Ya Li' A pear-shaped fru it East if adequate fireblight with fine texture and flavor. protection can be provided. pear has good texture and is a very juicy, mild-flavored vari· 'Ya Li' is partially self-fertile them are shaped like apples. They are best grown on Asian so it will set fruit without a But they are not crosses be­ rootstocks, although they are ety. Pick when the skin begins to turn yellow. Origin: Japan. pollinator but will produce a tween apples and pears. They very dwarf on quince root­ heavier crop with a pollinator. are a distinctly different fruit, stock. Fruit should be thinned 'Shenseiki' A flat., yellow Because it blooms earlier than pear with good texture and with their own unique flavor. to one fruit per spur and this most other varieties, it must This group of pears is native is best done when fruit is flavor, th is is the earliest ma­ have an early pollinator such to Japan and China. They % inch in diameter, six to turing quality Asian pear and as 'Tsu Li' or 'Seuri'. Thin for were selected for size, shape, seven weeks after bloom. should be picked when the best size and annual bearing. skin is yellow. Origin: Japan. flavor, and Jack of grittiness. The fruit should be picked An extremely low chill re­ The fruit is eaten firm like an when it is ripe, not picked 'Shinko' Perhaps the heavi­ quirement (300 hou rs below apple, and it will keep in the early and ripened indoors as est bearer of Asian pears, it is 45° F) means this apple pear refrigerator for four to eight with other pears. also fine textured and rich will set fruit in warm southern months without getting soft areas. Origin: China. like a 'Bartlett' pear. They bloom and ripen just like a 'Bartlett' pear and the trees 'Hachiya' 'F'uyu'

Perslln.mons well in any well-drained soil not astringent when firm. You Oriental persimmons set The persimmon belongs to the and makes a fine medium­ do not need to ripen and fruit without pollination. The same family of plants as the sized shade tree with large soften it before eating. large fruit, 3 to 4 inches in di­ ebony tree of southern Asia. leaves that turn a rich gold to Use a persimmon tree as ameter, are usually picked in The American persimmon, orange-red in the fall. A heavy an attractive background October before the first fro.st. f}iospyros virginiana, grows crop of orange fruit decorates plant in a shrub border, or in Oriental persimmons stand as a native from Connecticut the bare branches until win­ front of evergreens (where it winter temperatures to about F, to Kansas and southward, but ter. It can be grown in the shows off its leaves and fruit o· but they need only a southern states and on the best). Since the persimmon short chill period (100-200 West Coast. grows slowly, it takes well to hours below 45° F) to fruit Persimmon foliage is large espalier training. Train it in­ well in southern locations. and glossy, with leaves reach­ formally against a flat surface, In the West the persimmon ing 4 to 6 inches in length. The or use a trellis to form a per­ has no serious pests. In the new spring leaves are bronze simmon hedge. It will also East a flat-headed borer may or reddish, and in fall they grow well as a single lawn attack the trunk, but it can be it won't take the extreme cold turn to shades of yellow, pink, tree, but you'll have a problem removed by hand. of the northern plains or and red. The fruit hangs on in late fall when the soft fruit northern New England. It has into the first frosts and is or­ drops and squashes. Varieties small, edible fruit up to 2Y.i ange with a red blush. American persimmons are American Persimmons inches in diameter. Store persimmons in the normally dioecious, meaning Good varieties include 'Early The large persimmon found refrigerator and use only after that some trees are male, pro­ Golden', 'Garretson', 'Hicks', in the market is the Oriental they soften. Placing them in a ducing pollen but no fruit, 'John Rick', 'Juhl', and persimmon, Diospyros kaki, bag with an apple will hasten while others are female. You 'Meader', which sets seedless the ripening process. Eat them will need a female tree for fruit and needs no pollinat-0r. when they soften, or use the fruit and a male close by for Oriental Persimmons Good flesh as you would applesauce pollen. Plant both unless you varieties include 'Chocolate', or bananas. If you want to have wild trees near your 'Fuyu', 'Hachiya', and 'Tane­ store it., mash the soft pulp out garden. Some improved vari­ nashi'. 'Hachiya' is the popular of the skin for freezing, and eties bear fruit without requir­ large fruit sold commercially. discard the tough skin. 'Fuyu' ing a separate pollinator, but 'Chocolate' has dark flesh and its many varieties. It is is the one persimmon that these are not yet generally around its seeds and is a type could be far more popular available. than it is if more gardeners re­ of persimmon rather than a alized the great value of both variety. tree and fruit. The tree grows Plums Plum trees beat for 10 to Of all the stone fruits, plums 16 years or more, and standard are the most varied. They plum trees take space. Expect range from hardy little cherry your tree to fill an area 15 to 20 feet square. Bush and plums and sand cherries to hybrids with the hardiness of cherry plums reach 6 feet or natives, sweet European plums so and may spread as wide or (and the prunes made from wider. A dwarfed European them), and sweet or tart Japa­ plum on Nanking cherry roots nese plums. will get as tall as 10 to 12 feet European plums tend to in height. All the large-fruit Japa­ be small, and most varieties are egg-shaped. The flesh is nese plums must be thinned five to eight weeks after rather dry and very sweet. Prunes from these plums are bloom. Thin fruit to 4 to 6 the sweetest and easiest to inches apart. European plums dry. The plants are fairly should have clust.ers thinned to two or three fruit per spur. The young trees should be pruned as discussed on page 49. Bush varieties need their oldest shoots trimmed off at ground level after about four years of bearing to encourage hardy, but some varieties do new growth. 'Early Go.Iden' welJ in mild-winter areas. All Tree plums don't lend varieties are self-pollinating, themselves to confinement, so 'Earliblue' This European 'Mariposa' The large, heart­ except for those noted. use bush types if your space is blue plum has tender, green­ shaped, Japanese fruit has Japanese plums have rel­ limited. Use bush types as yellow flesh resembling 'Stan­ mottled red and yellow skin atively large, soft, and juicy shrubby screens or try them in ley' but softer. Production is enclosing sweet, red, freestone fruit, sometimes with tart containers. moderate, but fine for the flesh. Fruit is good both for flesh near the pit. The plants Brown rot is a major con­ home garden and the tree is eating fresh and for cooking. are the least hardy of the vari­ cern and requires summer hardy. It is best planted in the The ripening time is mid-July. ous kinds of plum, although se­ spraying. See page 34. Bacte­ North, and ripens in mid- to Because of its low-ehilJ re­ lected varieties are grown in rial leaf spot is a serious prob­ lat.e July in Michigan. Origin: quirement (only 400 hours be­ lem for most Japanese plums Unknown. low 45° F), this is good choice in the South and the East., but 'Early Golden' A round, for the mildest winter cli­ it is not a problem on other medium-sized Japanese plum, mates. For pollinators use types of plums. Japanese types it is yellow and of fair quality. 'Late Santa Rosa', 'Santa . do best in the West; European The stone is small and free. Rosa', or 'Wickson'. Origin: types are best in the East; and The tree is vigorous, outgrow­ California. bush types grow well in the ing other varieties, but it has 'Methley' This small to me­ the milder northern regions. South, Midwest, and North. Taste one to test for ripeness a tendency to bear in alternate

  • 'Santa Rosa' This popular 'Shiro' This medium to large 'Damson' This old European Good for the North, Midwest, large Japanese plum has deep Japanese plum is round and plum is derived from a differ­ and South. Widely available. crimson skin. Its flesh is pur­ yellow and has a good flavor. ent species than other Euro­ Origin: Missouri. plish near the skin and yellow Use it fresh or for cooking. pean plums. The smallish blue 'Queen Ann' The large, free­ streaked with pink near the The tree produces heavily. Use fruit is best for jam, jelly, and st-One purple fruit has golden pit. It is good for dessert or 'Early Golden', 'Methley', or preserves. improved varieties orange flesh. The combined canning. Use any early or mid­ 'Santa Rosa' as a pollinator. include 'Blue Damson ', 'French qualities of juiciness, rich season plum for improved pol­ The fruit ripens in early July Damson', and 'Shropshire flavor, and no tartness at the lination. The fruit ripens in in California and the South, in Damson'. The trees are small pit make it an esteemed Japa· CaUfornia in mid-June, later late July in Michigan. Good for and self-pollinating, and the nese dessert plum. The fruit in the North. Good for all all zones. Widely available. fruit ripens at the end of Au­ ripens in mid-July. The tree is zones. Widely available. Origin: California. gust or in September. It is a less vigorous than other Japa­ Origin: California, late plum in the North. Good nese plums. Use 'Santa Rosa' Midseason Varieties for all zones. Widely available. as a pollinator. Origin: Early Mid.season 'Burbank' This large red Origin: England. California. 'Abundance' This purple­ Japanese plum has amber 'Green Gage' ('Reine 'Stanley' The most widely red Japanese plum has tender flesh of excellent flavor. The Claude') The greenish yel­ planted European plum in the yellow flesh that softens trees are fairly small and low European fruit has amber East, Midwest, and South, this quickly. It is good for dessert somewhat drooping. Use the flesh and is good fres h, tree has large, dark blue fruit or cooking. The tree tends to fruit for canning or dessert. cooked, or preserved. The trees with firm, richly flavored yel­ bear every other year. Use Use 'Early Golden' or 'Santa are medium sized and self-pol· low flesh. It bears heavily ev­ 'Methley' or 'Shiro' as a polli­ Rosa' as a pollinator. The fruit linating. The fruit ripens in ery year, is hardy into central nator. The fruit ripens in ripens in early August in the mid-July, later in the North. Iowa, and is self-pollinating. Michigan in late July. Good for Northwest and in mid-July in Good for all zones because it The fruit ripens after mid­ the North. Origin: California. California. Good for all zones. has a low-chill requirement August, into September in 'Satsuma' This is a Japa­ Widely available. Origin: and is cold hardy. Widely northern regions. Good for the nese plum with red juice. The California. available. Origin: Unknown. North. Widely available. meaty fruit is small to me­ 'Ozark Premier' This ex­ Origin: New York. dium, with a dull, dark red tremely large, red Japanese skin, mild red flesh, and a plum has yellow flesh. The small pit. Use it for dessert or trees are disease resistant, pre.serves. Use 'Santa Rosa' or hardy, and productive. The 'Wickson' as a pollinator. Good fruit ripens early in August. for all zones. Widely available. Origin: California. 'Yellow Egg' 'Italian Prune'

