Growing Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Crops in the

Home Garden
2000

Paul M. Vossen1 and Deborah Silver2

1Tree Fruits and Nuts Farm Advisor

Sonoma and Marin Counties
University of California Cooperative Extension

2Technical Editor and Writer (free-lance)

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 Varieties for Planting in the Home Garden

Where you live (which "climate zone" of the state, will determine which varieties of
temperate tree fruit and nut crops will perform best in your home garden, when fruits and nuts
are harvested, and which pest and disease problems are more common. This table describes
selected varieties of the major and minor temperate fruit and nut crops that are suitable for home
gardeners in California. The table could easily be doubled or tripled in size if all heirloom
varieties and newer varieties available at nurseries or through mail order were included.

I. Pome Fruits III.Nut Crops

1. Apple 1. Almond
2. Pear/Asian Pear 2. Chestnuts
3. Pomegranate 3. Filberts (Hazelnuts)
4. Quince 4. Pecans
5. Pistachios
6. Walnuts
II. Stone Fruits
1. Almond (see nut crops) IV. Vines**
2. Apricot 1. Kiwifruit
3. Cherry (sour and sweet)
4. Nectarine V. Miscellaneous Temperate Fruits
5. Peach 1. Fig
6. Plum and Prune 2. Olive
3. Persimmon

**The Introduction of this chapter pointed out that grapes, strawberries, and other temperate-zone vine crops are
discussed in two separate chapters in the Master Gardener Handbook, Berries in the Home Garden, and Grape
Culture in the Home Garden. Please refer to them for variety information.

Certain varieties are superb eaten fresh; whereas, other varieties tend to be used more
often for cooking, canning, and freezing. Experts do not always agree about which varieties are
best suited for various uses because individual tastes differ; thus, the comments in the table
regarding these issues are offered as points of interest only, not as official advice endorsed by the
UC. Low chill varieties of apple, pear, peach, nectarine, Japanese and hybrid plums, and
kiwifruit are also listed.

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 Apple
Apples are adapted to many areas of California. A cool climate is needed for coloration in most red varieties.
Winter chilling requirements for most (Malus domestica) varieties (except "low chill") are 1200-1500 hr below
45oF. Foggy days and dews can cause heavy cosmetic russetting on fruit. There are hundreds of apple varieties,
and some varieties have several strains, each with its own characteristics. Spur-type (short shoot growth and
abundant spur production) varieties do poorly on dwarfing rootstocks; they are best grown on seedling rootstock.
Several rootstocks are available (see below), which impart dwarfing and pest resistance. Apple varieties exhibit
considerable genetic diversity. Some require as few as 70 days to mature; others take 180 days or more. Some
varieties are very cold hardy; others are tender. Apples require cross-pollination from another variety that blooms at
the same time and produces abundant, viable pollen. Many varieties are self-unfruitful and have sterile pollen;
others are partially self- fruitful (not all of their pollen is viable); a few are self-fruitful. It is best to plant apple trees
in Jan-March.

Rootstocks
• Seedling - Used for non-irrigated sites, low vigor sites, and weaker varieties. Very vigorous, produces
large, full-sized trees that come
into bearing late (7-10 yr.). Susceptible to woolly apple aphid. Trees can fill a 30 x 30 ft. space and grow
20 ft tall.

• M111 - Semi-dwarf rootstock. Usually produces a tree 80% the size of the same tree on seedling
rootstock. Tolerates many soil conditions. Reported resistant to woolly apple aphid. Imparts earlier
bearing fruit than seedling, not as early as more dwarfing stock. Requires irrigation.

• M106 - Semi-dwarf rootstock. Usually produces a tree about 65-75% the size of the same tree on seedling
rootstock. Provides good anchorage. Imparts early bearing fruit and is easily propagated. Reported
resistant to woolly apple aphid. Requires irrigation. Tree spacing ranges from 10 x 18 ft to 6 x 12 ft.

• M7a - Semi-dwarf rootstock. Usually produces a tree about 60% the size of the same tree on seedling
rootstock. Performs well in irrigated replant situations, but tends to sucker. Spacing is same as M106.

• M26 - Semi-dwarf to dwarfing rootstock. Usually produces a tree 30-50% the size of the same tree on
seedling rootstock. Performs poorly in most California locations. May need a support system.

• M9 - Dwarfing rootstock. Usually produces a very small tree less than 30% the size of the same tree on
seedling rootstock. Commercially, the most frequently planted rootstock worldwide. However, a poor
performer if not adequately managed. Poorly anchored, has brittle root system. Must be trellised.

• Mark - Dwarfing rootstock. Relatively new. Similar in size to M9. Very precocious. Poor performer in
all apple growing regions.

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Standard Varieties
• Fuji - Round to flat apple with a very sweet yellow-orange flesh. Skin color is red if given enough
sunlight and cool temperatures. One of the best sweet eating apples. Stores well.

• Gala - Small to medium-sized, conic-shaped red apple with excellent flavor and keeping qualities. The
best variety for the early season. Will not cross-pollinate 'Golden Delicious'.

• Golden Delicious - Conic-shaped apple with a long stem, yellow to green skin, yellow flesh, and russet
dots. Sweet, juicy, fine-textured. #1 on the North Coast for fresh eating quality and processing. Stores
well but susceptible to bitter pit, bruising, russeting. Erratic in self-fruitfulness.

• Granny Smith - Round, green to yellow-skinned apple that is quite firm. Keeps very well. Crisp flesh.
If harvested early, it is green and tart. Late harvested fruit are yellow-colored and sweet.

• Gravenstein - Medium large fruit with short, fat stem. Skin color is greenish yellow overlaid with red
stripes. Excellent flavor when fully ripe. Crisp, subacid, and aromatic. A good sauce and pie apple.
Stores and ships poorly. High percentage of windfalls. Sterile pollen.

• Jonathan - Round, red apple with pure white flesh. Crisp, juicy, and slightly subacid. Excellent for
eating fresh, sauce, and juice. Highly susceptible to mildew, fire blight, and Jonathan spot.

• Red Delicious - Conic-shaped apple with tapered base and five distinct lobes. Skin color varies from
solid red to a mixture of red and green stripes. Crisp, sweet, mild-flavored yellow flesh. Many strains.
Used fresh. Stores well.

• Rome Beauty - Round fruit with a deep cavity, no lobes, and little russet. Several strains, including the
old standard and several new, solid red-skinned strains, such as 'Taylor' and 'Law'. Stores moderately well.
Tree leafs out late, flowers late, and produces flowers and fruit on long spur growth that requires
modification in pruning. Good for baking.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Late Oct.- Late Oct.-
Fuji Oct.-Nov. November November NA
Nov. Nov.
Gala Late June Late June Early July Late July Early July Late June
Late Aug.-
Golden Delicious Late August Late August September September NA
Sept.
Late Oct.- Late Oct.-
Granny Smith Oct.-Nov. November November NA
Nov. Nov.
Gravenstein Late June Late June Early July Late July Early July NA
Late Aug- Mid Aug-
Jonathan August August Mid August NA
Sept. Sept.
Late Aug.-
Red Delicious Late August Late August September September NA
Sept.
Late Oct.- Late Oct.-
Rome Beauty Oct.-Nov. November November NA
Nov. Nov.

