5 Rare Fruit Trees You Need To Grow! | Cold Hardy Fruit To Wow!

[@Danielseven-ir2mq]

You are right. Figs are pretty rare here in Denver CO zone 6a. When I started my little collection of figs two years ago. Master gardeners, would say it's too dry here, cold winter etc. Don't do it. Now I have 11 varieties. Two inground. Will be planting more varieties inground. Don't understand why people are trying to discourage others from growing figs. You are doing a great job bringing awareness, and ideas ( mulching ) for growing in colder climate.

[@PlantFanatics]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Its great to hear of other growers in colder zones taking some chances and succeeding. Happy growing!

[@InNOWvations]

I am in the same climate, which figs can you grow inground?

[@Danielseven-ir2mq]

@@InNOWvations . Many good videos on KZbin. You can watch and learn.

[@PlantFanatics]

@@InNOWvations Theres really too many to name. Check out our free ebook on cold hardy fig on our website. It goes into more detail on the subject. TheAmericanFigCompany.com

[@Tsuchimursu]

I get the same thing for half the things I'm trying. People scream YOU CAN'T DO THAT IT'S TOO NORTH! Like, what's the issue? Seeds are cheap, you can always try?

[@EZAZPI]

1. Pawpaw 2. Korean Dogwood 3. Jujube 4. Figs 5. Cornelian Cherry

[@kellikelli4413]

It would be so easy for these content creators to do what you did by listing the items they talk about but unfortunately most don't. Thank you for doing this...

[@gdubya6039]

@@kellikelli4413 they do it by design. so that people have to watch the whole video instead of just reading the list and leaving.

[@lorettamaeder7219]

Thank you!

[@spiritualspinster4222]

I have both fig trees and paw paws in my yard. Important notes when growing paw paws. #1-You must plant them when they are small (less than a foot tall). They don't transplant well once they get bigger. #2- You must provide them with a shade canopy of some sort until they get about 3 ft. tall. They are naturally an understory tree. Baby trees can't take all that hot sun. If You are willing to wait the time it takes for them to start producing (about 5 years) and willing to shade them for the first 2 or 3 years, they require very little care after that. Mine have just reached the production age and are about 5 ft. tall. I just prune the dead or weird branches out every couple of years and fertilize them every winter. I got my first few blooms last year. The blooms aren't showy and are pollinated by beetles, not bees. The trees are quite attractive on their own though as they have almost tropical looking large lobed leaves.

[@gramabuttonsbuttons1020]

Thank you. I have a Chicago fig that started producing last summer. SE Idaho at 4600 feet can get pretty cold. Because of your video now I know I want to try the Paw Paw thanks

[@PlantFanatics]

Thanks for the comment!

[@LoganShelton-rh3lp]

Thanks these are some species I didn't know about

[@MrBretseligman]

I reside in Zone 6b. By piling leaves around my figs, the figs begin growing, in the spring, from the protected depth that was surrounded by leaves. A great head start than from ground level. I pile leaves to 3 feet around each fig.

[@NurseryEnterprises]

Great advice; thank you. Plus, in addition to leaves, one could look into using straw from bales that are sold for livestock.

[@Rattlerjake1]

​@@NurseryEnterprises - Leaves are free!

[@NurseryEnterprises]

@@Rattlerjake1 To some.

[@maryavatar]

I live in Scotland, there is a public garden just down the road from me, and I was amazed the first time I realised figs grew there.

[@PlantFanatics]

There are absolutely many cold hardy varieties. What matters most is your style of growing them. If you want to cover them and protect the top growth every year it becomes quite the chore. If you simply buy varieties that will ripen before winter and mulch them well, its a very simple and easy process. Happy growing!

[@petermascetta4982]

Love this video. I live in Southern Maine and my soil is clay. I can rototill and loosen the soil but I find the the roots of trees cannot get deep and therefore are exposed to very cold winters. Any recommendations???? Thanks.

[@PlantFanatics]

Absolutely. The best thing that you can do is build a healthy soil for your plants. For starters you should mix tons of organic matter into you pre-existing soil (compost). If drainage is bad you can also mix in some sand to help aureate the soil. Create beds of mulch and leaves and continue to add mulch and leaves over many years. When you are doing this you are creating a healthy living soil. The process takes time, but nothing worth having comes quickly. Thank you so much for the great question!

[@clobberelladoesntreadcomme9920]

I found some Cornelian cherries growing in the park in NYC and knowing that they have to fall off the tree by themselves for the best flavor, I picked some off the ground, washed them at home and ate them. The flavor reminded me of cranberry-apple sauce with a texture like a soft apple. They were very pretty, about the size of olives but shiny and bright cherry red.

[@PlantFanatics]

I love to hear stories like this! Thank you so much for sharing! Happy growing!