    'Sugar' This very sweet, 'French Prune' The small 'President' This large, dark very young and prolifically. dark blue European plum is European fruit is red to pur­ blue European fruit has amber Use 'Toka' as a pollinator. fairly large and excellent for plish black and very sweet flesh and ripens very late, af­ Origin: Minnesota. home drying and canning. The with a mild flavor. This is the ter other plums. IL lacks out­ 'Toka' This large, pointed trees are self-pollinating and main prune variety in Califor­ standing flavor, but use it for fruit is medium red, and often bear in alternate years, with nia. The tree is Large and long­ winter cooking or canning. Use described as apricot colored. light crops in off years. The li ved, often surviving even another late European plum as The flesh is firm and yellow fruit ripens after July 15. after orchards have become a pollinator. The fruit ripens with a rich spicy flavor. The Good for all zones. Origin: housing developments. It is in Michigan at the end of Sep­ tree is a spreading, medium­ California. self-pollinating, and the fruit tember. Good for the North. sized heavy producer, but it 'Yellow Egg' This golden ripens in late August to Sep­ Origin: England. may be short-lived. Use 'Supe· yellow European plum has a tember. Good for the South rior' as a pollinator. Origin: thick skin and yellow flesh. and West. Widely available in Hardy Plums Minnesota. The round-topped, vigorous California. Origin: France. These plums were especially 'Underwood' This very tree is hardy and productive. 'Italian Prune' ('Fellenberg') selected and bred for the cold­ large, red, freestone plum has In the West the tree is planted This dark blue European plum est northern and Great Plains golden yellow flesh that is in Washington. It is self-pol­ is very sweet and good for des­ climates. somewhat stringy but of good linating, and the fruit ripens sert, canning, or drying. It has 'Pipestone' This large red dessert quality. Ripening ex­ in late August. Good for the been the major plum of the fruit has tough skin that is tends over a long season begin­ North and West. Origin: Washington-Oregon area. The easy to peel. The flesh is yel­ ning in July. The tree is vigor­ Unknown. fruit ripens in late August and low and of excellent quality ous and among the hardiest. September. Good for the South but somewhat stringy. The Use 'Superior' as a pollinator. Late Varieties and West. Widely available. tree is vigorous and hardy, Origin: Minnesota. 'Bluefre' This large blue Origin: Germany. performing reliably in cold re­ 'Waneta' This is a large, European freestone has yellow 'Late Casselman' and 'Late gions. Use 'Toka' or 'Superior' tasty, reddish purple plum flesh. The trees are vigorous Santa Rosa' These firm, as a pollinator. Origin: with yellow flesh. Use and self-pollinating and bear late-ripening Japanese plums Minnesota. 'Superior' as a pollinator. young. The fruit ripens early resemble regular 'Santa Rosa' 'Superior' This large, coni­ Origin: South Dakota. in September and hangs on in tree shape and appearance cal red fruit with russet dots well after ripening. It has of fruit, but the fruit is and heavy bloom has yellow, some sensitivity to brown rot. sweeter and much firmer. firm flesh that is excellent for Good for the North. Origin: They mature six weeks later eating fresh. The tree bears Missouri. than 'Santa Rosa'. Origin: California. Pomegranates With its shiny leaves, fleshy orange flowers, and bright red fruit, the pomegranate is one of the most beautiful fruiting plants. The leaves have a red­ dish tint in spring and are bright yellow in fall, providing

    a background that makes the fruit especially attractive. Pomegranates are often thought of as a tropical or desert fruit, but in fact they withstand winter tempera­ tures down to about 10° F. While they do ripen their fruit best in very hot, arid climates, you can harvest edible fruit in 'Wonderful' 'Smyrna' cooler areas. They are ideal plants for the desert South­ ning is not necessary. An ex­ The plants are 15 to 20 feet The trees are self-fertile west because they tolerate cess crop is very decorative if tall and slow growing so they and begin bearing at four to drought. Rain or irrigation left on the tree. The trees are can be trained as trees or as five years. They continue to close to harvest can cause self-fertile, so even a single multiple-stemmed shrubs. produce for 35 years. The fruit pomegranates to split. specimen wlll bear fruit. White or pale pink 2-inch blos­ is rounded or somewhat elon­ The edible portion of a Normally pomegranates soms appear at the tips of new gated, depending on the vari­ pomegranate is the juicy scar­ have no pest or disease prob­ growth in spring; fl~wering is ety. Ripening occurs in late let flesh around the abundant lems, but the leaves can therefore late enough to es­ summer or early fall, when seeds. If you score the skin develop fungus diseases in hu­ cape frost damage. The 2- to 4- fruit color changes from green just down to these seeds in mid climates. inch dark green leaves have to yellow. The fruit will be about six places, cutting from white, feltlike undersides; fo­ hard when ripe but needs stem to flower, you can open Variety liage rather sparsely covers at­ careful handling because it the fruit and expose all the 'Wonderful' This is the tracti vely angled or gnarled bruises easily; storage life is seeds at once. Pomegranates most common pomegranate branches. The large fruit is only a few weeks. are good in fruit salads and and the only one you're likely decorative, and after harvest Only a few cultivars are make an excellent syrup when to see in nurseries. the fol iage turns yellow before available, with little differ­ cooked with sugar and a little dropping. ence among them. water. ThL~ syrup is sold com­ Wherever winter tempera­ mercially as grenadine. Quince tures remain above -15° F- ex­ Varieties You can grow pomegran­ The quince is an underdog cept in the low deserts of the 'Orange' This is sometimes ates as fountain-shaped among fruits, perhaps because Southwest and West-quinces sold as '.Apple' quince and is shrubs or single- or multiple­ it must be cooked before it is stand a good chance of suc­ apple-shaped with orange trunk trees. They reach about edible. Since this processing is cess. They prefer a heavy but flesh. Origin: Southern Europe. 10 to 12 feet tall under ideal no more difficult than stewing well-drained soil but will toler­ 'Pineapple' A rounded fruit conditions but often remain tomatoes, quinces deserve to ate damp soil as well as light with white flesh, this quince smaller. A shrub can spread soils and even some drought. from 6 to 8 feet across. can be cooked without the Fireblight iflhe one seri­ addition of water. Origin: Blossoms form on the cur· ous disease of quince, espe­ California. rent year's growth, and as cially in humid regions. Since the fruit grows heavier it fireblight attacks new growth, 'Smyrna' This variety is pulls down the slender new avoid fertilizing and heavy larger than the others with branches, making a decorative pruning, both of which wiU elongated fruit and yellow flesh. Origin: Turkey. weeping effect. The plant be more widely grown both for stimulate vulnerable shoots. stands drought well, but keep their distinctive fruit and Codling moth is the principal the moisture level even. Thin- their ornamental value. insect pest. BERRIES Berries are tempting to grow because most offer rich re­ wards for a small investment of time and space. A little sun­ light and a pot, for example, are all you neect to grow a crop of luscious strawberries. The small-fruited plants can return bumper crops with minimal effort on your part, and several of the shrubby or vining plants can also add beauty to your landscape. In considering berries you must work out the space and number of plants needed for a reasonable supply of fruit. If the plants are right for your climate and are given excel­ lent care, the number of plants necessary to supply a family of five would be something like this: Strawberries: Trailing blackberries tied to a trellis 25 (20-30 quarts) Raspberries: 24 (20-30 quarts) Blueberries and currants Blackberries Blackberries like a light, Blackberries: make extremely ornamental Blackberries and raspberries well-drained soil with a high 12 (10-15 quarts) shrubs, covered with bloom in are closely related and have moisture-holding capacity. Do Blueberries: 4 (15-17 quarts) spring, and with decorative similar growing requirements, not plant them where toma­ Currants: 3 (10-12 quarts) fruit in later seasons. Blueber­ but blackberries are larger toes, potatoes, or eggplants Gooseberries: 3 (10-12 quarts) ries require light, acid soil, and more vigorous, and some have grown previously, since and constant moisture, so try the site may be infected with Strawberries are without varieties are less hardy. Black­ them where you would grow verticillium wilt and the ber· question the easiest plants to berries come in two fairly azaleas. Currants and ries cannot grow there. work into any space you may gooseberries are an interim Plant in early spring a have available. On a south­ host to a serious disease of month before the last frost. facing apartment terrace you five-needle pines, Set plants 4 to 6 feet apart in can produce a crop in cont.ain­ so in some areas you're not rows 6 to 9 feet apart. Before ers such as strawberry ,jars or allowed to plant them. Where planting, clip canes to 6-mch moss-lined wire strawberry they are permitted nothing stubs and plant at the depth trees. An ideal plant for con­ takes less care, is more deco­ distinct forms-erect and they grew in the nursery. As tainers, where you can find it, rative, or gives a tastier crop. trailing- and have a number soon as new growth begins, cut is the European wild straw­ Grapes, with their lush fo· of different names. any stubs that do not sprout berry, or fraise de bois. Thi~ Liage, fall color, and interest· The ordinary blackberry is and burn them to protect plant won't make runners. It ing vines, are among the best a stiff-caned, fairly hardy plants from anthracnose, a grows in a clump, so a con­ landscaping plants. Use them plant that can stand by itself fungal leaf-spot disease that tainer planting stays compact. on arbors, against walls, as if properly pruned. The trail­ can infect bramble plants. It is The cane berries- black­ fences, or a.~ freestanding ing kind, generally called dew­ a problem in moist, warm cli· berries and raspberries- take shrubs on a pole or trellis. berries, are tender and grown mates, especially in the South. more space, although you can Choose varieties recommended mainly in the South. Trailing Several inches of mulch grow a few in large containers. for your climate since grapes plants from the Pacific Coast will help keep soil moist, pre­ if you train them carefully are especially sensitive to are sold under their variety vent weed growth, and help along a fence or trellis and summer heat. names-for example, 'Boysen' prevent suckers . .Mulches such keep them pruned, they won't and 'Logan'-and are not re­ as fresh straw or sawdust use take very much space, but ferred to as dewberries. These up nitrogen in the soil and you they will produce heavy crops varieties will freeze in the must supply extra nitrogen, of fruit that you just can't buy East and the North without but in general, don't fertilize since the finest flavor disap­ winter protection. too heavily or you'll get lush pears during transportation to plant growth at the expense of your grocery store. a fruit crop. The stiff-caned berries 'Bailey' The fruit is large, need no support, but can be medium firm, and of good confined between two wires to quality. The bush is reliably save space. Trailing blackber· productive. Good for the North ries should be cut to the and parts of the Pacific North­ ground after fruiting and the west. Origin: New York. clippings destroyed to reduce 'Black Satin' These vigor­ the chances of spreading dis­ ous, thornless vines are semi· ease. New growth that sprouts erect, producing heavy crops during the last part of summer of large, elongated, dark ber­ will fruit the following year. ries equally good for fresh eat· If you disturb or cut roots ing or for cooking. Ripening of blackberries they will time coincides with 'Eldorado'. sucker badly. If you want more Good for the South. Origin: plants, chop off pieces of root Maryland. beside the parent plants and 'Brainerd' This large, high· set them in the new planting quality fruit is excellent for site like seed. If you don't processing. The plant is pro­ want more plants, mulch the ductive, vigorous, and hardy. planting instead of cultivating Locally available. Good for the for weed control. Blackberries South. Origin: Georgia. can be more invasive than any other cultivated plant and, if 'Brazos' This is a popular abandoned, can quickly grow variety in Texas, Arkansas, out of control. and Louisiana. The large fruit Blackberries are subject to matures early and bears over many pests and diseases. Save a long period. The plant is vig­ orous and resistant to disease. 'Eldorado' This very hardy 'Ranger' This large, firm yourself trouble by buying cer­ and productive old variety re­ berry is best when fully ripe. tified plants and keeping them Locally available. Good for the South. Origin: Texas. sembles 'Ebony King' and is It is especially recommended away from any wild plants. totally immune to orange rust. for Virginia and similar cli· 'Cherokee' This vigorous Some varieties resist a few Good for the South and North. mates. Origin: Maryland. diseases. Spray for blackberry upright plant produces moder· Origin: Ohio. 'Raven' This large berry is mite and don't worry too much ately thorny canes. Heavy 'Flint' This blackberry of high quali ty fresh or pro­ about the rest. crops of good-quality, medium­ needs only moderate winter cessed. The plant is erect, Either dewberries or erect sized berries come in midsea· chill. The berries are fairly vigorous, and productive but blackberries can be planted in son. Widely available. Good for large in clusters of 8 to 15, and rather tender. Origin: much of the South. In colder the South. Origin: Arkansas. the plant is highly resistant to Maryland. parts of the South, choose only 'Comanche' The plant is leaf spot and anthracnose. Lo­ similar to 'Cherokee' but the 'Smoothstem' The berries the erect blackberry or be pre­ cally available. Good for the very large berries are better ripen late and are rather soft. pared to offer winter protec­ South. Origin: Georgia. tion by burying canes under for eating fresh (also good for Production is quite heavy in 2 inches of soil after the first cooking). The crop ripens two 'Hendrick' The fruit is large clusters. The plant is frost, and then digging them weeks earlier than 'Cherokee'. large, medium firm, and tart. thornless and hardy from out just as buds begin to swell. Widely available. Good for the The bush is productive. Lo­ Maryland southward. Origin: South. Origin: Arkansas. cally available. Good for the Maryland. North. Origin: New York. Erect Blackberries 'Darrow' The berries are 'ThomCree' The medium to Erect blackberries are not rec­ large and irregular, with firm 'Humble' This low-chill large fruit is tart and good. ommended for the very coldest flesh . They ripen over a very Texas variety has large, some­ The semi-erect canes reach 8 northern regions of.the coun­ long seMOn, sometimes into what soft berries and compar· feet, with up to 30 berries on try but may succeed if you fall. The bush is hardy and re­ atively few thorns. Locally each fruiting twig. The plant bundle up the canes in straw liable. Grows wherever the available. Good for the South. is rather tender. Widely avail· and burlap for the winter. cold is not too intense. Origin: Origin: Texas. able. Origin: Maryland. ~d ' This plant produces New York. 'Jerseyblack' This vigorous, 'Williams' The medium· large, firm berries early. Lo· 'Ebony King' The large semitrailing plant is notably sized fruit ripens in late June cally available. Good for the fruit is glossy black, sweet, rust resistant. It produces a and is very good fresh. The North. Origin: Michigan. and tangy. It ripens early and midseason crop of large fruit bush is semi-erect, vigorous, resists orange rust. Widely that is similar to 'Eldorado' and thorny. It resists most available. Good for the South, in appearance and flavor. cane and leaf diseases. Locally North, and Pacific Northwest. Good for the South. Origin: available. Good for the South. Origin: Michigan. New Jersey. Origin: orth Carolina. 'Olallie' 'Thornless Logan'