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Spur Type Varieties: Strains (mutations) of the original varieties that have shorter internodes and are naturally
dwarfing. Best on seedling rootstock.
Golden Delicious Spur: Nugget Spur, Goldspur, Yelo Spur, and Starkspur. Red Delicious Spur: Silverspur,
Crimson Spur, Skyspur, Bisbee Spur, Spured Royal, Oregon Spur, Wellspur, Scarletspur, Cascade Spur, Starkspur,
Spur McIntosh, Granny Smith Spur, Greenspur & Granspur, Rome Beauty Spur, Law Spur & Spuree, Winesap
Spur, Arkansas Black Spur.

Low Chill Varieties: These varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern CA because they have low
winter chilling requirements (<300 hr).
Anna, Beverly Hills, Dorsett Golden, Einshemer, Gordon, Tropical Beauty,

Antique Varieties: These varieties do well in much of California if there is adequate chilling and summer heat is
not too intense. They are hard to find because they lack commercial value. Many have excellent flavor and perform
well in home gardens.
Arkansas Black, Black Twig, Wagner, Baldwin, Cox's Orange Pippin, E. Spitzenburg, Winter Banana, Northern
Spy, Winesap, Smith Cider, Red Golden, Newtown Pippin, Rhode Island Greening, Staymen Winesap, McIntosh,
Sierra Beauty.

Early Summer Varieties: These varieties do not have the quality characteristics of standard varieties but ripen
early when no other fresh apples are available. They are excellent for eating fresh right off the tree and make a good
cooking apple.
• Vista Bell - terminal bearing habit, white-fleshed fruit, stores well
• Jerseymac - large, good red color, excellent flavor, firmer than McIntosh, stores 4-8 wk
• Paulared - high quality, white flesh, stores fairly well, tree requires thinning
• Akane - similar to Jonathan but earlier, good solid red color, white flesh, good for eating fresh and juice
• Jonamac - similar to McIntosh but has better color, firmness, and storage life

Disease Resistant Varieties: There are several scab resistant varieties developed in breeding programs for the
Eastern States where this disease is quite severe due to summer humidity and rain. Some have received limited
testing here under California growing conditions. In growing districts with extended spring rains, organic growers
should experiment with some of these varieties to see how they perform in their orchards.

• Enterprise: A large fruited, late maturing, dense, crisp variety that has good keeping qualities. The color
is dark red over a yellow green background. This is one of the best of the scab resistant varieties.

• Florina: A promising scab resistant selection from France, this variety has large, round-oblong, purple-red
colored fruit. It ripens late and has a mixed sweet tart flavor.

• Freedom: Is a late season variety with large fruit and mild flavor; not completely immune to scab.

• Goldrush: A scab immune selection with Golden Delicious parentage, this fruit is late maturing, large,
firm textured and tart with an excellent flavor. It stores well.

• Pristine: This moderate to large tart yellow apple is immune to scab and resistant to fire blight and
mildew.

• Jonafree: A mid season apple compares with Jonathan, with soft flesh and uneven coloring.

• Liberty: One of the best quality apples of the disease resistant varieties, Liberty is very productive and
requires heavy early thinning to achieve good size. It ripens in mid-season, has an attractive red color with
some striping and a good sweet flavor.

• Prima: Is an early season, uneven ripening, moderate quality variety.

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• Priscilla: Is a late season variety with small fruit, soft flesh, and mild flavor.

• Red Free: Is early July maturing, heat sensitive, a small-fruited variety that is susceptible to water core,
sunburn and russet.

• Williams Pride: An early maturing, scab immune variety that is also resistant to fire blight and mildew.
The fruit is medium too large with a round-oblique shape. It has an attractive red striped color on a green-
yellow background

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 Pear

Of all the deciduous fruit tree species, pears are the most tolerant of wet soil conditions. But they perform best on
deep, well-drained sites. Pears are (Pyrus communis L.) the most pest-ridden of all fruit trees. They require the
most sprays to keep clean. Pear trees get very large, requiring a 18x18 ft spacing, without (Pyrus serotina L.)
dwarfing rootstock or summer pruning. Pear trees have a tendency to grow very upright and must be trained to
develop a spreading growth habit. Most pear varieties are self-sterile and require cross-pollination by another
variety to get a good crop set. One exception is the Sacramento River delta region where 'Bartlett' is self-fruitful,
setting crops of parthenocarpic fruits. Fire blight (bacterial disease) is a serious problem in pear. 'Bartlett', which
makes up 75% of the world's production and acreage, has a chilling requirement of about 1500 hr. Days from full
bloom to harvest range from about 115 to 165 for European and Asian pears.

Rootstocks: Several different species are used for pear rootstocks, but they vary only slightly in their tolerance to
"wet feet" (Phytophthora fungi) and size control.
• Quince (several strains) - Semi-dwarfing rootstock. Resistant to decline, root aphid, root rot, and most
nematodes. Trees are 50% of standard size and are very productive. Compatible with Anjou, Comice,
Flemish Beauty, and Swiss Bartlett. Graft incompatible with Bartlett, Bosc, Seckel, and Clapp; requires an
interstem of Old Home. On poor sites trees tend to be runty. Fruit quality is lower than on other stocks.
Quince is the only dwarfing stock available, and it is incompatible with some varieties.

• Calleryana - Moderately vigorous rootstock. Resistant to "wet feet" (Phytophthora), fire blight, root
aphid, and most nematodes. Not the best stock for Asian varieties. Produces a tree a bit larger than French
seedling.

• French Seedling - Seeds from Bartlett or Winter Nellis are used for this rootstock, which withstands both
wet feet and dry conditions. This rootstock is resistant to oak root fungus but is very susceptible to fire
blight. Good for general use.

• Betulaefolia - Best rootstock for most Asian pears. An oriental seedling. The most vigorous, producing
the largest tree on the poorest site. Best tolerance of wet and drought conditions. Resistant to decline,
blight, root aphid, and root rot. Poor stock for D'Anjou.

• Old Home x Farmingdale - A P. communis rootstock propagated by cuttings or layering. Somewhat

dwarfing. Compatible with most varieties. Fire blight resistant.

European Pear Varieties

These varieties are mostly the traditional pear shape and are harvested green when they begin to drop off the tree.
They are (Pyrus communis L.) then stored at 33oF to 45oF for several weeks. As the fruit is brought up to room
temperature it softens and turns buttery. If allowed to ripen on the tree certain cells within the fruit called stone cells
develop and make the fruit gritty.

• Bartlett - The best quality pear fruit. Fruit are bell-shaped, have white flesh and excellent flavor. Tree is
susceptible to fire blight. Fruit keep relatively well -- up to 2 months after maturing in August. ‘Sensation’
is a red Bartlett.

• Bosc - Mid-season variety that bears heavy crops regularly. Fruit are long, tapering, with a long neck and
stem. Skin is golden russet brown.

• Comice - Non-consistent bearer. Excellent quality fruit, green color with red blush. Delicate skin,
chubby shape. Very vigorous tree, which does best on Quince rootstock. Late maturing.