[@cindygrothe7474]

I'm in a cold climate and wondered what kind of trees I could get edible fruit from them and grow here.Thank you for the nice information.very nice video

[@H_A_L_7]

I am buying an Asian pear tree. Growing in pots…have fig, goji berries , blueberries, raspberries and a nectarine tree. This is my last fruit tree. No space, I gave away my 5yr old olive tree, to make space for the Asian pear variety niissikie (sp). Yay for home grown fruits….organic and so much sweeter.

[@Terri_Stauffer]

Paw paw supposed to be prolific in my area, but never heard of it and neither has anyone else I knew. It wasn’t until I went to a native nursery that I learned about it and they gave out samples. I have 4 trees planted, one actually one did not make it as the leaves came out but then died away and was told to leave as it might put up new shoots from roots and it did. I am always looking for rare things to plant, I just got sugarberry, serviceberry, and a huckleberry (free ugly plant now thriving). Never saw any in store and only learned about them from videos.

[@PlantFanatics]

Awesome!!! That’s what we’re all about. Bring rare fruiting tree, vines, bushes to the mainstream market. Paw paws are honestly my favorite fruit and I feel sorry that a majority of people have never had the chance to try it.

[@deanevangelista6359]

I hand cross pollinate my paw paws and get over 50 fruits per tree. If I didn’t take a few minutes every spring to do this, I might get 5-6 per tree. Having an abundance of fruit allows me to “share” with the local wildlife.

[@injunsun]

I love your content. My only negative critique is, while genus names are always capitalised, species names are always lower-case. Always.

[@markhirstwood4190]

Great video and list. I read about the various fruits and berries, etc in Robert Hart's Forest Gardening book (and later, an old video posted on KZbin). Saskatoon berries, gooseberries, blackberries, hardy kiwis, pears, cherries, so much to choose from.

[@sarahflanagan9345]

Don't forget the native American Persimmon tree. I personally have a black mulberry tree (must have 2 for pollination) and not only are mulberries fantastic to eat or make wine with, but are an amazing attractive tree for birds who love the berries as much as humans do. Can't understand why more homeowners do not plant this wonderful tree.

[@tomhamrick7151]

Thank you so much!

[@PlantFanatics]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. It means the world to me. Happy growing!

[@gloriaadu5485]

Thank you i live in zone 5 and i am always looking for fruit trees for this area

[@consis]

very helpful, thankyou

[@PlantFanatics]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! Happy growing!

[@jbocaneg17611]

this was very informational for anyone who knows little about cold hardy fruit trees. Thank you.

[@PlantFanatics]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it! Happy growing!

[@poke12gauge32]

Here in the south figs are very common and loved they hold up better as a jam or jelly wildlife love them so you have to keep an eye out when they start ripening

[@MichaelShmidt]

Good video. I live in VA and these are incredibly common plants that are everywhere, both in yards and even more so wild in the woods (except the Cornelian cherry).

[@PlantFanatics]

You are very lucky! I know on the east coast these plants become much more common. Thank you so much for watching and for the great comment!

[@bjoburn7821]

Very good Info. We need to grow these trees! More Trees, more fruit, better Food! Thanks! Volume very low. Turn up the volume, next video

[@PlantFanatics]

Thank you so much for the compliments!! We had some issues with this video, but all our newer videos have been done correctly. Happy growing! Glad to have you here.

[@Rattlerjake1]

It is important to know the specifics when it comes to pawpaws! You only mentioned that you need 2 preferably 3 trees for cross pollination, but what you failed to mention is that they cannot be trees that have the same genetics. In other words if your trees all are cloned from the same tree, it won't work; you need two trees with different genetics.

[@PlantFanatics]

Absolutely correct! Thanks for clarifying that for everybody. You're awesome! Thank you for watching the video and happy growing!

[@maggsbufton1969]

Thank you for that added information.

[@Rattlerjake1]

@@maggsbufton1969 - Let me add, that if you have a grafted tree from a nursery, and you allow a sucker to grow from the root stock,the root stock is usually from a different genetic stock so it could cross-pollinate the grafted part and visa versa.

[@billc3642]

not sure about that

[@Rattlerjake1]

@@billc3642 - Look it up, it's a fact. Pawpaws are one of the few plants that require different genetics for pollination.

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

Great video very informative, FYI your stereo sound does not return to stereo until the end, I'm intrigued by all of these trees because they don't get huge, my issue is across the street has cottonwoods & Maples that are getting bigger/ shading my place, several you said can tolerate more shade, I'll be researching, I'm in mtka, mn, zone 3-5 depending... thank you

[@truthforall1303]

I’m in UK and I am always looking for something different to grow so more videos please 👍

[@PlantFanatics]

More to come, so stay tuned. Thanks for checking the video out, and I hope to hear from you again. Happy growing!

[@mamabearC879]

Thank you very much.

[@peterashby-saracen3681]

Great videos! I've only just come across them today - I live in southern Spain with a hot summer but frequent sub zero temps in winter due to the altitude so you're giving me lots of ideas!