    Trailing Blackberries 'Cascade' Fresh or pre­ ductive dewberry with very aroma, and grows on tender All of these berries are tender served, the flavor of this berry large, long, soft fruits that plants that must be trained. and need protection from cold. is unsurpassed. The plant is ripen early. It needs winter Bury the canes for the winter productive but tender. Good in protection in the North. in colder climates. Widely ~urora' This very early fruit is large, firm, and of ex­ milder parts of the Pacific Origin: North Carolina. available. Origin: California. cellent flavor. The canes are Northwest. Origin: Oregon. 'Marion' The fruit of this 'Thornless Evergreen' A most productive on the bottom 'Early June' The large, midseason variety is medium top commercial berry in Ore­ 5 feet, so they do well planted round fruit has excellent fla­ to large, long, good quality, gon, this variety produces close together and cut back vor and is acid enough for jam, and excellent in ftavor. The large, firm, sweet fruit. Plants heavily. Locally available. Ori­ jelly, and pies. These dewber­ plants send out a few vigorous are vigorous and produce gin: Oregon. ries ripen in early June. The canes that are up to 20 feet heavily, but are very tender. 'Boysen' ('Nectar') A Pa­ plant is semithornless and long and very thorny. Good in Pinching canes at 24 inches cific Coast variety with large somewhat resistant to an­ milder parts of the Pacific encourages more canes an(! and aromatic fruit produced thracnose and leaf spot. Lo­ Northwest. Origin: Oregon. laterals. Canes sometimes over a long season, this plant cally available. Good for the 'Oklawaha' This dewberry revert to a thorny type. is vigorous and fairly thorny. South. Origin: Georgia. resembles 'Flordagrand' and Origin: Oregon. In California this variety pro­ 'Flordagrand' The large should be planted with it for 'Thornless Logan' This vides an early crop from May fruit is very soft and tart, pollination. Locally available. large, reddish, tangy Pacific 20 to June 20, depending on good for cooking and pre­ Good for the South. Coast berry is good for jam, the area, and a second crop serves. It ripens very early. 'Olallie' This is the prime pies, and a syrup base for may extend the harvest Canes are evergreen. This California variety, with large, drinks. Bury the canes in win­ through August. Also good for dewberry must be planted firm, high-quality berries that ter in colder climates. A the South and Pacific North­ with 'Oklawaha' for pollina­ are shiny black, firm, and thorny form, 'Logan', is not west. Origin: California. tion. Locally available. Good sweet. The canes are thorny grown as widely. 'Thornless 'Carolina' This dewberry is for the South. Origin: Florida. and very productive. The plant Logan' can revert to the vigorous and productive with 'Lavaca' This plant is a has a low-chill requirement thorny type. Origin: California. very large fruits. It resist.s leaf seedling of 'Boysen' that is and resists verticillium wilt 'Young' This large, purplish spot diseases. Locally avail­ hardier than the parent and and mildew. It is especially black dewberry of excellent able. Good for the South. more resistant to disease. The good for Southern California. flavor is easy to pick. The Origin: North Carolina. fruit is firmer and less acid. Origin: Oregon. plant produces few Jong canes. Locally available. Good for the 'Thornless Boysen' This Anthracnose is a serious South. Origin: Unknown. summer-bearing Pacific Coast threat. Good for the South. 'Lucretia' This hardy old fa­ berry is flavorful with a fine Origin: Louisiana. vorite is a vigorous and pro- Keep birds away from berries wit.h plastic netting. 'Bluecrop'

    Blueberries even though they cannot toler­ Soil must be extremely sulfate, or any product suit­ Blueberries demand the right ate standing water. well-drained and acid. Plant in able for camellias, azaleas, or climate and planting soil but There are major commer­ raised areas if there is any rhododendrons. take very little care if you pro­ cial plantings of blueberries in chance of water standing Blueberries require con­ vide suitable conditions. They sandy soils in New Jersey, es­ around the roots. stant light moisture in the soil, are about as hardy as a peach pecially Burlington and Atlan· For both drainage and and cultivating damages their but need a fair amount of win- tic Counties; in certain areas acidification. add large shallow roots. For both these of Michigan; in Washington amounts of peat moss or other reasons, you should mulch the and Oregon; and to a certain organic material to the plant­ plants heavily. Use any or­ extent in New York, Massa­ ing soil, up to three-quarters ganic material such as straw, chusetts, and Indiana. peat moss by volume for soils leaves, peat moss, or a com­ Southern gardeners have a that tend to be heavy. Never bination, and renew it regu­ choice of two kinds of blueber­ add manure; it is alkaline. Dig larly to keep it about 6 inches ries, depending on climate. a planting hole somewhat deep. Some materials will use ter chill and will not grow well The high-bush blueberry broader and deeper than the nitrogen as they decay, so you in mild winter climates. grows commercially in large roots of the young plant. Never will have to compensate with Blueberries belong to the plantings in southeastern and cramp the roots into a small extra feeding. heath family and count aza­ western North Carolina. A hole, but spread the roots in See page 52 for instruc· leas, rhododendrons, mountain home gardener who hopes to the hole. tions on pruning blueberries. laurel, and huckleberries succeed with the plant should Set high-bush blueberry Blueberries suffer from among their cousins. If any of live in, or north of, that area. plants about 4 feet apart. very few difficulties, but birds these grow naturally near If you know of native blueber· Choose two varieties for cross­ will take them all unless you your garden, or if y

    Early Varieties Midseason Varieties 'Northblue' Developed by Late Varieties 'Earliblue' One of the best 'Berkeley' This large, firm the University of Minnesota to 'Coville' Origin: New Jersey. for all areas, th is berry is berry is pale blue and resists withstand the rigors of north· This is an inconsistent variety large, light blue, and firm. The cracking. The bush is fairly ern winters, this is a haJf. with large, light blue fruit picking scar is smalJ, so fruit upright and moderately hardy. high-bush type reaching about that remains tmt until near keeps well and resists crack· Good for all zones and espe· 2 feet tall-a size that gives it harvest. The plant is medium ing. The plants are upright cially for the Pacific North· complete snow cover in most hardy. It is good for all zones and comparatively hardy. west. Widely available. Origin: winters. Large berries have and widely available. Origin: Good for all zones. Widely New Jersey. outstanding flavor. It needs a New Jersey. pollinator such as ' orthsky'. available. Origin: New Jersey. 'Bluecrop' The fruit is 'Delite' This is the only rab· Origin: Minnesota. 'Ivanhoe' One of the best large, light blue, and rather biteye variety that develops berries, this is large, light tart, but stores well and is 'Northsky' Another blue· some sugar early. Picking is blue, and firm. The plant is good for cooking. The berries berry developed for the trying easier and flavor is excellent. very tender. Good for the stand cold well, which makes northern winters, this plant is The berries are medium large South. Origin: New Jersey. the plant good for the shortest same size as 'Northblue', but and may be reddish under the its highly flavorful fruit is 'Northland' This is a hardy Michigan growing seasons. bloom. Origin: Georgia. smaller and produced in small· variety. The fruit is medium The plant is upright and me· 'Dixi' The name is not an af· er quantity. Fall foliage is sized, round, moderately firm, dium hardy. Widely available. fectionate term for the South deep red. Use 'Northblue' as a and medium blue. The flavor Origin: New Jersey. but Latin for "I have spoken" pollinator. Origin: Minnesota. is good. The plant is spreading 'Blueray' The fruit is very or, loosely, "That's my last but reaches only 4 feet at large, firm, and sweet. The 'Stanley' This is a widely word." It was given by the de· maturity. Good for the North plant is upright and spreading. recommended variety. 'l'he veloper, F. V. Coville, on his and West. Locally available. Good for all zones, and espe· fruit is medium sized and firm retirement. The fruit is large, Origin: Michigan. cially recommended for with good color and flavor. aromatic, flavorful, and good The bush is hardy, vigorous, 'Woodward' Among the ear· Washington. Widely available. fresh. Popular in the North· and upright. Pruning is easy liest ripening of rabbiteye Origin: New Jersey. west. Origin: New Jersey. because there are few main types, this is a short and The fruit is me· 'Southland' The firm, light 'Croatan' branches. Good for I.he North spreading plant. Berries are dium sized and quick ripen blue berries have a waxy to and West. Origin: New Jersey. large, light blue, mildly fie.· in warm weather. The plant is bloom, and the skin may be vored and somewhat tart until canker resistant. Good for the 'Tifblue' This rabbiteye tough late in the season. This fully ripe. Best performance is South and especially recom· type is a Southern favorite be­ is a particularly good Gulf in low-elevation areas of the mended for North Carolina. cause of its dependable pro­ Coast plant. LocalJy available. South. Origin: Georgia. Locally available. Origin: duction of large, tasty berries. Origin: Georgia. North Carolina. Origin: Maryland. Cu.rrants and Gooseberries Currants and gooseberries are among the most beautiful of the small fruits, but they are good home garden shrubs for other reasons as well. You won't often see fresh fruit in the market, since