• D'Anjou - Good quality winter pear with excellent keeping qualities. A large, vigorous tree. Egg-shaped
fruit with a small shoulder. Light green to yellow green color with a white flesh. French origin. There is a
red strain called ‘Red Anjou’.

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 • Seckel - A small, pear shaped fruit the is reddish green in color with a very dense sweet and flavorful
flesh. Excellent quality for the home orchard. It is resistant to fire blight and pear scab.

• Winter Nellis - Medium-small, almost round fruit with light russeting over a green skin. Resistant to
blight. Large tree. Regular producer but late.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Bartlett August August Late August Late August August NA

Bosc October October October October October NA

Comice October October October October October NA

D'Anjou September September September September September NA

Seckel September September Late Sept. Late Sept. September NA

Winter Nellis October October October October October NA

Low Chill Varieties: These pear varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern CA because they have low
winter chilling requirements (<300 hr). Baldwin, Carnes, Florida Home, Fan Stil, Garber, Hengsan, Hood, Kieffer,
Orient, Pineapple, Seleta, Spadona

Asian Pear Varieties

Asian pears are round-shaped fruit that remain very firm, crisp, and juicy when eaten ripe. Also known as salad
pears or pear apples. The best rootstock for these varieties is Betulaefolia. Generally require cross-pollination.
Fruit must be heavily thinned in May/June (Pyrus serotina L.) to size properly. Harvest by taste and pick exposed
fruit first. Unlike European pears, Asian pears ripen on the tree.
• Chojuro - Greenish-brown to brown russet skin. Coarse, tasty flesh.

• Hosui - Brown skin, juicy white flesh with a sweet aromatic flavor.

• Kikusui - Yellow-green skin. White flesh, excellent flavor. Fruit drop from tree when ripe.

• Niiataka - Very large fruit, juicy, with an aromatic flavor

• Nijisseiki - Also known as Twentieth Century. Excellent quality. Very popular variety with yellow-green
skin.

• Shinko - Brown russet skin, firm crisp flesh, and very aromatic flavor.

• Shinseiki - Amber yellow skin. White flesh that is crisp, but softens rapidly; less flavor than other
varieties.

• Tsu Li - Blooms early. Use Ya Li (see below) as pollenizer. Chinese type (pear shape). Light green
color, crisp tasty flesh.

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 • Ya Li - Blooms early. Use Tsu Li (see above) as pollenizer. Chinese type (pear shape). Light, shiny
yellow color, crisp tasty flesh.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Chojuro Late July Late July August early August early August August

Hosui Late August Late August Sept. Early Sept. Late Sept. Early Sept.

Kikusui August August Late August mid Sept. Late August NA

Niiataka Late Sept. Late Sept. Mid Oct. October October Late Sept.

Nijisseiki August August Late August mid Sept. Late August NA

Shinko Late Sept. Late Sept. Mid Oct. October October Late Sept.

Shinseiki August August Late August mid Sept. Late August NA

Tsu Li Late Sept. Late Sept. Mid Oct. October October Late Sept.

Ya Li Late Sept. Late Sept. Mid Oct. October October Late Sept.

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 Pomegranate

Pomegranates are exotic fruits that grow on a small tree or shrub 15 to 20 ft tall, which has shiny foliage and a long
flowering season. (Punica granatum L.) The tree is very long lived. It is sensitive to frost in fall and spring and
does not mature well in cool climates. The tree tolerates wet, heavy soils but performs better in deep, well-drained
loams. Fruits cracks with first fall rains. Propagated from cuttings. Requires only a short chilling period. Resistant
to oak root fungus (Armillaria mellea). Not attacked by codling moth or twig borers. Unharvested ripe fruit attracts
ants, fruit flies.

Varieties
• Ambrosia - Huge fruit, pale pink skin, similar to Wonderful
• Eversweeet - Very sweet almost seedless fruit. Red skin, clear juice. Good for coastal areas.
• Granada - Deep crimson fruit color. Matures early, but needs heat.
• Ruby Red - Matures late (with 'Wonderful') but not as sweet or colorful as 'Wonderful'. All fruit matures
at once.
• Wonderful - Large, deep red fruit. Large, juicy, red kernels. Small seeds. Matures late. Juice is made
into grenadine syrup.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Ambrosia September September October October September September

Eversweet August Early Sept. October October Early Sept. Early Sept.

Granada August Early Sept. October October Early Sept. Early Sept.

Ruby Red September September October October September September

Wonderful September September October October September September

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 Quince
Quince fruits grow on a small tree or shrub (8-12 ft tall) with twisted, bumpy branches. Grown as a flowering
ornamental or for fruit processing. (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) Adapted to many climates. Tolerates "wet feet"
better than most other deciduous fruit trees. Quince trees bloom late, which means that they avoid spring frosts.
Quinces have many of the same pest problems as apple and pear. Varieties are self-fruitful. Used as a dwarfing
rootstock for pear.

• Champion - Green-yellow flesh. Pear-shaped fruit.

• Orange - Orange-yellow flesh. Golden skin. Rich flavor. Low chill fruit.

• Pineapple - The preferred variety. Pineapple flavor. White flesh. Golden skin. Low chill fruit

• Smyrna - Large fruit with brown pubescence. Light, tender flesh. Yellow skin. Low chill fruit.

• Van Deman - Pale yellow, coarse flesh. Orange skin that turns red when cooked.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Champion Early Oct. Early Oct. October October October Early Oct.

Orange Early Sept. Early Sept. September September September Early Sept.

Pineapple Early Oct. Early Oct. October October October Early Oct.

Smyrna Early Oct. Early Oct. October October October Early Oct.

Van Deman Early Sept. Early Sept. September September September Early Sept.

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 Apricot

Apricots bloom in February and early March, usually during a cold rain storm; thus, consistent crops are unlikely in
North Coast counties. (Prunus armeniaca L.) Apricots perform best in climates with dry spring weather. They are
susceptible to late spring frosts. Bacterial canker is a common disease of young trees in California. Plant trees at
about a 10 to 20 ft spacing. Apricots are mostly self-fruitful and ripen in late June to July (100-120 days from full
bloom).

Rootstocks
• Marianna 2624 - Somewhat resistant to oak root fungus. Tolerates "wet feet" much better than apricot
or peach root. Space trees 20 ft apart.

• Lovell Peach - Imparts some resistance to bacterial canker. Susceptible to oak root fungus. Not as
tolerant of wet soils as other apricot rootstocks.

• Prunus Besseyi - Semi-dwarfing rootstock. Short-lived. Suckers profusely. Produces inferior fruit in
the scion variety.

• Citation - One of the best rootstocks for apricots. Slightly dwarfing. Less susceptible to bacterial canker;
tolerant of "wet feet."

Standard Varieties
• Royal (Blenheim) - Large, very flavorful, used for eating fresh and drying.

• Moorpark - Excellent flavor, ripens unevenly, highly colored.

• Tilton - Large fruit, heavy producer. Mild flavor. Used for canning.

• Autumn Royal - Blenheim sport. Ripens in late summer to fall.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Royal (Blenheim) June June Early July Late June Late June June

Moorpark June June Early July Late June Late June June

Tilton Early July July Late July Late July July July

Autumn Royal Juen June Early July Late June Late June June

Low Chill Varieties: These apricot varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern CA because they have
low winter chilling requirements (<300 hr). 'Goldkist', 'Early Gold', 'Newcastle'. These varieties are newer and
should be evaluated for your climate zone and site before being selected.

