Fruit Trees
Growing fruit in the garden can be one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening.
There is nothing more exciting then seeing apples, figs or pears ripen in your own garden.
Mature Height
Semi‐ Dwarf: 12‐16’
Dwarf: 8‐12’
Extreme Dwarf: 6‐8’
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Some varieties require a pollinizer to produce fruit. For example, if you have an Empire Apple tree you will need another apple that blooms at the same time (mid‐season) to pollinate the Empire apple tree. In this case, you could use a Yellow Delicious apple. (Please note Apples will not pollinize other fruit trees such as Cherries and European Plums will not pollinize Japanese Plums.)
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It is not recommended that you fertilize your fruit tree the year it has been planted. The second year you should fertilize with a specialized Fruit Tree fertilizer in the spring and summer.
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For detailed directions on how to prune your fruit tree watch our pruning video.
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Like all plants fruit trees are susceptible to a wide variety of insect and disease problems. To prevent these problems Dormant Oil should be applied to the trees in the winter months (December to February) before the tree begins to leaf out in spring. It is extremely important that you follow the directions given with the dormant oil kit you purchase.
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Figs require full sun all day to ripen. Roots are greedy, traveling far beyond the tree canopy. Figs are not fruit trees for small spaces. The fine roots that invade garden beds, however, may be cut without loss to the tree. In the Pacific Northwest, we need to grow them in the warmest location possible; against a sunny wall would be best. For container grown plants, replace most of the soil in the tub every three years and keep the sides of the tub shaded to prevent overheating in sunlight. Figs are generally hardy in zones 7‐10.
Young fig tees should be watered regularly until fully established. Mulch the soil around the trees to conserve moisture. If a tree is not getting enough water, the leaves will turn yellow and drop. Drought‐stressed trees will not produce fruit and are more susceptible to disease.
Figs must be allowed to ripen fully on the tree before they are picked. They will not ripen if picked when immature. A ripe fruit will be slightly soft and starting to bend at the neck. Harvest the fruit gently to avoid bruising. Fresh figs do not keep well and can be stored in the refrigerator for only 2 ‐ 3 days.
Fig trees are productive with or without heavy pruning. It is essential only during the initial years. Trees should be trained according to use of fruit, such as a low crown for fresh‐market figs. Since the crop is borne on terminals of previous year’s wood, once the tree form is established, avoid heavy winter pruning, which causes loss of the following year’s crop. It is better to prune immediately after the main crop is harvested, or with late‐ripening cultivars, summer prune half the branches and prune the remainder the following summer.
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A classic European garden favourite. Grows to be a small 8-10′ tree with striking, long, tropical-looking foliage. Large white flowers form at branch tips & abundant brown fruit follows. Fruit is eaten when soft; when it has the texture & taste of spiced applesauce. Likes sun & well drained soil.
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