[@PlantFanatics]

I'm so glad the videos helped you out! I love to hear that. Happy growing!

[@xavierdemers4770]

I want try all that

[@JohnP538]

I have six sprouted cuttings from my wife's grandfather's tree sitting by the window. I can't wait to plant them outside.

[@ckahrl]

I dug up my paw paws from a friend's yard some time ago. They are hard to transplant. You need more than one variety which can be an issue because these things send up runners all over the place. The problem with native paw paws is that none of them are alike. There are now a lot of people out there cultivating various varieties and they have all sorts of different characteristics. If you want to get started on paw paws, order three different varieties from some of the various nurseries. They often sell them like that. The cool thing is that they tolerate a lot of shade. The bad thing is that like all fruit trees, the deer will eat them when they are young.

[@PlantFanatics]

All good advice! Thank you so much for sharing. Happy growing!

[@JS-jh4cy]

@@Shep01 skip the licence, to get rid of a nuisance deer

[@Erewhon2024]

Surprised to hear about the deer. The acetogenins (e.g asimicin) in pawpaw are chemotherapy drugs and should be toxic if consumed (except by specialist herbivores like the pawpaw sphinx or zebra swallowtail butterfly). Antler grooming could tear up anything, though.

[@centralscrutinizer76]

@@Erewhon2024 I started growing pawpaw after my grandfather got cancer , hoping to be able to help someone . Truly amazing tree .

[@PlantFanatics]

@@Erewhon2024 Yes, my experience with them is that the deer don't touch them. I have quite a few pawpaw trees in open fields at our farm. Maybe there are some deer who wanted to give it a try if they were hungry enough.

[@Tsalagi978]

Pawpaws are native here in West Georgia. Unfortunately I've never eaten one because the squirrels, raccoons and possums get them before they fully ripen. Muscadines are everywhere too.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Will they ripen after being picked so you can grab em before the critters and leave em in the kitchen to finish? And if you bust out the .22 you can add them critters to the stew pot….

[@missbttrsctch]

​@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ 😂😂

[@yellowdog762jb]

I grew up in Athens, Georgia. Wild persimmons were commonly found in the woods where we played as kids. One of our favorite jokes to play on unsuspecting friends was to pick up a ripe persimmon and eat it, while making a big deal about how good it was. Then we'd hand the unsuspecting person a beautiful, but unripe persimmon to eat. The expression on their face was priceless. Almost as good as taking someone snipe hunting!

[@Lutzmann_Zwanz]

i have all of them in my garden in southern germany. I also have loquat trees which would fit perfectly into this list. Look them up. They are very ornamental, evergreen, easy to grow and have delicious fruits

[@PlantFanatics]

What planting zone are you in?

[@Lutzmann_Zwanz]

​@@PlantFanatics it is 8a. My loquats are usually flowering in november/december. The flowers will be covered by a thick layer of snow until february. They will defrost then and begin developing fruits. It is amazing how much different conditions this plant is handling

[@ingevankeirsbilck9601]

Wow! Where did you get the trees from? I'm in Belgium.

[@mr-vet]

I live in Loudoun County Virginia about an hour from Wash DC…we have dozens, if not over a hundred pawpaw trees on our 3-acre treed property. There are only a dozen or so mature ones though. I only pick a couple of the fruits a year out of all that grows because most have already fallen to the ground by the time I see them…

[@wordsofhis1799]

I planted two Cornelian Cherry trees about 10 years ago. It took a long time for them to produce fruit. Even then, I almost missed it, because the fruit forms on the interior of the tree, beneath the canopy. They've got to be almost burgundy-red-ripe to be enjoyable.

[@PlantFanatics]

That's great to hide them from the birds! Thank you for sharing your experience! Great information. Happy growing!

[@geniuspharmacist]

Tried Pawpaw once from a farm-stand in Rhode Island. Tasted like mangoes to me. Jujube is common at Asian stores in CA. Figs are popular backyard trees in CA and many places.

[@PlantFanatics]

There are many things common to California that are far less common elsewhere. Parts of California are considered to be the best growing areas in the entire world. This is for what would be considered colder planting zones. You won't find a lot of fig trees in hardiness zones 5-7, but they can be grown there. Thank you so much for watching the video!

[@stevene6181]

Thanks!

[@suniharrell6015]

Had bunches of PawPaw trees on my place in Tennessee! Delicious! Now have figs in Texas!

[@PlantFanatics]

Wow! It sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@deborahvretis3195]

Thank you! Helpful and informative.

[@jeffhingson159]

I would have put persimmon 2nd on your list. Persimmon pulp used in some baking recipes will make the tree a must have for some of your readers. Check Amish areas for the pulp and recipes for the fruit. I think it will make you a believer in this fruit tree.

[@PlantFanatics]

I had to make some tough calls for this video. But you're absolutely right, persimmons are great. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video! Happy growing!