Varieties to Consider: Castlebright, Earl Golden, Golden Amber, Goldrich, Improved Flaming Gold, King,
Pomo, Riland, Rosa, Royalty, Sun Glo.

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 Cherry

Two types of cherries can be planted: sweet, for fresh eating, and sour, for pies and preserves. Generally, cherries
are the most difficult trees (Prunus avium L.) to keep alive. They do not tolerate "wet feet" and are very susceptible
to brown rot, bacterial canker, cytospora canker, root and crown rots (Prunus cerasus L.)and several viruses. Trees
must be planted 14-20 ft apart in well-drained soil and up on a small mound or berm. Sweet cherries require
cross-pollination (many varieties are self-sterile and intrasterile, as noted below), but sour cherries are self-fertile
and do not require pollenizers. Both types require <100 days to mature.

Rootstocks
• Mazzard - Good rootstock for cherries in coastal California. Produces a large, vigorous tree that is
delayed in coming into bearing. Less susceptible to root rots and gophers than Mahaleb (see below) but
more susceptible to bacterial canker than Mahaleb.

• Mahaleb - Very susceptible to root and crown rots. Some resistance to buckskin virus, bacterial canker,
and root lesion nematode.

• Stockton Morello - Somewhat dwarfing rootstock. Not readily available. Makes an overgrowth at the
bud union. Propagated from a cutting. Tolerant as Mazzard to wet feet. Somewhat resistant to gophers.
Less susceptible to bacterial canker. Generally a very good rootstock.

• Colt - Somewhat dwarfing rootstock. The leading rootstock in California. Giesla series dwarfing
rootstocks are relatively new and in most cases produce trees that are smaller in stature (8-10ft.). They also
tend to impart early bearing. The smaller trees are easier to cover with netting to keep the birds from eating
all the fruit.

Sweet Varieties
• Bing - Industry standard. Deep mahogany red fruit. Produces very heavily. Very susceptible to bacterial
canker. Pollenized by 'Van', 'Black Tartarian' or 'Sam'. 'Bing' , 'Lambert' and 'Royal-Ann' will not pollinate
each other. (They are intrasterile.)

• Black Tartarian - Small, black fruit. A good pollenizer for 'Bing' and most other varieties.

• Early Burlat - Moderate-sized fruit. Ripens two weeks before Bing. Soft flesh. Pollenized by 'Bing' and
'Tartarian'.

• Early Ruby - Early in season. Large, dark red fruit. Prolific. Fruit hold on tree.

• Lambert - Dark, large, firm fruit. Pollenized by 'Van'. Late season. 'Lambert', 'Bing' , and 'Royal-Ann'
will not pollinate each other.

• Rainier - Yellow-red blush. Large, crack-resistant fruits.

• Royal-Ann - Yellow fruit with a red blush. Pollenized by 'Van'. Late season. 'Royal-Ann', 'Lambert',
and 'Bing' will not pollinate each other.

• Stella - Dark fleshed fruit. Matures just after Bing. Self-fruitful.

• Van - Large, dark fruit. Pollenized by 'Bing' or 'Lambert'.

13
Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Bing June June Late June Late June June NA

Black Tartarian June June Late June Late June June NA

Early Burlat Ealry June Early June June June June NA

Early Ruby Early June Early June June June June NA

Lambert Late June Late June July July July NA

Rainier June June Late June Late June June NA

Royal-Ann Early June Early June June June June NA

Stella Late June Late June July July July NA

Van June June Late June Late June June NA

Low Chill Sweet Varieties: None available. Low-chilling types of sweet cherries need to be bred and selected.

Sour ("Pie") Varieties

• Early Richmond - Very early in season. Bright red fruit.

• Meteor - Semi-dwarf.

• Montmorency - The leading sour variety. Medium-sized, dark red fruit.

• North Star - Semi-dwarf. Self-fruitful.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Early Richmond Early June Early June June June June NA

Meteor Early June Early June June June June NA

Montmorency Early June Early June June June June NA

North Star Early June Early June June June June NA

Low Chill Sour Varieties: None available. Low-chilling types of sour cherries need to be bred and selected.

14
 Nectarine

Nectarines are just fuzzless peaches. They do well in most of California if given the proper growing conditions.
Nectarines require very (Prunus persica) well-drained soils, abundant nitrogen fertility, plenty of summer water,
fruit thinning, and pest control sprays to prevent peach leaf curl and brown rot. New variety developments have
greatly improved this fruit as a tree for backyard and commercial use. Trees can bear the second year. Nectarines
(like peaches) are self-fruitful and do not require a pollenizer tree. Tree spacing should be about 8 to 12 ft apart.

Rootstocks
• Lovell Peach - The best choice for coastal California. A seedling that tolerates wet winter soils better
than any other peach rootstock. Produces a full-sized tree but one that is managed easily. Plant 8-14 ft
apart.

• Nemaguard Peach - The best choice for the Central Valley. A nematode-resistant rootstock best
adapted to sandy, dry sites that never get too wet.

• Prunus besseyi - Semi-dwarfing rootstock. Suckers badly. Produces inferior fruit on the scion variety.
Has not performed well. Somewhat incompatible.

• Citation - A new peach-plum hybrid that provides some dwarfing to most varieties. Tolerates wet winter
conditions. Produces trees that are smaller in caliper without any height reduction in some varieties.

Standard Varieties
• Arctic Glo - Small, fantastic flavor. White flesh. Early

• Fantasia - Large, brightly-colored yellow freestone. Late.

• Flamekist - Excellent quality. Large, firm, yellow, clingstone.

• Flavortop - Large, excellent flavor. Yellow freestone. Mid-season.

• Goldmine - Large, great flavor. White flesh. Freestone.

• Heavenly White - Large, excellent flavor. White flesh.

• May Grand - Large, yellow-fruited freestone. Early.

• Panamint - Medium-sized fruit. Red skin, golden flesh. Freestone, low chill variety.

• Red Gold - Large, excellent flavor. Stores well. Late.

• Rose - Old favorite white freestone with excellent flavor and low chilling requirement.

• September Red - Large, yellow. Very late.

• Snow Queen - Early season white freestone, juicy and tasty

• Summer Grand - One of the best. Large, yellow freestone.

15
16
Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Arctic Glo Mid June Mid June Early July June June NA

Fantasia Late July August Late August Mid August August August

Flamekist Late August Early Sept. September September September September

Flavortop Mid July Late July August August August Late July

Goldmine August Late Aug. September September September September

Heavenly White Late July Late July Mid August Early Aug. Early Aug. NA

May Grand Early June Mid June Late June Late June June June

Panamint Late July Early Aug. August August August August

Red Gold Late August Early Sept. September September September September

Rose Mid July Late July August August August Late July

September Red Late August Early Sept. September September September September

Snow Queen Late June July Late July Late July Late July July

Summer Grand Mid July Late July August August August Late July

Low Chill Varieties: These nectarine varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern California because
they have low winter chilling requirements.
Desert Dawn, Desert Delight, Rose, Panamint, Pioneer, Silver Lode

17
 Peach
Peaches are very popular fruit trees that can be grown successfully in many parts of California. They require
adequate summer watering, deep and (Prunus persica) well-drained soils, high nitrogen fertility, fruit thinning, and
pest control sprays to prevent peach leaf curl and brown rot. Peach trees are short-lived trees (15-20 yr.). Peaches
(like nectarines) are self-fruitful (self-compatible), which means that they do not require a pollenizer tree. Plant
trees 12x16ft to 18x18 ft apart.