    crops from the limited com­ mercial plantings go to proces· sors for commercial jellies and canned fruits. But since the plants are ornamental, easy to care for, and productive, northern gardeners can tuck a few among other shrubs for the bloom, fruit, and fall color. 'White Imperial' currants Gooseberries The crop can be used for jelly, pie, or just fresh eating for out early. In cold climates, 'Red Lake' Recommended This is a good Canadian vari­ those who like a tart fruit. plant right after the leaves everywhere that currants will ety. Origin: Ontario, Canada. We discuss only the red drop, and the roots will be es­ grow, this variety yields me­ 'Fredonia' The large fruit is and white currants of the tablished before winter. Space dium to large, light red berries dark red when ripe. Plants are species Ribes sativum and the plants about 4 feet apart, in long, easy-to-pick clusters. productive and vigorous, with the gooseberries Ribes or set them closer if more con­ The plants are slightly spread· an open growth habit Origin: grossularia and R. hirtellum. venient, but expect them to ing. They produced the highest New York. The black currant, Ribes grow less vigorously. Both do yield in Canadian trials and 'Oregon ' The me­ nigrum, so aromatic and rich poorly in hot summer areas also produce well in California. dium-sized fruit is green, and in vitamin C, was banned al­ but may survive if planted Widely available. Origin: the plant bears prolifically. most everywhere in the past against a north-facing wall. In Minnesot~. Good for the Pacific Coast and because it is part of a disease most areas plant in the open, 'Stephens No. 9' This is a the East. Origin: Oregon. cycle of five-needle pines. but be sure soil moisture is good Great Lakes variety, with 'Pixwell' This is a very Spores of white pine blister constant. Set the plants a little fairly large, medium red ber· hardy variety for the Central rust from miles away spend deeper than they grew in the rics in medium clusters. The and Plains St.<\tes. The berries part of their lives on the cur­ nursery. plants are spreading and pro· hang away from the plant, rants and then transfer to ductive. Locally available. mak ing them easy to pick, and pines growing wi thin about Currant Varieties Origin: Ontario, Canada. the canes have few thorns. 300 feet. 'Jumbo' This American va­ 'White Grape' This is a Fresh flavor is mediocre. The ban has been lifted in riety has large, pale green, white variety that is widely Widely available. Origin: many states, and three rust· sweet fruit. The plants are up­ sold but is perhaps surpassed North Dakota. resistant varieties have been right and vigorous. Origin: in quality by 'White Imperial', 'Poorman' An American va­ developed: 'Coronet', 'Cru­ Unknown. a relatively rare similar vari­ sader', and 'Consort'. 'Consort' riety with red fruit, the plants 'Perfection' This old variety ety. Origin: Europe. are spiny and spreading. Good is the best rust-resistant black has medium-sized red fruit in 'Wilder' This very old vari· currant to plant and makes an for the Pacific Northwest and loose clusters. The plant has ety from Indiana yields dark attractive hedge. The other the Central States. Locally good foliage and is upright, red berries that are firm but Ribes species can also take available. Origin: Utah. vigorous, and productive. tender and very tart. Plants part in transferring this dis­ 'Welcome' This American Good for Washington and Ore­ are large, hardy, and Iong- ease, and they, too, are banned variety bears an abundance of gon. Widely available. Origin: Ii ved. Origin: Indiana. in some areas. Do not trans· wine-red fruit. The flavor is New York. sweet-tart. Widely available. port any currant or gooseberry Gooseberry Varieties from outside your region. Origin: Minnesota. Fall or winter planting is a 'Clark' This fruit is large good idea, since the plants leaf and red when ripe. The plants are usually free of mildew. Grapes Homegrown seedless grapes will never grow as In the earliest periods of hu­ man history, four foods were large as those you buy at the recognizably important. In the market because commercial North there were apples and growers apply sprays of gib­ honey. In the South there were berellic acid (a plant growth olives and grapes. hormone) to increa.se the fruit Two types of grapes are size. The spray simply in­ creases the cell size within each grape and does not in· crease flavor or sugar content. Therefore, homegrown grapes will be more flavorful and will last on the vine longer because they will not rot the way commonly grown today: the large, crowded fruit tends to. American and the European. Harvest grapes by tast;e The American grape entered and appearance. When you our history more recently than think the bunch looks ripe, the vine of Europe, but it has taste a grape near the tip. lf already played an important it's good, cut the bunch. role since its roots saved the Sometimes grapes never European grape from extinc­ taste sweet, no matter how tion during the Phylloxera long you wait. This simply vitifoliae plague of the last means that you have planted 'Buft'alo' century. 'l'his plague threat· the wrong variety for your ened to destroy the European area. Either switch to another Grapes for the Northeast 'Cayuga Wbit.e' This vari­ grapes and the only remedy variety or replant the one you and Midwest ety bears white grapes in tight was grafting these grapes to stubbornly insist on in a hot Many of the following grapes clusters. They are of good des­ American rootslocks. More re­ spot against a south wall or in also grow well in the Pacific sert quality. Origin: New York. cently American grapes have a west-facing corner. Northwest. This is mentioned 'Concord' This late grape is ent~ red into sturdy hybrids If vines overproduce and in the descriptions. The so well known and widely that carry European wine have too many bunches, the American grapes are listed planted that it hardly needs grapes far north of their orig­ grapes will never get sweet. first, with a note when they description. Often the stan­ inal climate area. This can be remedied in future are choice juice or wine dard of quality in judging Grapes send their roots years by more extreme prun­ grapes. French hybrids are American grapes, the dark deep where they can, and they ing in the dormant season or listed second. blue slipskin berries are rich prefer a soil that is rich in by thinning the grape bunches in the charact.eristic "foxy" to organic material. You can balance the leaf area with American Varieties flavor, which is retained after encourage growth by adding the grape berry load. ' Buffa.lo' 'l'his grape ripens processing. Widely available. an organic supplement at The two kinds of grapes in midseason. It has fairly Or\gin: Massachusetts. planting time and mulching are pruned differently. (See large clusters of reddish black 'Delaware' The clusters and the roots afterward. The site page 52 for instructions.) berries and is a good grape for berries of this major wine should have good air circula­ Grapes mildew badly and wine or juice. Cane prune this grape are small, good for wine tion because grapes are sub­ need good air circulation and vigorous vine. Performs well and juice, and excellent for ject to disease in stagnant air. often treatment with a fungi­ in the Pacific Northwest. dessert eating. The vines are Grapes need to be fed on ly cide. The classic remedy is Origin: New York. subject to mildew. Origin: nitrogen and may not always copper sulfate. A number of 'Catawba' Good for wine or New Jersey. need that. If the leaves yellow pests attack grapes, especially juice, this red grape is a popu· and there is little growth in certain beetles. Birds love 'Edelweiss' This hardy, lar commercial variety. It re­ the early part of the season, grapes, but you can save the medium-sized grape is of good quires a long season to ripen they definitely need feeding. If fruit by placing whole bunches dessert quality. Origin: and will do well in southerly you're not sure, try a feeding in paper bags. Minnesota. areas with the longest growing to see the result. Late feeding seasons. Thinning will hasten during the ripening period can development. Widely avail­ force excessive growth and able. Origin: orth Carolina. spoil the fruit. 'Fredonia' This variety 'Schuyler' This grape re­ should be allowed to set sembles European grapes in heavily, as it sometimes has flavor. It is soft and juicy with difficulty with pollination. a tough skin. The vines are This is the top black grape in fairly hardy and disease resis­ its season. The vines are tant. Also a good choice in the hardy. Widely available. Northwest. Origin: New York. Origin: New York. 'Seneca' The small to me­ 'Himrod' This is the top dium berries resemble Euro­ white seedless grape through­ pean grapes, with tender out the northern st~tes. golden skin and sweet, aro­ 'Thompson' types replace it matic flavor. The vine is 'New York Muscat' where weather is warmer. The hardy and takes cane pruning, vines are brittle and only mod­ although one parent is a Euro­ erately hardy. Widely avail­ pean type. Good in the Pacific able. Origin: New York. Northwest. Origin: New York. 'Interlaken Seedless' This 'Swenson Red' This hardy grape ripens early and has me­ red variety has good flavor dium-sized clusters of small, and medium to large berries. seedless berries with greenish­ Origin: Minnesota. white skin that adheres. The 'Veesport' Borne ln medium flesh is crisp and sweet. The clusters, these black grapes grape resembles 'Thompson are good for wine and juice Seedless' but has more inter­ and acceptable for fresh eat· esting flavor overtones. The ing. The vine is vigorous. 'Interlaken' 'Seneca' vine is fairly hardy and does Origin: Ontario, Canada. best with cane pruning. Grapes tor the West In California the cooler Widely available. A good sub­ French Hybrids The 'Mist is grape country coastal areas and coastal val - stitute for 'Thompson Seedless' Spur prune these vines. They wherever you go, and yet leys are suited to American in the Pacific Northwest. are hybrids of European and many gardeners are disap­ grapes and selected European Origin: New York. less well known American pointed in the fruit they har­ varieties with a low-heat re­ 'New York Muscat' Good grapes (not the 'Concord' vest from their vines. The quirement. 'Concord' does well, for wine and juice, this type). All are primarily for problem is usually a poor but the popular 'Thompson variety's reddish black berries wine or juice but are also good choice of varieties. More than Seedless' will almost always in medium clusters have a eaten fresh. any other fruit, grapes require disappoint the home gardener. 'Perlette' is similar, but it was muscat aroma, which is rich 'Aurore' ('Seibel 5279') the right climate and amount developed for the low heat of and fruity, not "foxy." Tem­ This very early white grape is of heat to produce well. Too this climate. The inland peratures below - 15° F can soft, with a pleasant flavor. It many gardeners buy vines be· Northwest and parts of mah, cause winter injury. Origin: is a dependable producer and cause they like the fruit in the Montana, Colorado, and Idaho New York. a vigorous grower, better in market or because they know can also use 'Concord' and 'Ni­ 'Niagara' Good for wine and sandy than in heavy soils. a famous name. agara' from the coastal Cali­ juice and more productive Choose it if early ripening is In general western grape fornia list. than Concord, this is the most needed. Widely available. climates are divided into three In the hot inner valleys of widely planted white grape. It Origin: France. groups. The flrst includes all of the West except California the California coast range, is vigorous and moderately 'Baco l ' ('Baco Noir') and the southwestern desert. there are major commercial hardy. Widely available. This midseason variety pro­ Gardeners in these cool re­ vineyards growing all the re­ Origin: New York. duces small clusters of small gions should choose an Ameri­ nowned European wine grapes. 'Ontario' These white ber· black grapes. It is extremely can grape of the "foxy"-fla­ The Napa-Sonoma wine region ries form fairly loose clusters. vigorous and productive, but it vored species, Vitis labrusca. is well known, but there are The vines are vigorous, pro­ tends to bud out early and is Some of the best choices for also many wine grapes grown ductive, and moderately hardy subject to frost injury. This is the Pacific Northwest are indi· in newer plantings in southern and prefer quite heavy soils. not a cold hardy variety. Wide­ cated in the descriptions of Santa Clara County, San Be­ Cane pruning is best. Also ly available. Origin: France. American grapes. 'Concord', nito County near Salinas, and grown in the Pacific North· often sold by nurseries in the north of Santa Barbara. west. Origin: Ontario, Canada. cool regions, is not successful in western Washington and Oregon. It requires more heat. 'Tokay' 'Baco I'