[@jasong6027]

I think that last one is on my corner of the block. Was thinking they were a type of cherry, but was always afraid to try one

[@maggsbufton1969]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a new subscriber😊

[@spikemorbid7159]

These grow wild in Eastern Kentucky. As kids we would go through the woods and pick them.

[@PlantFanatics]

You were so lucky!

[@kaval1er]

I've grown all of these except korean dogwood. For me, the only ones worth eating/keeping around are the pawpaws, and the figs. The flavor of the jujube and cornelian cherry was "meh" at best and I took them out (and yes, I let them get fully ripe before eating). Some other unique fruit I'm growing in zone 6b is a hardy asian persimmon (allow to ripen to softness before eating), dolgo crabapple (mouth puckeringly sour yet sweet), quince, and elderberries.

[@miemartine2216]

Thanks, for your input! It's fun, to learn about lesser known fruit.

[@kristaanderson8055]

Jujube is best used in soups with a clear broth such as soup bone based. They can also be used in teas.

[@ivando2]

For what its worth jujubes are one of my favorite fruits. I do not let them ripen all the way, when they look like dates. Instead I eat them when they are at their fullest volume and start turning color from green to brown.

[@ronw484]

There are dozens upon dozens of types of Asian persimmons that are hardy. Some are eaten when they've softened, others when they're hard like an apple.

[@centralscrutinizer76]

A hate the jujube , it puts out root suckers and has sharp spikes . My wife and kids love to eat them , she makes tea with it too . If she would let me I would dig it up tomorrow

[@billhatcher2984]

We have persimmons here but I would like to grow the big ones I see at the store will they grow in WV

[@PlantFanatics]

It all depends on your plant hardiness zone for your city, and the varieties of persimmons that you're looking at.

[@billhatcher2984]

@@PlantFanatics they call paw paws WV bananas they grow wild here

[@mikeyfoofoo]

Look for the "Fuyu" variety. Easy to grow, way sweeter than the native persimmon. Harvest is usually in October for me in zone 7B.

[@Ursaminor31]

Fantastic thank you

[@larsschurmann4773]

Cornus mas has little yellow flowers. You show in the picture some kind of Prunus

[@PrinceEyeAllah]

Worth noting the Pawpaw are in the Anonna family such as Cherimoya, Atemoya, Sugar Apple, Custard Apple etc and has similarities to them as you would expect

[@gardenofseeden]

Nice, I have all on the list.

[@jacobmeekhof8614]

Can you find some truly cold tolerant plants. Like colder than zone 5. I'm just outside possible pawpaw range

[@PlantFanatics]

I am absolutely going to make a video pertaining just to those colder zones hardiness. So stay tuned for that. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video. Your support means the world to me. Happy growing!!

[@jennygalvin7867]

Thank you

[@PlantFanatics]

Thanks for watching! Happy growing!

[@archemity]

Where would you get the Jujube trees from?

[@PlantFanatics]

My first tree was planted from Logees, which is a great nursery. My second was purchased at Greenscape Gardens in St. Louis Missouri. Another one of my favorite nurseries. I wish you the best of luck! Different places have different varieties, and some varieties are harder to find than others. Happy growing!

[@suzettekath9860]

I live in zone 3-4 for planting. Coldest this area here was -36. It got to -50 not far north from here. Compared to here. The ones you are showing are not cold hardy. Except for that last one. Now Chokecherries are very cold hardy plants. They can stand up to USDA zone 2. Juneberries can stand zone 4 as well. Though I did see one that was able to handle zone 3 for several years.

[@PlantFanatics]

Yes, cold hardy does mean different things to different people of course. I've had quite a few people that live in your planting zone that have been disappointed and let me know about it. Unfortunately zones 3-4 are not going to be compatible with many of the most cold hardy rare fruits. When we start getting to zones where we have to be extremely careful about what common fruiting plant varieties we grow because of the low temperatures in winter, then we know it's too cold for most rare fruits as well. I think this hits a lot of people in the lower zones hard. This is where the potted culture becomes important. I appreciate you watching the video so much! Happy growing!

[@fishinghunting7275]

Do you think I could plant the pawpaw and fig in Minnesota planting zone 4

[@PlantFanatics]

I think that zone 4 is probably just a little bit too cold. While it may survive the warmer years, when your normal winter weather comes it would probably prove to be too much. Thank you so much for watching the video! Happy growing!

[@jazzyjeff8660]

FYI. When you started into the description of the plants your volume dropped significantly. Thank you for the info

[@thadsgudenuff]

How physically close do pawpaws need to be for pollination? Are we talking side by side or just maybe in the neighborhood?

[@PlantFanatics]

Around 30ft is ideal. They like to grow in big patches

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

PLANT FANATIC, When I was in Afghanistan I was introduced to a local Lemon variety that could be eaten whole, rind and all, just spit out the seeds. The lemons were smaller than bears limes. Any idea what variety they were and where I can get a hold of a tree or some seeds??? (I wanted to bring seeds back, but customs said “no seeds.”)