Rootstocks
• Lovell Peach - The best choice for coastal California. A seedling that tolerates wet winter soils better
than any other peach rootstock, but still requires good drainage. Produces a full-sized, small tree but one
that is managed easily. Plant 8-14 ft apart.

• Nemaguard Peach - The best choice for the Central Valley. A nematode-resistant rootstock best
adapted to sandy, dry sites that never get too wet. Full-sized tree.

• Prunus besseyi - Semi-dwarfing rootstock. Suckers badly. Produces inferior fruit on the scion variety.
Has not performed well. Somewhat incompatible.

• Citation - A new peach-plum hybrid that provides some dwarfing to most varieties. Tolerates wet winter
conditions. Produces trees that are smaller in caliper without any height reduction in some varieties.

Standard Varieties
Thousands of peach varieties have been developed worldwide. Some perform better in warmer areas. Others have
better fruit quality when grown in cooler climates along the coast of California. Three listed below ('Veteran',
'Loring', and La Feliciana' are somewhat more disease resistant.
• Autumn Gold - Medium-large fruit. Yellow flesh. Keeps well.

• Babcock - Medium-sized. White flesh. Freestone, low chill variety.

• Earligrande - Excellent flavor. Yellow-red blush. Semi-freestone, low chill variety.

• Fairtime - Large fruit. Yellow, firm flesh. Excellent flavor.

• Fay Elberta - Large fruit. Yellow flesh. Freestone.

• Forty-niner - Large fruit. Yellow flesh. Freestone.

• Indian Blood - Cling peach. Red skin and flesh. Tart. Prolific.

• La Feliciana - Medium-sized. Firm, red. Excellent flavor.

• Loring - Very large fruit. Red skin. Yellow flesh. Freestone.

• Nectar - White flesh. Pink skin. Excellent flavor.

• O'Henry - One of the best. Large fruit. Yellow flesh. Freestone.

• Redhaven - Yellow. Semi-freestone. Needs heavy thinning.

• Rio Oso Gem - Very large fruit. Yellow flesh. Freestone.

18
 • Springcrest - Medium-sized. Yellow flesh. Semi-freestone.

• Suncrest - Large fruit. Yellow flesh. Freestone. Midseason.

• Veteran - Red blush. Elberta-type. Freestone. Dependable, heavy producer, excellent flavor

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Autumn Gold September September October October October NA

Babcock Late June July July Late July July Late June

Earligrand May Late May June June June May

Fairtime September September October October October NA

Fay Elberta Late July August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Forty-Niner Late July August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Indian Blood Late Aug. Late Aug. September September September NA

La Feliciana Mid July Late July August August Late July NA

Loring Late July August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Nectar Late July Late July Mid Aug. Early Aug. August NA

O'Henry Late July August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Redhaven Early July July Late July Late July July NA

Rio Oso Gem August Late Aug. September September September September

Springcrest Early June Mid June Late June Late June Late June NA

Suncrest Early July July Late July Late July July NA

Veteran Late July August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Low Chill Varieities: These peach varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern California because they
have low winter chilling requirements.
August Pride, Babcock, Bonita, Desertgold, Early Amber, Earligrande, FlordaGrand, FlordaPrince, Midpride,
Tropic-berta, TopicSweet,

19
 Plum and Prune

Plum trees are one of the best-adapted fruit tree species for almost anywhere in California. They are easy to grow.
Available rootstocks are very (Prunus domestica) tolerant of wet winter soils; they bloom late enough to avoid most
spring frosts; and they have few pest problems. Plum trees get relatively large (Prunus salicina)and require 12-18 ft
spacing. Most plums, but not all, require cross-pollination to set adequate crops; plan to plant two different
varieties. There are two different kinds of plums: Japanese, Prunus salicina, and European, Prunus domestica.
European types are either very sweet fresh plums or prunes used for drying. Both types of plums require about 140-
170 days to mature the crop. Most Japanese plums bloom earlier and mature earlier. They typically require less
chilling than European plums.

Rootstocks
• Myrobalan Seedling - The largest and most vigorous of the plum or prune rootstocks. Hardy, long-
lived, adapted to most soils. Tolerates wet winter soil conditions. Susceptible to oak root fungus and
nematodes, but somewhat resistant tot root and crown rots.

• Myrobalan 29C - A cutting selection immune to root knot nematodes. Susceptible to oak root fungus,
root rot, and root lesion nematode. Produces a tree with just a little less vigor than the seedling Myrobalan.

• Marianna 2624 - The overall best choice. It is resistant to oak root fungus, root rots, root knot
nematodes, and crown gall, but susceptible to bacterial canker and root lesion nematode. A cutting that is
shallow-rooted and produces a smaller tree. It is the best adapted to poor, wet soil conditions, but does tend
to sucker.

• Lovell Peach - Less susceptible to bacterial canker, but the most intolerant of heavy soils, wet feet oak
root fungus, and root rots. Produces a moderately large tree that fruits earlier and sets more consistent
crops. Compatible with most plum or prune varieties.

• Prunus besseyi - Semi-dwarfing rootstock. Suckers badly. Produces inferior fruit quality on the scion
variety. Partially incompatible.

• Citation - A new peach-plum hybrid that produces a full-sized tree. Tolerates wet soils.

20
Standard Plum Varieties
• Autumn Rosa - Large. Purple skin. Self-fertile. Japanese plum.

• Beauty - Green skin, amber flesh, hear-shaped. Poor keeper. Japanese plum.

• Burgundy - Red skin and flesh. Self-fertile. Holds well.

• El Dorado - Purple skin. Amber flesh. Large, oblong.

• Elephant Heart - Purple skin. Large, heart-shaped. Japanese plum

• Friar - Black skin. Amber flesh. Tasteless, old variety. Japanese plum.

• Golden Nectar - Large. Yellow flesh. Tender skin. Great flavor. Japanese plum.

• Howard Wonder - Large, pink skin. Yellow flesh. Japanese plum.

• Kelsey - Green-yellow skin and flesh. Japanese plum.

• Laroda - Red-purple skin. Yellow flesh.

• Mariposa - Green-yellow skin. Red flesh. Large, heart-shaped. Japanese plum.

• Nubiana - Purple-black skin. Yellow flesh. Oblong. Japanese plum.

• President - Large. Blue skin. Yellow flesh. European plum.

• Red Beauty - Red skin, yellow flesh, excellent flavor.

• Roysum - Light purple skin. Yellow flesh.

• Santa Rosa - Purple skin. Amber flesh. Excellent flavor. Japanese plum.

• Satsuma - Red skin and flesh. Small, round. Japanese plum.

• Shiro - Light green-yellow skin. Yellow flesh.

