Hello! I have room for one more dwarf fruit tree in my yard... I currently have a fuji apple, double delight nectarine and a slow growing mandarin orange (i think- it was left from previous homeowners and hasn't fruited anything decent enough for me to ID it). I live in northern CA - warm summers- not scorchers and cool nights. I am leaning towards an apricot tree. Any thoughts? PS yard is small and tree needs to go into a raised bed. Thanks!
Again, not knowing where you are it is difficult to suggest a specific plant that would be best for you.
I honestly have never heard of anyone planting fruit trees in raised beds. In containers, yes, but not raised beds. I have no idea how that would work. If you go on-line to any fruit tree supplier they will ask your zone and sell you what grows in your zone. I assume you will need to plant dwarf trees, but be aware that dwarfs need anchor lines to keep them from blowing over in a storm. they don't have great root systems, but the rootstock is what dictates what size your tree grows. A raised bed planting such as a tree will need more water than I think you will think it needs, too. Is water a problem for you? if you are paying for water you may find it very expensive to get a crop, not impossible, but costly.
Your Fuji will need a cross-pollinator if you want to get apples. Braeburn, Crispin, Delicious, or York are cross-pollinators for Fujis. You could also use a crabapple, and while I think preserved crabapples are a great side for beef and pork, not everyone enjoys their taste (and definitely not raw!).
I have a dwarf peach tree "Bonanza". It can get up to about 6 foot. The peaches are full size. And it doesn't require alot of chill hours. Not sure if it's hardy in your area though.
Carolyn - thanks for your thoughts. The dwarf trees in my bed are thriving and fruiting well- thank goodness. I actually was giving the nectarine too much water... Now that I cut down to 1 deep water a week, it is flourishing more than ever. We will see about the years to come. Marlin gardener- the nursery said this Fuji was self fertile. I triple checked with them cause I couldn't believe it, but they confirmed and I have fruit this year. Cherylad - that peach tree sounds worth looking into. Thanks!