[@PlantFanatics]

This was most likely some form of citrus that was mixed with a kumquat. Either the kumquat itself, or perhaps a limequat. I hope this helps you out, and I love to hear stories like this. I will be doing a video soon on my own personal kumquat tree. They are great little trees that provide tons of fruit even in a pot. Happy growing!

[@lanthenat]

I have one Corus mas and it is fruitful just by itself.

[@jamessurveyor4859]

The largest commercial pawpaw orchard that I know of is outside lexington, KY. Some of their fruit is used by one of the local wineries to make pawpaw wine. Also, there is a pawpaw seed vault somewhere in Illinois. There are something like 30 different varieties. North America's only native fruit.

[@sarahflanagan9345]

Correction. The paw paw is North American's only native tropical fruit. But I wish everyone would plant more fruit trees and shrubs. Even if you don't eat a lot of fruit it is a wonderful way to bond with your neighbors (I give away most of my apples every year) and share with the local wildlife. Plus many have beautiful spring flowers.

[@jamessurveyor4859]

@@sarahflanagan9345 just curious which other fruit are native. I know there is a persimmon (Virginia and Texas version of them. Mulberry is native, I think, maybe elderberry.

[@sarahflanagan9345]

@@jamessurveyor4859 My favorite fruit tree (and I don't really eat the fruit!) is the mulberry tree. It is not a pretty tree and has no fall color, BUT the fruit attracts so many birds (even crows!) that it is worth planting. Plus it doesn't get much bigger than 30 ft, so is well behaved in the home landscape. Must have 2 trees for fruit production. The American persimmon tree is another well deserving, small fruit tree that more folks should try. There is also a native American plum that is more shrublike than a tree and produces small plums. As a matter of fact American plums are becoming rarer and rarer in their native habitat of north central US, since so much of this area has been converted to farmland. I just recently discovered the American hazelnut and have started planting them. This is more of a tall shrub than a tree. Most of us eat hazelnuts produced in Europe, but we have our own hazelnut tree/shrub that would make a nice windbreak or privacy hedge.

[@grahamrankin4725]

Figs grow well here in Oregon.

[@FknNefFy]

Thank you for the recommendations

[@MittenFigs]

Great video. I’ve been considering adding a couple jujube to my yard.

[@PlantFanatics]

Its a great tree to have, and the foliage and growth habit is beautiful. Theres really no other tree like the Jujube which is another reason to plant it. Thanks so much for the comment and support!

[@markryan4873]

You should know that the wood from pruning is the favoured fuel for traditional Peking barbecue duck roasting. Makes a great smoking wood, for that matter if you don't know, all fruit woods are good used in the smoker. There are several varieties of jujube, the long ones come in different sizes and colourations, then the round ones which tend to have a shorter rounder seed compared to the more common long ones. Spent many years in China and got around trying different local fruits. Question to all: have you heard of fragrant plum? They are like a cross between plum and say apricot, with smooth skin and often having a soft and edible seed. Fairly common in south China but not much info on interwebs that I've been able to find.edit: just found lots of info re chinese fragrant plums, on wiki.

[@yoshiotto9577]

Where to find a Pawpaw tree, hey from South Carolina.

[@audreycermak]

I bought a variety called Mango Pawpaw online from One Green World. They have an amazing selection of edible plants and trees. But check your state's department of agriculture or forestry. Many states sell native trees very cheap.

[@flygirlfly]

One day, I'd love to try a paw-paw..[northwest Indiana]

[@paulphelps7809]

Good to know.

[@shannagarroutte7829]

Great video. Thank you so much

[@PlantFanatics]

Thanks for the support!!

[@alleyneT]

I saw a wild paw paw tree growing in a West Virginian forest, back in the late 70s. I had no idea what that strange fruit was, it looked greyish in color. Now I wish I had tasted the fruit. Sounds delishus! I would love to get hold of some seeds. How long does it take to fruit?

[@PlantFanatics]

Thats a wonderful story! From seed they take roughly 5-7 years to fruit, but most trees available on the market will be grafted varieties that will fruit in 2-3 years. Thank you so much for sharing. Happy growing!

[@centralscrutinizer76]

I bought 2 trees from justfruitsandexotics that fruited on the 2nd year . I have trees I bought as seedlings that took 8 years . They require a little attention to get them going , but are worth it . The fruit is great, and the trees look wonderful .

[@PlantFanatics]

@@centralscrutinizer76 Thanks for sharing that information with everyone. Happy growing!

[@vince8723]

for figs look around for people who have them and produce in your area. then collect cuts in fall place in sand keep in cool place you should get at least one out of every 10 clippings. there are hundreds of kinds. I'm in vancouver BC as far north as possible for these trees. there are 2 kids that produce in large amounts here. green outside and red inside then the green outside and yellow inside, the ladder has 2 crops a year. careful how you prune them or you won't get figs.

