Planting Fresh Fruit for a Healthier You

Early spring brings a sense of rejuvenation, vitality and renewal. Gardeners witness the revitalization from the fresh leaves and flowers in the gardens. The season also generates activity in plants that produce edibles, especially those fruit trees that flourish in the higher elevations of Arizona. But there is more to fruit trees than just a bountiful harvest; they bring seasonal changes of colors and textures that provide fascinating diversity in our landscapes.

Fruit Trees

Spring fruit trees bloom in a range of colors, from the purest white and dainty pink to robust reds. Besides visual glory, the sensuality of their fragrances enhances any style of landscape. In autumn, fruit trees have some of the best mountain colors, from intense shades of red, glowing orange and solar yellow. Edibles have it all, even if you never harvest a single fruit!

If you choose fruit trees for their harvest, look for trees that bloom later in spring. Late-blooming varieties reduce frost damage that may take the fruits. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in choosing the perfect pair of trees. Watters garden experts share personal experiences and keep a close eye on which varieties perform better in mountain landscapes. Here are my top picks:

Gleason Elberta Peach is the world’s most famous because of its abundant flavor and attractive color. These trees produce huge peaches of the highest quality. Also consider Redhaven, Ranger and Rio Oso Gem peaches.

Granny Smith Apples are one of my favorite fruits. This bright green apple is grown primarily as a dessert and cooking apple. My mouth waters just thinking about a fruit freshly picked and immediately eaten in the shade of this landscape beauty. This late-blooming variety consistently fruits in local gardens. Also, consider Honeycrisp, Yellow Delicious and Gala apples.

Moorpark Apricot is the best red apricot, with a rich, luscious flavor. This large, firm apricot is a local favorite for eating out-of-hand. The delicate pink blossoms set a red-blushed fruit that is pickable as early as Independence Day. Consider Harcourt, Chinese and Tilton apricots.

Stella Cherry is very cold hardy. Its dense clusters of fruit resemble Bing varieties, but I find them to be sweeter. This prolific tree bears high-quality fruit that takes a backseat to its magnificent blossoms. A majestic Stella cherry covered with its spectacular blooms indeed is one of the breathtaking beauties of spring. Also, consider Bing, Van and Utah Giant cherries.

Pear, nectarine, plums, almonds and walnuts also produce well in the mountains of Arizona.

In addition to fruit trees, grapevines produce surprisingly well in local landscapes. The fruits can be a tad smaller than their California cousins, but they are sweeter than other grapes. The vines’ long tendrils make great shade cover as they climb arbors, decks and covered patios. The most prolific grapes are Flame and Thompson varieties, but don’t dismiss the vineyard wine grapes.

Bountiful Blue Blueberry plants are hardy in the ground but produce the best fruits when this showy shrub is grown in containers. They make exciting additions to full-sun areas just off a patio.

For a touch of genuinely southwestern crops, delicate Manzanita blossoms produce dark fruits of a melt-in-your-mouth quality. Other native fruits are Mahonia and Currants.

Whichever edible appeals to you and your landscape, be sure to plant an extra, so you have enough to share with family, friends and your local food bank. You might be surprised how appreciative they are to share in your bounty.

Until the next issue, I’ll be helping local gardens choose the perfect fruits here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

By Ken Lain

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or  Top10FruitTrees.com.