    The hot Central Valley cli· pruning L~ best. Prefers coastal can also be dried as seeded 'Ribier' This is a beautiful, mate is perfect for the Euro­ valley climate; locally avail· raisins. Spur pruning is best. early midseason dessert grape pean table grapes that you see able. Origin: California. This variety requires the mod­ with large, jet-black berries. It on your grocer's counters. 'Emperor' This late-ripen· erately high heat of the San does best in hot interior val­ 'Thompson', 'Ribier', and 'Em­ ing, large red grape has flesh ,Joaquin Valley or other inland leys. The fruit tends to soften peror' all do well. so firm it seems to crunch. It valleys but not the desert. quickly in storage and lose its The low and high deserts is adapted to the hottest part Muscats are often used to mild flavor. The vines are are not good grape country. of the San Joaquin Valley. The make sweet dessert wine. overproductive. Use short spur The earliest maturing Euro­ berries are firm and will store Unfortified muscat wine is a pruning and thin the flowers. pean varieties stand the best longer than other varieties. treat with desserts or fruit. Origin: France. chance of producing a crop. Spur prune. Origin: Unknown. Origin: North Africa. 'Thompson Seedless' Rip­ 'Niabell' Performing well ening in early midseason, this Table Grapes 'Flame Seedless' This light red table grape is popular for both in coastal valleys and hot is the top commercial seed.Jess 'Cardinal' These large, dark its crisp texture, sweet flavor, interior regions, this midsea­ green grape. The clusters are red berries ripen early and and absence of seeds. Elon· son variety produces well­ well filled with rather long, have firm, greenish flesh. The gated, loose, medium-sized filled clusters of large, black mild flavored, fruit. These are medium-sized clusters are ex­ clusters ripen early along with berries that are good fresh or excellent fresh if clusters are tremely abundant. Use this 'Cardinal'. Prefers plenty of as juice. Vines are vigorous, thinned. They are also used one to cover an arbor or sum· heat during the ripening pe· resist powdery mildew, and for raisins. Grow only in hot merhouse. Spur pruning is riod; the best color develops can be pruned to long canes. climates. (Try 'Perlette' or best. Performs in both coastal where nights are cool. Use Cane pruning is best. Origin: 'Delight' instead if in doubt.) valley and central valley cli­ either spur or cane pruning. California. Cane pruning is required. mates. Origin: California. Origin: California. 'Niagara' This white vari­ Origin: Asia Minor. 'Concord' This grape, de­ 'Muscat of Alexandria' ety, described on opposite 'Tokay' This late midseason scribed earlier, does not like These late midseason, large page, ripens mid- to late mid­ variety bea.rs large clusters of high California heat or the green berries are splotched season. The best crop comes in large, very firm, red grapes coolest Northwest summers, with amber and grow in loose coastal regions. Cane pruning that are attractive but have but does well elsewhere. Cane clusters. They are not pretty is best. Origin: New York. little flavor. Tt does well in the prune. Origin: Massachusetts. but have an unparalleled 'Pierce' This is the hot-sum­ Lodi area, and the cooler val· 'Delight' This grape ripens musky, rich flavor. They lose mer 'Concord'. Grow it in the ley climates. Use 'Emperor' in early, yielding well-filled clus­ tlavor if held too long so are warmer regions of central hotter climates. Spur pruning ters of large, greenish yellow best eat.en fresh from the California where you want a is best. Locally available. berries with firm flesh and a home garden. These grapes black slipskin. It is very vigor· Origin: Algeria. distinct muscat flavor. Spur ous. Cane prune. Locally avail­ able. Origin: New York. 'Chardonnay' 'Pi.not Noir' 'Zinfandel'

    Wine Grapes ' French Colombard' This clusters of berries and liking variety. The fruit color varies The list includes three each of productive white variety for Cotton Belt weather. from greenish to reddish the best-known red and white yields a grape that is high in bronze, depending on sun. It is grapes. They change character acid. It is adapted to coastal Muscadine Varieties late ripening, sweet, and juicy over short distances, so unless valleys and the Central Valley Many muscadines are sterile with aromatic flavor. Good for you know that they do well of California and bears me­ and need a pollinator. The va­ eating fresh or for wine. near you, don't count on get­ dium-sized berries and clus­ rieties described below as Origin: North Carolina. ting the best quality. ters. It can be cane or spur "perfect" will pollinate them­ 'Southland' Perfect. This 'Cabernet Sauvignon' This pruned. Origin: France. selves and any other variety. very large grape is purple and is the great European black 'Pinot Noir' This small 'Hunt' This dull black fruit dull skinned with good flavor grape used to make the red black grape is used to make ripens evenly. The quality is and high sugar content. The Bordeaux wines of France. the French Burgundy wines. excellent, very good for wine vine is moderately vigorous Cane prune for best results. Cane prune. Origin: France. and juice. The vine is vigorous and productive. Good for the Origin: France. 'Zinfandel' This is a Califor­ and productive. This variety is central and southern Gulf 'Chardonnay' This popular nia specialty for both red and unanimously recommended for Coast states. Origin: white grape is used to make white wines. You can probably home and commercial planting Mississippi. the famous French white Bur­ grow this better than any by the Muscadine Grape Com­ 'Thomas' This standard gundy. It is a vigorous grower other, as it seems to make mittee. Origin: Georgia. grape has reddish black, small and moderate producer. The drinkable wine in a variety of 'Jumbo' This is a very large t.o medium berries that are clusters of berries are small. lt climates. Origin: Unknown. black muscadine of good qual­ very sweet and excellent for is best in cool coastal areas ity. It ripens over several fresh juice. Locally available. and should be cane pruned. Grapes for the Southeast weeks, so it is excellent for Origin: southern United States. Origin: France. Two quite different types of fresh home use. The vines are 'Topsail' Clusters of three to 'Chenin Blanc' The vines on grapes are widely grown in the disease resistant. Origin: five berries have green fruit this white gtape variety are Southeast. Both are American southern United States. splotched with bronze. This vigorous and productive. It in origin: the bunch grape and 'Magoon' Perfect. Reddish sweetest of all muscadines is yields medium-sized berries the muscadine grape. The purple berries are medium very good for fresh use. It is a and clusters. The coastal val­ bunch grape is typified by sized and have a sprightly, poor producer. Vines are not leys and the San Joaquin Val­ 'Concord', which was de­ aromatic flavor. The vine is very hardy but are disease re­ ley have the best climates for scribed earlier. Although this productive and vigorous. sistant. Ori.gin: North Carolina. this variety. It should be cane type prefers a cool climate, Origin: Mississippi. 'Yuga' These reddish bronze pruned. Origin: France. varieties are available for 'Scuppernong' Most people berries are sweet and of excel­ most regions. The real south­ call any similar grape a scup­ lent quality but ripen late and ern grape is, of course, the pernong, but this is the real irregularly. They are fine for muscadine, with its smaller home gardens. Origin: Georgia. Raspberrie s upward. Be careful not to snap Raspberries are the hardiest them. Where mice are not of the cane berries, and per· likely to be a problem, cover haps the most worthwhile the canes with straw or saw· home garden crop for several dust to a depth of several reasons. Prices for the market inches, and then cover the fruit are high because care mulch with poultry netting to and labor are expensive, and hold it in place. If winter mouse damage is probable, bury the canes under 2 inches of earth. ln spring uncover the canes before they begin to leaf out, just as the buds swell. If the buds break while still cov­ market raspberries are subject ered, they will be extremely to a long enough holding and tender to even light frost. handling period that fruit Unfortunately for southern loses its finest flavor and may gardeners, raspberries do be bruised. Home garden fruit poorly in much of the South. can be eaten at its peak. They need cold winters and a 1'he thing that makes a long, cool spring. Everbearing raspberry a raspberry Is the plants don't like high heat. fact that it pulls free of its California and Arizona gar· core when you pick it. Other deners are similarly unfortu· 'Latham' bramble fruits take the core nate. Raspberries do not like with them. spring and summer heat. Only ground. Throw on a little soil 'Cuthbert' Once the leading The red raspberry is the the red varieties will grow and if you like. Then dig and sepa· commercial raspberry, and most popular, but raspberries they are recommended only rate the new plant in spring. still unexcelled for dessert, come in a variety of colors and for coastal or mountain re­ Red raspberries send up canning, or freezing, this vari­ plant forms-red, purple, yel· gions. The prime berry country root suckers. You can dig and ety is difficult to pick, but this low, and black fruits, with the on the Pacific Coast is western replant them just before is not a big problem in the red and yellow fruits growing Washington around Puget growth begins. Take a piece of home garden. Good for the either one or two crops on stiff Sound and the Willamette root and cut back the top. West. Localiy available. canes and the purple and Valley of Oregon. Origin: New York. black fruits growing one crop Raspberries are subject to Red and Yellow 'Fairview' These berries are on trailing canes. Because all the same troubles as dew· One-Crop Varieties large to fairly large and light they are trailing, purples and berries, but in the cold cli· In these varieties, all fruit is red. The tall, branched canes mates where raspberries grow blacks require trellising. borne on laterals that sprout are moderately hardy. Es~ One-crop (single crop) best you'll have less trouble. from the year-old canes. There cially suited to western Wash· raspberries produce fruit on Any verticillium in the soil is one crop per season, either ington and generally good for canes that grew the previous rules them out entirely, how­ in late spring or early summer. the West. Origin: Oregon. year. Two-crop ( everbearing) ever. Because black raspber· ~mber' 1'his is a yellow 'Hilton' This berry is the raspberries produce some fruit ries are susceptible to virus berry that is an excellent des· largest of all the reds, and of at the top of current-season diseases carried by red rasp­ sert fruit. Good for the North. excellent quality. The plants berries, they should be planted canes in fall, and then produce Origin: New York. are vigorous, productive, and a second crop on the rest of at least 700 feet from any reds. 'Boyne' This berry excels hardy. Good for the North. the cane the following year. Virus-free stock may spare you where winters are cold and Origin: New York. Raspberries are extremely this trouble. summers no more than warm. hardy, so no special protection If you want to enlarge a 'Latham' This early midsea· The red fruit has a strong, is needed except in the coldest planting, it is important to son variety is the standard sweet-tart flavor. The moder· mountain and plains climates. know the difference between eastern red raspberry. The ately vigorous plant is subject Where winl.er temperatures black and red raspberries. berry is large, firm, and at· to anthracnose. Origin: Mani· stay extremely low for long pe· Blacks and purples arch their tractive, with a tart flavor. toba, Canada. The plants are somewhat re­ riods, and winds add to the canes to the ground and root chill, you should prol.ect your at the tips to form new plants. 'Canby' These large, firm, sistant to viral diseases. Good plants in the following man· If you want more plants, leave midseason berries are good for for the South and West. ner: Lay canes of the current a few canes unpruned and in freezing. The plants are Widely available. Origin: season along the row or trellis, late summer pin the tip to the semithornless and do best in Minnesota. pinning portions that arch light soils in the West and Northwesl. Origin: Oregon. 'F Jlgold'

    'Heritage' 'Royalty'

    'Meeker' This Pacific North· 'Sunrise' This early variety 'Amity' A bicoastal rasp­ 'Heritage' The medium­ west favorite bears firm, offers firm, fine-textured fruit berry developed and popular sized, firm fruit ripens in July sweet, bright red berries. The of good quality. The plant is in the Northwest, it is proving and September. The vigorous, strong plants are botrytis hardy and very tolerant of an­ itself also in the Northeast. stiff-caned plants need little resistant. Origin: Washington. thracnose, leaf spot, and cane 'l'he dark red, highly flavored support. You can mow all the 'Pocahontas' This recent blight Good for the South. fruit is good fresh or canned. canes in late winter to get a introduction has large, firm, Origin: Maryland. Ripens just ahead of 'Heri­ single August crop and save medium red berries with a tart 'Taylor' This variety offers tage'. Origin: Oregon. pruning. Good anywhere. flavor. The plant. is winter mid- to late season crops of at­ 'Cherokee' The benies are Origin: New York. hardy and productive. Good tractive, firm, red berries of large and firm, and the plant 'Indian Summer' The fruit for the South. Origin: southern excellent quality. The plants is winter hardy and produc­ is large and of good quality. United States. are vigorous and hardy. Good tive. Good for the South, par­ The first crop is light, the fall 'Puyallup' These late-ripen­ for the North. Locally avail· ticularly the piedmont area of crop very late and moderately ing large berries are somewhat able. Origin: New York. Virginia. Origin: Arkansas. abundant. Good for all zones. soft. The plant does best in 'Willamette' The berries 'Durham' These berries Origin: New York. light soils in the Northwest, ripen in midseason and are have very good flavor. The 'September' These medium and is generally good for the large, round, firm, and good plants are very hardy and pro­ to large berries are of good West. Locally available. for freezing or canning. This is ductive, bearing a second crop quality. 'fhe plant is vigorous Origin: Washington. a vigorous, widely planted early. Good for the North. and hardy-one of the best in 'Sumner' This medium to commercial variety. Good for Origin: New Hampshire. the coldest. regions. Good for large berry is firm and sweet, the West. Origin; Oregon. 'Fallgold' The fruit is a the North and South. Origin: with intense flavor. Some tawny golden color with very New York. strains crumble badly. The Red and Yellow sweet flavor; except for color 'Southland' Recommended plants do well in heavy soil Two-Crop Varieties this variety is similar to 'Heri· for farther south than any and are recommended for Two-crop raspberries produce tage', although its perfor­ other, this berry was devel­ western Washington or along a crop in fall at the end of new mance is poorer in warmer oped in North Carolina but is the coast to Monterey, Cali for­ canes and another crop in climates. Widely available. not recommended for the nia. Locally available. Origin: early summer of the following Origin: New Hampshire. coastal plain. It has large fruit Washington. year. In California the second 'Fallred' The berries are of of fair quality. Good for the crop may not survive the heat. fair quality but are often South. Origin: North Carolina. In the Northwest these varie­ crumbly. The plants are nearly ties may produce some fruit thornless. The first crop ap­ throughout the summer. pears in spring. Good for the South and North. Widely avail­ able. Origin: New Hampshire. Strawberries If you have grown strawber­ ries for any length of time, you know that fiavor and yield are not predictable but vary from year to year depending on spring growing conditions. Strawberries are also very