• Simka - Dark black skin. Yellow flesh. Oblong.

• Sprite Cherry Plum - Black, sweet skin. Exotic flavor. Small.

• Wickson - Green-yellow skin. Yellow flesh. Large heart. Japanese plum.

21
Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Autumn Rosa Late Aug. Late Aug. September September September NA

Beauty June June July July June June

Burgundy Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August August

El Dorado Early July Mid July August July July July

Elephant Heart Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Friar Mid Aug. Mid Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August August

Golden Nectar Late Aug. Late Aug. September September September NA

Howard Wonder Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Kelsey Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August August

Laroda Mid Aug. Mid Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August August

Mariposa August August Late Aug. Late Aug. August August

Nubiana Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

President Late Aug. Late Aug. September September September NA

Red Beauty Early June Early June June Mid June June June

Roysum September September October October October NA

Santa Rosa Early July Early July Late July Mid July July July

Satsuma Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August July

Shiro Early July Early July Late July Mid July July NA

Simka Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Sprite Cherry Plum Early Aug. Early Aug. Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Wickson July July August August Late July NA

Low Chill Plum Varieties: These plum varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern California because
they have low winter chilling requirements.
Beauty Burgundy, Delight, Howard Miracle, Kelsey, Mariposa, Meredith, Methley, Santa Rosa, Satsuma, Sprite

22
Standard Prune Varieties
• French - Medium-sized fruit. Self-fertile. Late maturing. European plum.

• Imperial - Large fruit. Requires cross-pollination. Late maturing. European plum.

• Italian - Large fruit. Purple skin. Yellow flesh. European plum.

• Green Gage - Greenish-yellow skin. Amber flesh. Old, European variety.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
French August August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Imperial August August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Italian August August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

Green Gage August August Late Aug. Late Aug. August NA

23
 Almond
Almonds are stone fruits eaten as nuts. Almonds produced commercially in the U.S. are grown in CA. The earliest
to bloom of stone fruits (Feb.). (Prunus dulcis) Generally do poorly in North Coast counties. They bloom when
weather is cold, rainy. Very susceptible to spring frosts. Almonds do not tolerate formerly (P. amygdalus) wet
soils. The Central Valley and drier regions of southern coast are very favorable for almonds. Trees are very
susceptible to bacterial canker disease, which kills trees. Cross-pollination is required; all varieties are self-
unfruitful, and some are cross-unfruitful due to incompatibilities. Almonds are harvested by shaking trees when
hulls begin to split. Almonds need 180-240 days to mature the nuts. The nut (embryo and shell) are dried down to a
minimum moisture content.

Standard Varieites
• Nonpareil - The most popular paper shelled variety. Interfruitful with Price, Mission, Carmel

• Price - Very similar to 'Nonpareil'. A good pollenizer.

• Carmel - Excellent quality. Well-sealed nut in the shell. Excellent pollenizer.

• Mission - Late blooming, productive tree. Hard shell, short kernel.

• Neplus Ultra - Large, soft-shelled nut. Long, flat kernel. Good pollenizer.

Harvest Period
San Sacramento Central North Sierra Southern
Joaquin Valley Coast Coast Nevada California
Standard Valley Foothills
Varieties
Nonpareil August August September September August August

Price August August September September August August

Carmel August August September September August August

Mission August August September September August August

Neplus Ultra August August September September August August

24
 Chestnuts
Little research has been done on the chestnut in California. Thus, we know little about its specific adaptability or
productive capacity. Chestnuts(Castanaea sp.)are monoecious (separate female and male flowers are borne on one
plant – like walnuts) and some cultivars are self-unfruitful; thus, two different varieties should be grown for cross-
pollination to produce consistent crops. Trees reach a height of 80 ft and spread to 60 ft under ideal conditions.
Chestnuts are excellent fruitful, shade trees if grown in very well drained soil. Chestnuts are almost pest free in
California. Seedling is the only known rootstock. Edible chestnuts should not be confused with the poisonous Horse
Chestnut (Aesculus californica). Fresh chestnuts contain about 50% moisture. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts have
low oil content (8%).

Standard 'Colossal' early Oct. early Oct.

late Oct. late Oct. mid Oct. early Oct.
Varieties The industry standard. Large fruited. Excellent quality. Best choice.
Parentage unknown.

'Eurobella' early Oct. early

Oct. late Oct. late Oct. mid Oct. early
Oct.
Large nut. Good pollenizer for Colossal.

'Silverleaf' early Oct. early

Oct. late Oct. late Oct. mid Oct. early
Oct.
Medium sized nut. Good pollenizer for Colossal, but nutshell splits
are a problem.
Seedling early Oct.
early Oct. late Oct. late Oct. mid Oct.
early Oct.
Not a "named" variety. Each tree is genetically different. Unknown
fruit quality. Unknown tree shape and fruit size.

'Dunstan' early Oct. early

Oct. late Oct. late Oct. mid Oct. early
Oct.
A cross of American and Chinese varieties. Medium - small nuts.
Sweet and blight resistant. Late flowering.
Other Varieties
For Trial Marrone di Maradi, Castel del Rio, Montesol, Fowler

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

25
Fruit or Scion San Joaquin
Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

Filbert (Hazelnut) These nut-bearing plants grow naturally as suckering shrubs but can be trained as trees
by continually removing the suckers. They reach a height
(Corylus sp.) of 15-20 ft with an even greater spread. Filberts are monoecious
(separate male and female flowers on the same plant – like walnuts) but self-unfruitful;
cross-pollination is required to set fruit, so two different varieties must be planted. Crop
production is not consistent in CA, which may be due to summer heat that causes catkins
(male flowers) to fall off prematurely. Filberts are grown on their own roots. They need
a 180-day growing season.

Standard 'Barcelona' September

September October late September late September
NA
Varieties The old industry standard. Use 'Davianna' or 'Du Chilly' as pollenizer.

'Davianna' September
September October late September late September
NA
Use 'Barcelona' or 'Du Chilly' as a pollenizer.

'Du Chilly' September

September October late September late September
NA
Use 'Barcelona' or 'Davianna' as a pollenizer.

'Ennis' September
September October late September late September
NA
A new variety that has better quality than 'Barcelona'. Use 'Butler' as a
pollenizer.

'Butler' September
September October late September late September
NA
Pollenizer for 'Ennis'.

'Brixnut' September
September October late September late September
NA
A secondary main production nut. Use 'Davianna' or 'Du Chilly' as a
pollenizer.

26
 'White Aveline' September
September October late September late September
NA
General pollenizer.

Pecans Pecans are not a good choice for Northern California. They
require a deep, well-drained soil, a hot climate to mature the nuts properly, and
(Carya illoensis) adequate soil moisture. At least two different varieties must be planted
for good pollination because even though pecans are largely self-fertile, the flowers are
dichogamous, which means that there is little overlap between pollen shedding and
stigma receptivity. Most varieties require at least 180 days for nuts to mature.
Commercial production in California is limited to the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
Pecans are native to the U.S and grow well in the south central states. Their native
range extends into the Midwest, so there are varieties that will tolerate cold winters and
short growing seasons. The varieties listed here require a very long growing season and
freedom from frost. They can be tried in the warmest regions of the state. Trees get
large just like big walnut trees. Pecans are grow on seedling rootstocks.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

Pecans (continued)
Standard 'Barton' October late
October NA NA late October
late October Varieties Early pollen shed and receptivity.