[@TravelTipsForNepalByAmerican]

I'm starting a tree project in Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu can get pretty polluted, mostly from India's air current. Our NGO is working to put trees on the rooftops of the homes because there is just no land left. Kathmandu is about 1,200 meters high and it mostly rains only during May-August. We have 18-inch pots made from 25% recycled. What trees would you recommend so the people will be more responsive to the project? Nepal is an emerging nation and people struggle.

[@beckyirvin4935]

Where do I find a paw paw tree?? I love the fruit!!

[@PlantFanatics]

You can find grafted trees online (one green world or Logees are good places to start), or you can order seeds and follow along the steps in my growing pawpaws from seeds series.

[@pamelah6431]

How about chokeberries? :) (Aronia)

[@thesquad827]

do you think I could grow cold hardy pomegranate in zone 5 even if people say the lowest is zone 6

[@PlantFanatics]

I would think the chances are pretty slim. But with extra protection you may find success. Thanks so much for the comment!

[@cburki4187]

Is the Pawpaw susceptible to cedar rust?

[@PlantFanatics]

Not to my knowledge! Pawpaws are quite disease resistant for the most part. They do deal with a disease that causes fruit spot, but this is present in almost every pawpaw tree, and it doesn't affect fruit quality whatsoever. A lot of research going into that at the KSU Pawpaw program. Do you already grow any pawpaws? Or are you just starting to get into them?

[@cburki4187]

@@PlantFanatics I am looking into planting some pawpaws. We have many cedars on the property and cedar rust has been an issue with our apple and pear trees.

[@russellbrown7024]

Can information concerning Heat Zone hardiness be provided? I live in North Texas and summer heat is as much of an impediment growing fruit trees and garden varieties as is the winter cold.

[@PlantFanatics]

What temperatures are you talking about? I live in Arkansas zone 7 and I assure you our summers can be extremely hot and humid. I know people that grow them in St. Louis where its even more hot and humid and they do just fine. The key is to make sure you provide them shade for the first 2 seasons before allowing the full sun to hit them.

[@russellbrown7024]

@@PlantFanatics - I am in USDA Hardiness Zone 8 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. This area is zone 9 on the Heat Zone Map which means we have 120 to 150 days over 86°F. We will often have days well over 100°. Since moving here, I have had the most success gardening March to May and September into the first part of November. While I have had successes, I have had trouble with tomatoes and other vegetables setting during the summer month. I also have a clay prairie soil that can bake hard during the summer. I have been trying to condition it with humus as compost as I plant. My question, although I am interested in the kiwi, is more general. USDA Hardiness Zone ratings are a common measure provided for plants, but the heat tolerance which is a factor here often is not. Thanks.

[@PlantFanatics]

@@russellbrown7024 Those temperatures are not as uncommon as you might think. These plants will handle those temperatures just fine. Your issue is not in the heat but in the soil. Amending the soil in your gardening areas is a great idea and a necessary step. Your best friend is now going to be mulch. You are going to need a generous helping everywhere you grow. Make the pile 3-5 inches thick, to the point where water retention will be high. You never want your soil to completely dry out, and you want to make a place where the microbial life and earthworms can thrive. The mulch should be replaced as it is degraded, and you should never be able to see the soil in the garden. Trust this process and your soil will only get better. Shelter sensitive plants when they are young until they can handle the heat from the sun. Baby them the first year or two. A place like yours requires some input but will make a wonderful place for a garden if you continue this process. Consider setting up drip line irrigation for your fruit trees and fruit bushes for those long drought periods. This is inexpensive and can be accomplished for a few hundred dollars for even a large garden. Water, nutrients, and mulch. Contact local tree companies for bigger loads of mulch for cheaper prices.

[@russellbrown7024]

@@PlantFanatics - Thank-you for this advice. I started mulching this year for the first time and I bought a soaker hose and timer for a couple trees and a series of very large containers. A couple questions about mulching if you don't mind. How far around the trees should mulch extend? I have surrounded my newly planted pear and plum trees with a foot radius from the tree trunk. And I was advised to make it at least 6 inches deep around the trunk. When mulching garden soil, will seeds grow through the mulch or should I attempt to start them in flats and transplant them when they get a bit larger? Thanks again for your advice. I very much appreciate it.

[@PlantFanatics]

@@russellbrown7024 Those are all great questions! I would say that a foot around the tree trunk is not enough. I would do a minimum of 3 feet around the tree. Mulch serves the purpose of not only water conservation but also serves as nutrition for the tree as the microbial life breaks it down. the further out you go the better. The roots of your trees will thank you for it. The depth is exactly what I would recommend. When direct sowing seeds I would Advise that you either remove the mulch completely in the areas where the seeds are present and make sure the soil stays consistently moist, or make sure that the mulch is extremely fine and is places only in a very thin layer. Heavy mulch will certainly inhibit seed growth. Theres nothing wrong with direct sowing if you make sure of those things. I know starting seeds in flats can really cause a headache. Especially when it comes to care and space.