    regional in their adaptation and the best variety in one state may be only fair in an· other. A good nursery can be a big help, since the staff keeps abreast of developments in plant breeding and offers plants that should succeed. Your county agricultural agent can help, too, especially if Botanically, the strawberry "berry" is a receptacle. The "seeds" are the true fruit. you 've had trouble in the past. 'fwo types of strawberries are 'Cumberland' This favored Purple Varieties 'Sodus' This midseason available: standard and ever· berry is large, firm, and of variety has large, firm berries These raspberry plants are tall bearing. The traditional "ever­ good quality but tart. 'fhe of fine flavor. 'fhe plants are and stiff and bear a single bearing" types actually bear plants are productive. Good for vigorous and productive. Good two crops per season, one in crop on year-old canes. for the South and North. the North. Origin: New York. summer and one in fall. Re· Widely available. Origin: 'Amethyst' This early berry cently strawberries have been is of high quality. Good for the Black (Blackeap) Varieties Maryland. developed that are truly North. Origin: Iowa. Gardeners in the South and 'Logan' ('New Logan') This everbearing, producing fruit 'Brandywine' This hybrid West should be aware that variety produces heavy crops spring, summer, and fall. berry is of mixed ancestry; black raspberries are least of large, glossy, good-quality These are listed in catalogs as growth and fruit are closest to able to tolerate mild climates. berries. The plants hold up in "everbearers" or "day­ the purple types. Vigorous They need cold and do poorly drought and tolerate mosaic neutrals" (since they fruit re­ with 10-foot canes, it produces in western Washington, al· and other raspberry diseases. gardless of day length). These good crops of tart, red-purple though they are planted in the Good for the South and North. are very good for decorative berries especially fine for jam. Willamette Valley and else­ Origin: illinois. hanging baskets, since they Origin: New York. where in Oregon. They bear a 'Manteo' 'fhe fruit re­ even fruit on unrooted 'Clyde' This early berry is single crop on year-old canes. sembles 'Cumberland', but the runners. large, firm, dark purple, and of 'Allen' 'I' his variety pro­ plant survives farther south To encourage vigorous excellent quality. The plant is duces large, attractive berries than any other. Good for the growth of regular varieties, re­ vigorous. Good for the North. on a vigorous and productive South. Locally available. move blossoms that appear the Origin: New York. plant. Good for the North. Origin: North Carolina. year the plants are set out. 'Royalty' 'fhis very vigorous Origin: New York. 'Munger' The medium-sized The year that everbearing purple-red hybrid similar to ' Black Hawk' This late vari­ fruit is of good quality. The kinds are planted, remove all 'Brandywine' produces fruit ety bears large berries of good plants are especially recom· bloosoms until the middle of that is large, sweet, good for flavor and yield. Good for the mended for western Oregon. July. The later blossoms will eating fresh and for cooking North. Widely available. They are worth trying in west­ produce a late summer and and preserving. The plant is Origin: Iowa. ern Washington, but may suc­ fall crop. immune to the raspberry 'Bristol' These attractive, cumb to disease. Good for the aphid, which carries a debili· glos.sy black berries are large, West. Origin: Oregon. tating virus disease. Origin: firm, and of good quality. 'l'hey New York. must be fully ripe or you can't pick them. Good for the South and West. Widely available. Origin: New York. Plant strawberries in soil In the warmest Gulf cli· with good drainage, and mates and into Florida, you mound the planting site if must order cold-stored plants, you're not sure about the or plants from the north, for drainage. The new leaf bud in planting from February to the center of each plant March. You can also obtain a should sit exactly level with quick crop by planting north· the soil surface. Never plant ern plants in early November strawberries deep. for winter fruiting, but. the Gardeners who grow straw· crop will be smaller. The run· berries in containers in a dis· ners from ~"ebruary plantings ease-free soil mix don't have can be transplanted in May to worry about verticillium and August to increase the wilt and red stele (root rot). size of your planting. Both are caused by a soil· Western planting seasons borne fungus. Whether grow· impose unique restrictions on ing strawberries in containers strawberry growth. Jn the or in garden soil, always ask coldest areas of California and Cor plants that are certified as from the Great Basin to Colo­ disease free. rado, plant as early in spring Winter protection is as possible since there is good needed where alternate freez· moisture in the soil to start ing and thawing of the soil the plants. If soils are usually may cause the plants to heave too wet for planting, protect a and break the roots. Low tern· mounded bed with plastic to peratures also injure the keep the soil friable. 'Sequoia' crowns of the plants. In the Jn the Northwest, espe­ fall, after the soil has fl'O'len cially the coolest areas of Varieties for the South and preserving quality. The plants are very productive. to a depth of l inch, place a western Washington, plant ~ritton' This late berry Locally available. Origin: straw mulch 3 or 4 inches deep early in fall so plants can be· is large and uniform in size over the plants. Remove most come established before real and is excellent fresh and for Louisiana. of the mulch in spring when cold sets in, or else wait until freezing. It develops a rich fla· 'Dixieland' This early berry the centers of a few plants early spring. Watch for wash· vor in North Carolina. Origin: is deep red, firm, acid in Ila· show a yellow-green color. You outs from heavy fall rain. North Carolina. vor, and excellent for freezing. can leave an inch of loose Weed carefully in spring so 'Blakemore' These early Plants are sturdy and vigor· ous. Origin: Maryland. straw, even add some fresh weeds don't compet~. berries are small and firm, straw between rows. The Jn milder-winter areas of with a high acid and 'Earlibelle' This widely plants will come up through it, California, use chilled plants content. They have only fair adapted early variety produces and it will help retain mois­ (stored at 34° F for a short pe­ flavor but are excellent for large, firm fruit that is good ture in the soil and keep mud riod) and set them out in Octo­ preserves. The plants are vig· for canning and freezing. The off the berries. ber and early November. The orous, with good runner pro· plants are medium sized, with In northern areas, and as low desert is a chancy area for duction and high resistance to good runner production and far south as North Carolina, strawberries, but October virus diseases and verticillium resistance to leaf spot and leaf strawberri es should be set out planting may give results. wilt. They are adapted to a scorch. Origin: North Carolina. in early spring. In the warmer Anywhere in California, wide range of soil types from 'Florida Ninety' These ber· regions of North Carolina, the berries will do better with Virginia to Georgia and west· ries are very large, with very plants can be set out in fall or a plastic mulch, which in· ward to Oklahoma and south· good flavor and quality. The winter as well, and you can creases winter soil tempera· ern Missouri. Origin: plant is a heavy producer of expect a light crop from these ture and keeps the berries off Maryland. fruit and runners. Origin: plants about five months later. the soil. Irrigate by furrows 'Cardinal' These large, firm, Florida. ln northern Cotton Belt cli­ for raised beds or by drip dark red berries are sweet and 'Guardian' These large, mates, set out plants in Sep­ irrigation. good for fresh eating and pro­ deep red, midseason berries tember for the highest yield of cessing. The heavy midseason are firm, uniform in size, and spring berries. Waiting until crop comes on plants resistant attractive. They have good later will diminish the crop. to leaf spot, leaf scorch, and dessert quality and freeze powdery mildew. Widely avail­ well. The plants are vigorous able. Origin: Unknown. and productive and resist 'Daybreak' These medium many diseases. Origin: red berries are large and very Maryland. attractive with good tlavor . 'Surecrop' 'Olympus'

    'Headliner' These midsea· freezing. A vigorous grower, Varieties for the Northeast 'Dunlap' This early to mid· son berries are of good quality. the plant resists red stele, leaf and Midwest season fruit is medium sized, The plants are vigorous and scorch, and mildew. Origin: 'Ardmore' These large, late with dark crimson skin and productive, make runners Maryland. deep red flesh. lt does not ship midseason berries are yellow· freely, and resist leaf spot. 'Surecrop' This early berry ish red outside and lighter in· well but is a good home garden Locally available. Origin: is large, round, glossy, firm, side and have good flavor. The fruit. Plants ate hardy and Louisiana. adapted to a wide range of soil and of good dessert quality. plants are productive in heavy types in northern Illinois, 'Marlate' This very large, The large plants should be silt loam. Origin: Missouri. Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, attractive fruit is good fresh spaced 6 to 9 inches apart for 'Canoga' This late-ripening, and freezes well. The plant is top production. Resists red North Dakota, South Dakota, heavy-bearing cultivar pro­ extremely hardy and is, there· stele, verticillium wilt, leaf and Nebraska. Origin: Illinois. duces large, sweet fruit that fore, a productive and depend· spot, leaf scorch, and drought. 'Earlidawn' If you want the lasts well because of firm able late variety. Origin: Good in all wnes. Widely first strawberrries in your. flesh and tough skin. Origin: Maryland. available. Origin: Maryland. New York. neighborhood, this is the culti· var to plant. The berries are 'Pocahontas' This berry is 'Suwannee' This is a me· 'Catskill' These large mid­ good fresh, frozen, or in pre· dium to large, early, tender medium to large on heavy· season berries are of good des· bearing plants. Origin: serves . The plants are vigorous berry of very good quality sert quality and are excellent and resist leaf scorch. They either fresh or frozen. Jt is a Maryland. for freezing. The fruit is not poor shipper but excellent for are adapted from southern firm enough for shipping, but 'Fletcher' These berries are New England to Norfolk, Vir· the home garden. Locally the plant is a productive home medium sized, with a medium ginia. Origin: Maryland. available. Origin: Maryland. garden variety. It can be red, glossy, tender skin and ex· 'hdchier The fruit is me· 'Tennessee Beauty' This grown over a wide range of cellent flavor. They are very dium to large and of uniform late berry is medium sized, at· soil types from New England good for freezing. The plants are well adapted to New York deep red color with a firm, tractive, glossy red, and firm and New Jersey to southern glossy surface. The plant is ex· and has good flavor. It is good Minnesota. Widely available. and New England. Origin: New York. tremely productive and resis· for freezing. The plants are Origin: New York. tant to red stele (root rot). productive of both fruit and 'Cyclone' This variety yields 'Holiday' The first fruit rip· Origin: Maryland. runners. They resist leaf spot, ens at midseason, then ripen· large, flavorful berries that leaf scorch, and virus diseases. ing continues into summer 'Sunrise' These berries are are good for freezing. The with full-sized, large, bright medium sized, symmetrical, Origin: Tennessee. plant is hardy, resists foliage red fruit. The plant is a heavy and firm and have very good diseases, and is well adapted producer. Origin: New York. flavor. The flesh is too pale for to the North Central States. Widely available. Origin: Iowa. 'Midway'