'Comanche' October late

October NA NA late October
late October
Late pollen shed. Early receptivity.

'Western Schley' October late

October NA NA late October
late October Early pollen shed and receptivity.

27
 'Wichita' October late
October NA NA late October
late October Late pollen shed. Early receptivity.

'Bradley' October late

October NA NA late October
late October
Excellent pollenizer for 'Western Schley'.

'Apache' October
late October NA NA late
October late October
Late pollen shed. Early receptivity.

'Sioux' October late

October NA NA late October
late October
Early pollen shed and receptivity.

'Choctaw' October late

October NA NA late October
late October Late pollen shed. Early receptivity.

'Shawnee' October late

October NA NA late October
late October Early pollen shed. Mid-season receptivity.

Pistachios Pistachio trees require long, hot, dry summers and mild winters. April frosts kill
flowers, and cool summers do not promote good kernel
(Pistacia vera) development. Adequate winter chilling and good weather (pistachio is
wind-pollinated) are required. Pistachio trees are dioecious (male and female trees);
thus, male trees must be planted near female trees to get a good crop set. Trees become
large and should be planted about 20 ft apart. The warmest regions in the state are
adapted for pistachio production in the backyard, but pistachios are a poor choice for
coastal California.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

28
Pistachios (continued)
Rootstocks. P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. integerrima
P. atlantica. Resistant to many nematodes, but susceptible to cold
(below 15-20oF) and Verticillium wilt.
P. terebinthus. The best rootstock. Most tolerant of cold. Resistant to
nematodes. Susceptible to Verticillium.
P. integerrima. Resistant to Verticillium. Very susceptible to cold
damage.

Standard 'Kerman' October late October

NA NA late October late
October Varieties Female. Best nut-producing variety.

'Peters' October late October

NA NA late October late
October
Male. Good for pollination.

'Joley' October late October

NA NA late October late
October
Female. Smaller nuts. Fewer blanks. More splits.

'Sfax' October late October

NA NA late October late
October
Smaller, good quality nuts.

Walnuts Walnuts need a deep, well-drained soil (at least 5 ft) or they will do poorly.
Shoots, particularly blossoms, do not tolerate frosts. Once growth
(Juglans regia) begins in the spring, rainy weather can cause severe losses due to walnut blight. Trees
range in size from very large (80 ft tall) to medium height
(Juglans hindsii) (40-50 ft tall). They require a 30 to 60 ft spacing. Walnut culture has changed
drastically in the last few years due to introduction of new varieties.
Production in coastal climates should be limited to the late-leafing varieties. Walnuts
are monoecious (separate male and female flowers on one tree) and dichogamous
(pollen is shed when female flowers are not receptive); thus, two different varieties must
be planted to ensure overlapping bloom periods, fertilization, and fruit set.

Rootstocks. English/Persian (J. regia), Black (J. hindsii), Paradox

English. This rootstock is seedlings of English walnut. It is very
susceptible to oak root fungus but less susceptible to blackline virus.
It is the least tolerant of wet soils.
Black. This has been the standard rootstock in California, known as
Northern California Black. It is resistant to oak root fungus but
susceptible to crown rot, root rot, root lesion nematode, and blackline
virus.
Paradox. The best rootstock choice, in general. A hybrid between
Black and English. Very vigorous. Tolerates poorer soil conditions

29
 than the others. Less susceptible to crown and root rot. Susceptible to
crown gall and blackline virus.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

Walnuts (continued)
Standard 'Hartley' October late
October late October late October late October NA
Varieties The main variety grown in California. Excellent quality nuts. Huge
tree but requires little pruning. 5% fruitful lateral buds.
Leafs out late, blooms late. Good choice.

'S. Franquette' October late

October late October late October late October NA
Old-time variety. Should be planted as a pollenizer for the late-blooming
varieties. Poor producer. Leafs out late. Blooms late.
Large tree, but requires little pruning.

'Mayette' October late

October late October late October late October NA
Old-time variety. Plant as a pollenizer for late-blooming varieties.
Poor producer. Leafs out late. Blooms late. Large tree.

'Chandler' October late

October late October late October late October NA
Best choice for coastal California. New variety. 80% fruitful lateral
buds. Produces a smaller tree that requires careful pruning and
training. Blooms late. Leafs out late.

'Howard' October late

October late October late October late October NA
Good choice. New variety. 80% fruitful lateral buds. Produces a
smaller tree that requires careful pruning and training. Blooms late.
Leafs out late.

'Tehama' October late

October late October late October late October NA
Good choice. New variety. 80% fruitful lateral buds. Produces a
smaller tree that requires careful pruning and training. Blooms late.

30
 Leafs out late.

Black Walnut Seedling October late October

late October late October late October NA Varieties
Not a true variety. Seedlings of Northern California Black Walnut trees.

Eastern Black October late October

late October late October late October NA Walnut
Varieties 'Thomas', 'Ohio', and 'Meyers' are three named varieties that may be worthy of consideration.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

IV. VINES
Kiwifruit Kiwifruit is a large, frost-sensitive, temperate zone vine that requires plenty of
heat to mature the fruit properly. Kiwifruit do well when grown in
(Actinidia deliciosa) warm sites on a trellis or arbor protected from the wind. Soil must be well
drained but kept moist at all times. Kiwis can tolerate temperatures as
formerly A. chinensis) low as 10oF in January but only if hardened off properly. Late spring frosts and
especially early fall frosts in November will kill vines. Overhead
frost protection is desirable. As noted below, fuzzy varieties are not as
cold hardy as smooth skin varieties. Plant kiwis about 15 to 20 ft apart.
Kiwis are functionally dioecious. Successful fruit production requires
a female cultivar and a male with viable pollen when the female is receptive.
Vines leaf out in March, bloom occurs in May, and fruits are harvested
in October and November.

Rootstocks. Seedling, Cutting

Seedling. Extracted seed from ripe kiwifruit.
Cutting. Own rooted. From 1/2 inch mid-summer wood or dormant
wood. Grows back after frost damage.

Fuzzy 'Hayward' October late October

late November early November November NA

31
 Varieties The commercial female variety grown in California. Large fruit.
Excellent flavor. Will ripen on the vine but can be picked when still
hard, placed in cold storage (32oF), and removed to room temperature
for final ripening. Will keep for up to 6 months.

'Chico' October late October

late November early November November NA
Male vine used to pollinate Hayward, 8:1 ratio.

'Matua' October late

October late November early November November NA
Male vine used to pollinate Hayward, 8:1 ratio.

'Tamori' October late

October late November early November November NA
Male vine used to pollinate Hayward, 8:1 ratio.

Smooth-Skin 'Issai late Sept. late Sept.

October early Oct. October NA
Varieties Dime-sized fruit that requires no cross-pollination.