[@noahbrooks-donais9130]

I mean this is the lease negative way possible; dogwood is a poor choice because people can forage it, the fruits are also apparently slightly grainy which some people don't like and it would make a poor crop for sale. If you encouraged something like rare red-fleshed apples or pears, people will be more likely to grow them and we can keep rare heritage pommes alive. Pawpaw is such an amazing choice because of its rich history and the fact its so rare, foraged pawpaws can be random in flavor but cultivars are typically refined and I would argue a incredibly rare treat for most.

[@dancanavan2812]

Were can I find a map with your growing zones?

[@PlantFanatics]

Head to TheAmericanFigCompany.com Thank you so much for taking the time to watch this video. Happy Growing!

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

The mulberry tree here in sub tropical Victoria, near Gippsland Lakes "where it rarely gets below zero. More like 2 to 3°c is the lowest and that's just for a 2-3 week cycle and just at night for a few hours. The tree bears fruit in early spring. It's situated in a water encatchment, that's also the local dog park. It's supposed to have an oasis of native plants and reeds, that soak up water. The tree line is well mulched with free council mulch that sits there all summer composting down to make nice stuff. People have started to plant, fruit trees and seeds, wrapped unwanted ferns around natives, and bulbs of every unwanted colour and style. The natives are dying one by one "not being fertilised with just native tree mulch, that's not the right pH" yet the unwanted stuff is flourishing. Must plant pears, as woody old pears trees provide the best dry juice for cider. No yeast needed, it starts fermentation before you finish crushing them, even after freezing. Freezing fruit makes the juice run.

[@littledabwilldoya9717]

Unfortunately, I’m in area 3/4, which makes it extremely difficult to find any fruit trees that are hardy enough to withstand our harsh/cold winters. NONE you’ve shown in this video are appropriate for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, unfortunately. I really would like to find more that are appropriate for my area (so would the deer!😡). Any ideas? Thanks!🙂

[@edi9892]

If you can afford it, building a solar/glasshouse is the way to go (the prior are those connected to mansions and often had a place for drinking tea in a small group). Else, there are only a few things that you can do. Some plants can be grown in pots in winter and put out to get bigger but will die off next winter. Still, that's long enough to harvest some plants (for instance, the horseradish tree). Obviously, if you got some warm space, you can move some bigger potted plants indoors, for wintering them, but that requires probably a tool for lifting them or some help. I don't know my zone, but I live in Switzerland, and despite what people expect, you can see a bunch of palm trees, bamboo, and plants from the Mexican desert. Even some Banana trees can pass through the winter, but everything above the covered area dies off to regrow next year. Unfortunately, they are not edible and I don't see the decorative value in them. My point is that people managed to grow things from other climate zones and they became persistent.

[@Erewhon2024]

Not trees, but have you tried Ribes sp.? I really like clove/buffalo currant (R. odoratum = R. aureum subsp. villosum) as an edible landscape shrub. Honeyberryusa and other boreal specialists also sell other cold adapted crops like U. Saskatchewan hybrid pie cherries, sea buckthorn, honeyberry, and saskatoon. Ure pear (make it into vinegar or perhaps perry or sauce), Dolgo etc crabapples, American x Asian hybrid plums, and even hardier grapes (generally, hybrids of fox grape with a small-fruited, hardy species like frost grape) like Beta or kiwi like Actinidia kolomikta are likely options.

[@bethyngalw]

how do you find out what area number you are in?

[@edi9892]

@@bethyngalw there seem to be maps for the US and UK at least...

[@Erewhon2024]

@@bethyngalw I believe she is talking about USDA Hardiness Zones (if you are on the West Coast, "Sunset Zone" maps may be a more helpful guide to microclimates, because the USDA simplified their maps to consider annual minimum temperature alone, not other important factors like Chilling Hours [a significant consideration in warm climates where winters are too short for some cold adapted plants], precipitation level/distribution, # of frost free days [late ripeners may not ripen before frost in some areas], soil type, etc]. The USDA maps (at least for the USA, and many other countries use the same system to avoid confusion) are easy to find by internet search ("USDA zone map for..."), but are really just a jumping off point to start the plant selection process.

[@boboala1]

Now I'm fig-hungry! It's prob been decades since I've had one. Are dates the same fruit - different species? And I wouldn't mind having a go at a Cornelius tart cranberry fruity you mentioned with some strawberry and rhubarb...and a crumble top! And you?

[@PlantFanatics]

When you describe it in such vivid terms I find myself quite hungry. haha Dates and figs are not related whatsoever actually. They come from two completely different plants. Though I will admit they are both wonderfully tasty. Thank you so much for the great question!