    'Honeoye' This conical, 'Midway' These large ber­ 'Sparkle' This is a produc­ 'Ogallala' Berries are dark bright red fruit boasts excep­ ries are of good to very good tive midseason variety with red, soft, and medium sized tional flavor among the early desse.rt quaJity and are also bright red, attractive berries and have a tart flavor that midseason cultivars. The yield good for freezing. Plants are that are fairly soft and have makes them good for freezing. is high, and the fruit is highly susceptible to leaf spot, leaf good flavor. The berry size is Plants are vigorous and hardy. resistant to berry rot. Origin: scorch, and verticillium wilt. good in early pickings, but Widely available .. Origin: New York. They are widely planted in small in later ones. Widely Nebraska. 'Howard 17' ('Premier') Michigan. Widely available. available. Origin: New Jersey. 'Ozark Beauty' An ever­ These are early, medium-sized Origin: Maryland. 'Trumpeter' These medium­ bearing variety for the cooler berries of good quality. The 'Raritan' These midseason sized late berries are soft and climate zones, this plant pro· plants are productive and berries are large, firm, and fla­ glossy and have very good fla­ duces poorly in mild climates. resistant to leaf and virus vorful. The plants are medium vor. This is a hardy and pro· The berries are bright red in­ diseases. Locally available sized. Origin: New Jersey. ductive home garden variety side and out, are large, sweet, in the Northeast. Origin: 'Redstar' These late berries for the upper Mississippi val· and of good flavor. Only the Massachusetts. are large and of good to very ley and the Plains States. mother plants produce in any 'Midland' This very early good dessert quality. The Origin: Minnesota. one season, yielding crops in variety bears large, glossy ber· plants resist virus diseases, the summer and fall. Runner ries with deep red flesh. They leaf spot, and leaf scorch. Everbearing Varieties for plants produce the following are good to excellent fresh and They are grown from southern the Northeast and Midwest season. Widely available. also freeze well. The plant New England south to Mary­ 'Gem' ('Superfection', 'Bril­ Origin: Arkansas. does best when grown in the land and west to Missouri and liant', 'Gem Everbearing', 'Tribute' This day-neutral hill system. It is adapted from Iowa. Origin: Maryland. and 'Giant Gem') This vari­ strawberry with tart fruit is southern New England to Vir· 'Robinson' These exception­ ety yields small, glossy red, resistant to disease. Origin: ginia and west to Iowa and ally large, "picture-perfect" tart fruit of good dessert qual­ Maryland. Kansas. Origin: Maryland. strawberries are amply pro­ ity. Widely available. Origin: 'Tristar' This day-neutral duced on vigorous, easy-grow­ Michigan. variety is resistant t-0 diseases. ing plants. The prolonged 'Geneva' The large, vigorous The fruit is sweet and highly fruiting period begins in mid­ plants fruit well in June and recommended. Origin: season. Origin: Michigan. throughout the summer and Maryland. early autumn. The berries are soft and highly flavored. Origin: New York. 'Pajaro' The large, uniform, early fruit has red skin and firm flesh. This berry does well along the central coast for spring and summer berries. It does well in the Central Val­ ley for early season berries. Locally available. Origin: California. 'Sequoia' This is an early variety that may even bear in December. The exceptionally large fruit is dark red and tender with soft flesh of excel­ lent flavor. Harvest frequently for best quality. The plant is erect and vigorous, with many runners. It is recommended for home gardens on the central and south coast. Plant in Octo­ ber and November. Widely available. Origin: California. 'Shasta' This large midsea­ son berry is bright red and Netting is the best way to protect ripe berries from birds. glossy with firm red flesh and is good for freezing or pre­ Varieties for the West fruit later in the season. The 'Quinault' An everbearer serves. The plants are fairly The western strawberry-grow­ berry has crimson skin and with a moderately early crop, vigorous with a moderate ing regions are divided into red flesh and is firm, well heavier in July through Sep­ number of runners. They have three areas: the Rockies and flavored, and good fresh, in tember, the fruit is large and some resistance to mildew and the Great Basin, western preserves, or for freezing. The soft with good color. The plant virus diseases. Locally avail­ Washington and Oregon, and plants are very productive and produces good runners. Origin: able. Origin: California. California. so resistant to virus diseases Washington. 'Tioga' This early berry is that they can be planted 'Rainier' These late midsea­ medium red and glossy, with The Rockies and where virus has killed other son berries are large, firm, and firm flesh that is fine for pre­ the Great Basin varieties. Origin: Washington. of good quality. The plants are serves or freezing. The plant is Recommended for these areas 'Olympus' The late midsea­ vigorous with large leaf blades vigorous, moderately resistant are the following varieties son fruit is held weU up on but moderate runner produc­ to virus, and fairly tolerant of described earlier: 'Cyclone', arching stems. The berries are tion. Origin: Washington. salinity, but highly susceptible 'Dunlap', 'Gem', 'Ogallala', medium to large, bright red 'Shuksan' This midseason to verticillium wilt. It is good 'Ozark Beauty', 'Sparkle', and throughout, tender, and firm. variety bears large firm ber­ for late-summer planting. 'Trumpeter'. The plants are vigorous but ries that are bright red, glossy, Origin: California. produce few runners. They and broadly wedge shaped. 'Tufts' This mid.season Western Washington resist red stele and virus dis­ The fruit is good for freezing, berry is red, extremely firm, and Oregon eases but are somewhat sus­ and the plants are vigorous. and very large. This is a good 'Hood' These midseason ber­ ceptible to botrytis in fection. Origin: Washington. variety for Southern Califor­ ries are large, conical, bright Origin: Washington. nia. Origin: California. red, and glossy. They are held 'Puget Beauty' The large, California high in upright clusters and glossy, very attractive fruit 'Douglas' This large, uni­ Everbearing Varieties for are good fresh or in preserves. has light crimson skin. The form, midseason fruit is light California Plants are resistant to mildew flesh is highly flavored, excel­ red and firm. The plant is very These are heavy berry produc­ but susceptible to red stele. lent fresh, and good for freez­ vigorous and produces early ers and do not form many run­ Origin: Oregon. ing and preserves. The plants berries when planted in Octo­ ners. Plant them anytime, and 'Northwest' This late mid­ are large and upright with ber. Good in Southern Califor­ they will produce medium­ season variety produces large moderate runner production. nia. Origin: California. sized berries in just 90 days. fruit at first, then smaller They resist mildew but are Try ipt-0s', 'Brighton', 'Fern', somewhat susceptible to red and 'Hecker'. stele. Locally available. Origin: Washington. NUTS That is, water for 4 days, mov­ frost damage and set fruit, the A mature almond tree is Nut trees-with the exception ing the hose to the next quad­ developing fruit may be ruined 20 t.o 30 feet tall and dome of the filbert, or hazelnut­ rant of the root circumference by late frosts. The best almond shaped with a spread roughly grow into extremely large each day. This may be neces­ climates are areas where the equal to the height. Newly trees. They make excellent sary every two weeks, month­ last frost date is not likely to planted trees will start to bear shade trees and are beautiful ly, or only once during the damage blossoms and where in about 4 years, and the pro­ when grown to full maturity, summer, depending on the summers are long, warm, and ductive lifespan is about 50 but they are not suitable for weather. dry so the fruit can develop years. Most cultivars need small yards. Like any fruit and ripen well. another almond as a pollinator Gardeners in less-than­ tree, they are subject t.o a fair Almonds (exceptions are noted as self­ amount of disease and insect ideal climates still have a fertile ). lf you don't have attack, yet their size makes The almond's kinship to the chance at success with al­ enough room for two trees, dig adequate spraying impossible peach is evident at all times of monds. Where untimely frosts an extra large planting hole for the average homeowner. the year-from bare tree to pose potential problems, select and plant two almonds close Because of this nut trees peachlike blossoms and leaves, only late-flowering cultivars. together. should be viewed as large and even to the, green, ined­ II possible plant on a north See page 46 for pruning shade trees that often reward ible fruit surrounding the ed· slope where the lower light and training instructions. you with nuts, but not always. ible kernel that is the almond. delays bloom and cold air Almonds grow best in a You should not count on a drains away. Cool, moist sum· deep soil (6 feet or more) but large harvest every year. mer regions usually don't pro­ are not fussy about type as All nut trees need plenty vide enough heat for ripening long as it drains well and is of water because they are so fruit well, but some success not'saline. Almonds are more large and deep rooted. Where is possible if you give trees drought t.olerant than most summer rainfall is adequate, the sunniest (usually western) other fruit trees, though exposure. little irrigation is needed. In Almond trees produce best in drought reduces quantity and Since almonds are graft· warm dry climates where sum­ California and Arizona where quality of the crop. Where compatible with peaches, nec­ mer rainfall is uncommon, nut spring frosts and summer rain summer rainfall is light or tarines, and plums, some home trees need occasional deep are rare. But the regions in lacking, the best watering re­ growers hedge their bets by watering. Run the hose at a which they bear well consti­ gime is a thorough, deep irri­ grafting one or more of these trickle for 24 hours on each tute only a fraction of their gation whenever the soil dries fruits to the almond, assuring quarter of the root system. growing range. Almonds typi­ to a depth of 3 to 5 inches. some sort of crop. cally flower very early and they are highly vulnerable to frost. If the flowers escape 'Hall' almond Chinese chestnut

    Shot hole and Rhiz

    Climate is a major consid- at the start of the growing pe- disease but is unaffected by it. 'Butler' This is a heavy eration in choosing which riod; check with your county The only fairly safe areas for cropper that will pollinate ei- filberts to grow. East of the or state agricultural extension European cultivars east of the ther 'Barcelona' or 'Ennis'. Rocky Mountains, European for recommended amounts. Rocky Mountains are where no Origin: Oregon. filberts are best where winter See page 48 for pruning American hazelnuts grow. The 'Daviana' This light pro- lows range between -10° F and and training instructions. blight also has spread to ducer of thin-shelled nuts is + 10° F; in the West the range Early autumn harvest in- Washington State, and strict grown mainly to pollinate is -10° F to + 20° F. The Euro- volves picking nuts from the quarantines are in place to 'Barcelona', 'DuChilly', and pean-American hybrids extend ground after they have been prevent its spread to other 'Royal'. Origin: England. the growing territory re- released from their enclosing to filbert-growing regions in 'DuChilly' This produces a gions that dip to -20° F. The husks. If you want to be cer- the West. flavorful, elongated nut that female filbert blossoms appear tain to beat hungry wildlife to A bacterial filbert blight must be hand picked since in mid- to late winter or earJi. the crop, pick nuts just as soon common in the Northwest can most nuts do not fall freely est spring, and they will be as you can twist them in their be controlled by pruning out from the husk. Origin: ruined if the temperature husks. Though nuts are not infected wood (sterilizing England. drops below 15° F. fully colored at that time, they pruning shears after each cut) This newer cultivar Filberts do best when are completely ripe and will during the dormant season 'Erutis' has the high quality of 'Barce- planted in a deep, well- color up after picking. Place and by spraying just in ad- Iona' but a heavier production drained, fertile, slightly acid nuts in the sun to dry for sev- vance of fall rains. The filbert- of larger nuts. Origin: Oregon. soil. But as long as drainage is era! days before storing in worm can attack developing good, they can grow in soils cool, but not freezing, tern- nuts, burrowing inside and 'Royal' This produces a that are shallow, sandy, or of peratures. Heavy crops tend to devouring the kernels. larger nut than 'Barcelona' low fertility. Plant in full sun come in alternate years. and ripens three to four weeks for best nut production. Where The most serious-and geo· European Varieties ahead of all other cultivars. summer rainfall is regular, fil· graphically limiting-disease European filberts have the Origin: Oregon. berts need little or no supple· is eastern filbert blight, a bark largest and most flavorful Hybrid filberts have gener- mentary watering. But water fungus that attacks European nuts, and are usually the best ally smaller nuts than the regularly during dry spells and filberts in particular. There is choice if blight is not present. European types, and the flavor is less distinctive, but plants in dry-summer areas. no cure; the best way to cope 'Barcelona' This is the stan- are hardier (as mentioned As long as leaf color re· with the disease is to avoid dard commercial cultivar and above) and have some resis- mains dark green and nut pro- planting susceptible cultivars. is also sold for home planting. tance to eastern filbert blight. duction is good, plants need no The eastern American C. The nuts are round. Both Standard cultivars are 'Bixby', fertilizer. If color and growth americana is a carrier for the 'DuChilly' and 'Royal' will pol- 'Buchanan', 'Potomac', 'Reed', diminish, give plants nitrogen linate 'Barcelona'. Origin: 'Rush', and 'Winkler'. southern Europe. Pecans At heights of 70 feet or more, with a spread nearly as great, pecans are imposing shade trees. For best nut production, most pecan varieties need an­ other tree nearby as a polli­ nator, so commitment to a ------~ -- - · - ·... ~ ~