'Ken's Red' late Sept. late

Sept. October early Oct. October
NA
Dime-sized fruit. Red flesh and skin. Excellent flavor.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------
Kiwifruit (continued)
Smooth-Skin 'Anna' late Sept. late
Sept. October early Oct. October
NA Varieties Nickel-sized fruit. Unique flavor. Very productive.
(continued)

Low Chill These kiwi varieties are adapted to the low latitudes of Southern CA because
they have low winter chilling requirements (50-250 hr).
Varieties 'Bruno', 'Abbott', 'Allison', 'Vincent', 'Tewi', 'Elmwood', 'Blake'.

32
V. MISCELLANEOUS TEMPERATE FRUITS
Figs Figs can be grown easily, but they require a protected location in the
cooler parts of the state because of their heat requirement to mature the fruit
(Ficus carica L.) properly. Fig trees do best in well-drained soils but will tolerate wet soils better than
most other fruit trees. Gophers love fig trees and must be
controlled. Figs are grown on their own roots from cuttings. Trees
reach a height of 20-30 ft with an equal spread but can be pruned to a smaller
size. Most varieties require no cross-pollination. Several varieties set
fruit parthenocarpically and several varieties have two crops/year.
The "breba" crop (first crop) matures in mid-summer in 100-120 days,
and the second crop matures in late summer or fall. Figs require very little
winter chilling and are considered a "borderline" temperate zone
species by many pomologists.

Standard 'Brown Turkey' June/Sept.

June/Sept. November November
June/Sept. June/Sept. Varieties Large fruit. Excellent
quality. Produces a small breba crop every year and a second crop in Aug.-Sept. Purple-green skin. Red flesh.

'Black Mission' June/Sept.

June/Sept. November November
June/Sept. June/Sept.
The most dependable variety for the home orchard. Purple black skin
with red flesh. The first crop (breba) matures in late June, and
the second crop matures in August and September.

'Osborn' June/Sept.
June/Sept. October October
June/Sept. June/Sept.
Performs well only in cool coastal areas. Produces breba and second
crops. Purple-bronze fruit with amber flesh. Very prolific.

'Italian Everbearing' June/Sept.

June/Sept. November November
June/Sept. June/Sept.
Brown. Turkey-type. Very prolific.

'White Genoa' June/Sept.

June/Sept. October October
June/Sept. June/Sept. Good for coastal
locations. Large fruit. Yellow-green, thin skin. Strawberry flesh. Ripens when others won't.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern

33
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

Figs (continued)
Standard 'Kadota' June/Sept.
June/Sept. November November
June/Sept. June/Sept.
Varieties (continued) Requires high temperatures and a long growing season to perform well.
Yellow-green fruit with amber flesh. Produces both breba and
a second crop with moderate pruning.

'Adriatic' June/Sept.
June/Sept. October October
June/Sept. June/Sept
Good fresh but especially good for drying. Yellow skin and amber
flesh. No breba crop. Ripens late September - October.

'Smyrna-type' June/Sept.
June/Sept. November November
June/Sept. June/Sept.
Calimyrna variety figs require cross-pollination by the Caprifig male to
produce a crop.

Olives The olive tree is an evergreen tree that performs best in hot,
dry areas of California; it does not tolerate wet winter soils. It is an attractive
ornamental, produces table fruit, and oil. (Olea europaea L.) Crop production is
irregular under cool coastal conditions. Rooted cuttings are used without specific
rootstocks. Space trees 16-20 ft apart. Olives for canning and pickling are
usually harvested in September and October in California.. Commercially, heavy crops
of small fruit unsuited for canning are left on the trees until January or February and
harvested for their oil. Some new varieties grow specifically for oil have recently been
imported into California from the Mediterranean countries .

Table 'Manzanillo' late Sept. early

Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct. October
Varieties The main variety used for the black "California"-style olive. Low
spreading, medium-sized tree, Early-maturing fruit with a medium oil
content. Trees are susceptible to cold injury, peacock spot, and olive
knot.

'Sevillano' late Sept.

early Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct.
October
Largest fruit. Many minor problems.

‘Ascolano’ late Sept. early

Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct.
October

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 large fruited variety, the most cold hardy of all table varieties in
California. Large fruit. Oil is very aromatic
Oil Varieties
'Mission' late Sept.
early Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct. mid Oct.
October
Medium-sized fruit. High oil content. Late maturing. Trees are very cold tolerant and
grow quite tall. Can be used for table fruit or oil.

'Frantoio' mid Nov,

late Nov. December early Dec.
late Nov. late Nov.
Italian variety used as one of the main ingredients in gourmet olive oil
production. Very high oil content and excellent flavor.

'Leccino' mid Nov,

late Nov. December early Dec.
late Nov. late Nov.
Italian variety used in olive oil blends with 'Frantoio'. Ripens a little
earlier than other varieties.

'Maurino' mid Nov,

late Nov. December early Dec.
late Nov. late Nov.
Italian variety used in olive oil blends. Very flavorful, spicy oil.

‘Arbequina’ mid Nov,

late Nov. December early Dec.
late Nov. late Nov.
A variety from northern Spain that produces a very high quality fruity
oil. Fruit is small. Very fruitful.

Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Varieties For Planting in the Home Garden and
Landscapea

Fruit or Scion San Joaquin

Sacramento Central North Sierra Nev.
Southern
Nut Type Variety Valley Valley
Coast Coast Foothills
California
---------------------------
-------------- Harvest Periodb ---------------------------------------------

Olives (continued)

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 Standard 'Pendolino' mid Nov, late
Nov. December early Dec. late Nov.
late Nov.
Varieties) Italian variety used in olive oil blends. Also used as a pollenizer.
(continued

Persimmons Persimmons are a very good fruit tree for home planting. They bloom late,
avoiding spring frosts, and they do not require much winter chilling.
(Diospyros kaki) They perform well throughout the state. Persimmon trees do not need ideal soil. They
will tolerate wet feet in winter and dry conditions in the
summer. The fruits are almost pest free. Trees get large and should be
planted about 20 ft apart. Cross-pollination is not usually necessary.
Cross-pollinated fruit will have seeds; whereas, fruit from a lone tree
probably will not.

Rootstocks. Diospyros lotus, D. kaki, D. virginiana

Diospyros lotus. Most widely used seedling rootstock. Best choice.
Compatible with most varieties. Tolerates wet soil.
D. kaki. An adequate rootstock. Produces a long taproot and little
branching fibrous roots.
D. virginiana. This native species produces a very good fibrous root
system, tolerates drought and excess moisture fairly well, but may
sucker badly and may not be uniform.

Standard 'Hachiya' October late October

November November late Oct. late Oct.
Varieties Large, deep orange-red, acorn-shaped fruit. The flesh turns brown
around the seeds, and flesh must be very soft to eat.
Does not need cross-pollination.

'Fuyu' October late October

November November late Oct. late Oct.
Large, flat, orange-red color. Flesh is firm like an apple and non-
astringent when ripe. Cross-pollination is not required, but when
present, fruit will have seeds.

'Hyakume' October late October

November November late Oct. late Oct.
Cinnamon-chocolate-colored flesh.

'Baru' October late October

November November late Oct. late Oct.
Round, orange skin. Sweet brown flesh.

Diospyros virginiana October late October

November November late Oct. late Oct.
Native species, not a variety. Very small, very flavorful fruits. Must
be eaten when soft.

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NA = Not Applicable due to chilling requirements

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