Fruit and nut trees are especially popular catalog items. Many of these trees perform well in Utah, but gardeners must be cautious when ordering. Consider these tips.
• Be wary of ordering pecan trees. Many varieties and species are cold hardy in most areas of the state including Northern Utah. However, very few will actually produce ripe nuts since the nuts mature in November. By November, most places in Utah have already experienced several hard frosts. To prevent such problems, it is important to research before ordering. USU county Extension horticulture or agriculture agents can offer advice on what varieties perform well. Many fact sheets and bulletins are available on the USU Extension Web site at www.ext.usu.edu. You may also consider talking to neighboring gardeners or qualified employees at garden centers.
• Of the nut trees available in catalogs, filberts, hazelnuts and Carpathian-type English walnuts are adapted to the Northern Utah climate. Pinion pines (which produce pine nuts) are very adapted and can sometimes be found at local garden centers, but they may take several years to produce. In warmer areas of the Wasatch Front and Utah, almonds and even sometimes pistachios can do well if sited correctly.
• Apple trees are especially popular through catalog purchase. Things to consider when purchasing include when the tree blooms, if the tree needs a cross pollinator and when the fruit ripens. Similar to pecans, some apple tree varieties do not ripen until sometime in November. Additionally, most fruit trees are grafted onto a rootstock. In apples, the type of rootstock especially influences how early a tree starts producing fruit, how large the tree eventually grows and resistance to certain diseases and pests.
• Peaches are marginal in colder areas of Utah. In colder mountain valleys, avoid varieties such as Elberta, Early Elberta and Hale-series peaches due to a lack of cold hardiness. Other varieties are somewhat better adapted. They include Reliance, Intrepid, Canadian Harmony, Harken, PF24-C Cold Hardy, Lucky 13 and Ranger. Of these, Canadian Harmony is popular for canning and eating. Ranger is also good for canning and Reliance reportedly is the most cold-hardy. However, the fruit from Reliance, although still good, lacks the quality of other peaches.
• Apricots, plums and cherries are adapted to many areas of Northern Utah, especially along the Wasatch Front. However, apricots often bloom before the last frost and must be situated away from areas where cold air may settle, such as the bottoms of slopes and in gullies. Apricot varieties such as Chinese and Moorpark are common, but many other varieties exist. In addition to apricots, most fruit trees are more likely to produce greater amounts of fruit when they are away from areas where cold air may settle.
By: Taun Beddes - Feb. 22, 2010