    pecan crop requires a consid­ erable investment in space. One word describes the best pecan climate: hot. A tree needs a long summer with hot days and nights in order to produce fully ripe nuts. Out­ side of native pecan territory in the southern and south central United States, the 'Wichita' pecan southwest desert regions (with irrigation) offer congenial con­ Pecans need deep, well­ Pecan scab is the most Southeastern Papershell ditions. In the upper South drained soil that is slightly serious disease, especially in Varieties and central Midwest, choose acid (pH 6 to 7 is best). They humid-summer regions. Proper The United States Pecan Field from among the short-season will not tolerate saline soils, cul ti var selection will lessen Station in Texas has developed cultivars referred to below. a limitation in some otherwise the problem, though even east­ a number of varieties, all bear­ Pecan cultivars fall into acceptable desert regions. ern papershells are not totally ing Indian-tribe names, that two broad groups. The larger Within their native range, immune. Aphids may appear will succeed in the humid and more widely planted of pecans get plenty of rainfall throughout pecan territory. In southeastern pecan territory. the two is the group often during the growing season. In the South and Southeast, the The following are widely called "papershell" pecans. dry-summer regions, or where season's first generation of an available. They are reliably hardy where rainfall is skimpy, give trees insect known as the pecan nut 'Cherokee' This bears a winter temperatures descend a deep soaking at least every casebearer may damage new medium-sized nut. Pollinators no lower than F, and for nut o· 14 days so that nuts will fill shoots; later the second gen­ are 'Mohawk' or 'Wichita'. production they need a grow­ out well. eration may infest the devel­ Origin: Texas. ing season of 270 to 290 days. See page 49 for pruning oping nuts. The pecan weevil 'Cheyenne' This medium­ The smaller second group in­ and training instructions. is the last pest to appear, sized nut variety can be polli­ cludes the northern or hardy Trees wiJI start to bear at attacking nearly mature and nated by 'Mohawk', 'Sioux', or pecans, which grow in regions 5 to 8 years after planting mature nuts. 'Wichita'. Origin: Texas. where winter low tempera­ and have a productive life tures range from -10° to extending at least 70 years Eastern Papershell Varieties 'Kiowa' This bears a large nut. Pollinators are 'Cherokee' + 10° F; these varieties ripen beyond that. 'Desirable' This is a heavy where the growing season is Where soil is above pH 7 cropper with brittle wood. or 'Cheyenne'. Origin: 1'exas. as short as 170 to 190 days. (neutral), zinc deficiency may Pollinate with 'Cheyenne', 'Mohawk' The tree bears Papershell pecans are show in a condition called 'Stuart', or 'Western Schley'. very large nuts and is partially divided into two categories pecan rosette- clusters of Origin: Mississippi. self-fruitful, but will produce based on resistance to pecan better if it is pollinated by stunted leaves at branch ~nds. 'Mahan' This produces a scab disease, which is preva­ Contact your county or state very large nut. Pollinators 'Cheyenne' or 'Western lent where summer weather is agricultural agent for the best are 'Cheyenne' or 'Western Schley'. Origin: Texas. hot and humid. The eastern corrective measures in your Schley'. Origin: Mississippi. 'Sioux' This is a smaller­ varieties are disease resistant area. Harvest time runs from than-average tree. Pollinators 'Stuart' The nuts are large, and will grow throughout late summer well into fall, de­ are 'Cheyenne' or 'Western and the tree is partially self­ papershell territory; suscep­ pending on the variety. Most Schley'. Origin: Texas. fruitful but bears better crops tible western cultivars are nuts do not fall free from the if pollinated by 'Desirable'. limited to desert and dry tree but have to be knocked Origin: Mississippi. southwest areas. free with a long pole. 'Eureka' walnut 'Bartley' walnut

    Western Papershell Walnuts English walnuts are fast­ Some walnut varieties are Varieties Walnuts are both domestic and growing, heavy-textured trees. self-fruitful, and some need 'Western Schley' ('Western') foreign. Most familiar in the The limb structure is thick pollinators-an important dis­ This is a heavy producer of marketplace-and certainly and sturdy, and mature height tinction if you have room for elongated nuts. It has a wide most important to the home may reach 60 feet .with a only one tree. If you are al· soil adaptability and is less af­ gardener- is the so-called spread to mat.ch. These wal­ lergy prone, take note that fected by zinc deficiency than English or Persian walnut nuts will grow over quite a cli­ walnut pollen is a well-known other cultivars. Pollinators ( Juglans regia) , which hails matic range, but the key to a allergen. are 'Cheyenne', 'Mohawk', or successful crop is proper culti­ Good soil for English wal­ 'Wichita'. Origin: Texas. var selection. nuts is fairly deep and defi· Where winter lows are nor· nitely well-drained. The trees 'Wichita' This produces mally -20° to -30° F, plant only need regular deep watering for highly flavored, medium-sized those designated as Carpa­ production of top-quality nuts nuts. Weak crotches and brit­ thian walnuts. These are fre­ (trees are actually somewhat tle wood leave it vulnerable to quently seedling-grown trees drought tolerant) but cannot wind damage, and its blossoms from southeastern Europe and (rather than individual varie­ tolerate moist soil continually are sensitive to late frosts. The southwestern Asia. The nuts ties), the original stock of at the trunk base. Countless best pollinators are 'Cherokee', are large, flavorful, and en­ which stems from the Carpa­ old orchard trees have suc­ 'Cheyenne', or 'Western closed in relatively thin shells. thian Mountains of eastern cumbed to crown rot when the Schley'. Origin: Texas. The black walnut ( J. Europe. If late spring frosts orchard has been converted to Northern (Hardy) Varieties ·nigra) from the eastern are a feature of your area, a subdivision and the trees United States is famous for its choose cultivars that leaf out subjected to lawn watering. 'Major' This cultivar is the fine-tasting nut encased in a and shed their pollen late. If a walnut and garden standard pecan in northern shell of rocklike hardness. And if your winters are fairly must coexist, it's better to gardens. The nut is medium to Another eastern tree with a mild, select one of the culti­ have the tree at the garden small, and cracks easily. It similar reputation is the but­ vars that needs little winter margin where routine water­ needs pollination from a late ternut (J. cinerea). The west­ chill. Where summers are hot ing won't reach the trunk. The pollen-shedding cultivar such ern states have one important and humid, the pecan will be a best watering method for as 'Colby' or 'Greenriver'. native, J. hindsii, the Califor­ better nut tree to plant be­ walnuts is basin irrigation be· Other widely available nia black walnut; it is valued cause it is not· nearly as neath the tree's canopy. Form cultivars are 'Colby', 'Fritz', more as a rootstock on which disease prone as the walnut an inner earth ring about a 'Greenriver', and 'Peruque'. to graft English walnut culti­ under those conditions. foot out from the trunk so the 'Major' and 'Peruque' will vars than for its nuts. trunk will remain dry during pollinate the other cultivars. waterings. Origin: Kentucky. 'Hartley' This variety bears Catalog Sources good quality nuts at an early For Fruits, age. The leaves fill out in mid· Berries, and Nuts season. Origin: California. The best place to buy fruit and 'Howard' This variety leafs nut trees is your local nursery, out in midseason. The tree is where you can see the plants small but a heavy producer. you are buying, and don't have Origin: California. t.o pay shipping charges. But if 'Payne' This variety leafs your local nursery can't get the out early and bears heavily at varieties you want, try some of an early age. Use 'Chico' or these fruit and nut nurseries. In 'Eureka' as the pollinator. addition to the specialists listed Origin: California. here, many general nurseries 'Placentia' Early to leaf out, carry fruit and nut trees. this large, early-bearing tree needs very little winter chill. Adams Couty Nursery Good for the mild winters of Box 108 Southern California. Origin: Aspers, PA 17304 California. (717) 677-8105 Fruit specialists. Wholesale English Walnut Varieties and retail. for Midwestern and Eastern Ahrens Strawberry Nursery States RR 1 Huntingsburg, IN 47542 'Adams', 'Broadview', 'Colby', Black walnut (812) 683-3055 and 'Mesa' are hardy named Strawberries plus other cultivars of Carpathian stock English Walnut Varieties berries, grapes, and dwarf Young trees may begin that do well in the coldest bearing at 6 years and have a for Westem States fruit trees. regions where walnuts can W. F. Allen Co. life expectancy of around 100 'Carmelo' This variety leafs be grown. years. Planted in good soil, Box 1677 out late and bears extremely Among standard (non-Car· Salisbury, MD 21801 young trees should need no large nuts. Origin: California. pathian) English walnuts, the Strawberry speciali$ts. fertilizer. Established bearing 'Chandler' The leaves fill following cultivars have Catalog and planting guide trees may be helped by an an· out midseason to late season. proven their worth. lists over 30 varieties. nual fertilizer application just The tree bears heavily. Yields ' Hansen' This small tree Wholesale and retail. before they break dormancy. increase with 'Hartley' or leafs out in midseason and Bear Creek Nusery Harvest time begins when 'Ftanquette' as the pollinator. produces thin-shelled nuts. Box 411 husks start to split and release Origin: California. Widely adapted. Origin: Ohio. Northport, WA 99157 the enclosed nuts; this usually Large selection of antique and occurs in late summer or early 'Chico' This fairly small 'McKinster' F'airly late to hardy apples and mas. tree leafs out early. Origin: leaf out, this variety is a fa. autumn. At that time knock all Bountiful Ridge the nuts out of the trees (if California. vorite in Ohio and Michigan. Nurse rles, Inc. you wait for natural fall, 'Concord' This variety leafs Origin: Ohio. Box 260 squirrels may beat you to out in midscason. Along with 'Metcalfe' Late to leaf out, Princess Anne, MD 21853 much of the crop), remove the 'Placentia', this is a good bet this is a productive English (800) 638-9856 husks, spread the nuts in a for the mildest-winter regions. walnut in New York. Origin: Fruit and nut specialists. single layer, and dry for sev· Origin: California. New York. Brittingham Plant Farms eral days. 'Eureka' This variety leafs 'Somers' This tree leafs out Box 2538 Codling moth can damage out in midseason. Both the in midseason and ripens a crop Salisbury, MD 21801 the nut crop in all walnut­ Cala/,Qg includes vi.rus;free tree and the nut are large. The early. Origin: Michigan. strawberries, also raspberries, growing areas; the walnut tree is slower to bear than blackberries, bltuJberries, and husk Oy also zeros in on the most. Use 'Chico' as a polli­ Black Walnut Varieties grapes. developing nuts but is more nator. Origin: California. 'Stabler' This variety pro­ Banting's Nurseries prevalent in the west. Aphids 'Franquette' This variety duces a nut that is fairly easy Box 306 and spider mites are two pests leafs out late, which makes it to crack for a black walnut. Selbyville, DE 19975 that favor walnut leaves, as well-adapted to the Northwest. Origin: Maryland. (302) 436-8231 does the fungus anthracnose; The large tree is slower than 'Thomas' This is the most Strawberry specialists. oystershell scale may affect average to bear and produces popular and widely available twigs and small branches. light crops. Use 'Chandler' or walnut. The large nuts have 'Hartley' as a pollinator. exceUenL flavor. Origin: Origin: California. Pennsylvania.