[@codydog1700]

Can pawpaw grow in central south Dakota?

[@PlantFanatics]

If you live in plant hardiness zone 5 or higher this tree will do perfectly fine. Any lower than that and it will most likely not make it. Thank you so much for watching the video. It means so much. Happy growing!

[@maryhairy1]

Thx for this info

[@PlantFanatics]

Thanks for watching! Happy growing!

[@lovescamaros1]

I would love to grow most of these here but in zone 4 if not wrapped and heavily mulched they won't make it.

[@sarahflanagan9345]

The good thing Dave is that there are so many fruit trees and shrubs that will grow in your zone. Everyone knows about blueberries and raspberries, but you should check out the native chokeberry or shadblow (juneberry). Both are native and are not planted enough. The fruit is rich in anti-oxidants and will grow in very cold climates.

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

Its not a paw paw you speak of, but a sapote. A paw paw has many tiny seeds like peas in the middle. The sapote has large seeds. The custard apple, is a sapote. There's also the chocolate pudding fruit, another sapote.

[@PlantFanatics]

I do speak of a pawpaw (Asimona Triloba) which is in the Annonaceae family. This includes the custard apple and soursop.

[@germwire90]

Korean Dogwood is sweet but the outside flesh is tart, and it has a hard seed.

[@Erewhon2024]

Cornus mas has small yellow or sometimes chartreuse flowers at the end of winter. The flower picture inset for your cornelian cherry looked like something in the rose family (perhaps even true cherry, though the green bark reminded me of Prunus mume) instead. It absolutely is not any species of dogwood (Cornus).

[@PlantFanatics]

Hey Erik, I did make a mistake in the photo you are correct. I appreciate you sharing. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video.

[@billloveless6869]

Are any of these trees deer resistant?

[@PlantFanatics]

The figs and pawpaws have both proven to be very deer resistant for me. They've never bothered any of my trees a single time. I've seen people on here with a different experience though. Typically pawpaws and figs are considered highly deer resistant trees though. Thank you so much for the great question!

[@fannyalbi9040]

i want to grow cupuacu but don’t know where to buy the seeds

[@PlantFanatics]

Good luck with your search! Some things can be difficult to find.

[@fannyalbi9040]

@@PlantFanatics ya apparently

[@kristaanderson8055]

-25 degrees is not cold. Was looking for trees to grow in zones 2 or 3.

[@arkie3703]

Good content, but the sound is kind of scuffed in the video

[@PlantFanatics]

Early creation problems. We've worked out the kinks in our newer videos. We actually made this video about 8 months ago and its just now catching on. haha Thank you so much for taking the time to watch even with the bad quality. We are very thankful for that. Happy growing!

[@marcbritton7307]

Amelanchier ( serviceberry) is another great cold hardy native fruit tree. The Chinese Jujube scares me due to its invasive potential

[@jenniferbraud5942]

"Picking up Paw paws, put 'em in your pocket. Way down yonder in the Paw Paw patch."

[@joangrimaldo6802]

Can pawpaw be grown in Mississippi

[@PlantFanatics]

Absolutely! A pawpaw can be grown in Mississippi no problem!

[@erinhall8294]

Cold climates? How about zone 3 & 4 😊

[@PlantFanatics]

Unfortunately zones 3 and 4 are on a whole other level of cold. As the zones go down, so do the number of fruiting plants that can survive there.

[@eric4946]

Apples . Blueberries & other berry bushes

[@Idahodeerslayer]

@Plant Fanatics, do you have any info about the theory that paw paw contain a naturally occurring substance that can cause mitochondrial damage and Parkinson’s? I am currently propagating these and I want to love them but this news is very disturbing.

[@PlantFanatics]

I’ve not heard such things. I’ve been eating them for some time, and so have many others with no problems occurring thus far. Only time can tell. I’m sure they are totally fine for consumption.

[@edi9892]

Figs and the Cornelian Cherry are the only ones I've personally seen and eaten. It makes me sad that there are so many great fruits we simply don't know and can't buy... If you ever take a look at ancient recipes, you'll find so many spices and other ingredients you struggle to get today.

[@salvanaihtisham1803]

I have jujubes, I didn't think it would survive zone 6b,but it did. Super excited cause grew up eating jujubes.

[@edi9892]

@@salvanaihtisham1803 I've recently eaten Goji. I believe that they are something related. It was a rice pudding with various berries, pieces of orange peals, plums, nuts. It had really an interesting taste.

[@TheMrdoc26]

Hiw do I get a Paw paw tree? The dog woods too??

[@PlantFanatics]

Check out OneGreenWorld.com or Logees.com Both great nurseries.

[@jojoknows9808]

I thought you said cold hardy lol I live in zone 3 so none of these would work at my place

[@PlantFanatics]

Yeah, theres cold hardy and then theres insanely cold hardy. Unfortunately zone 3 is getting to those crazy temperatures that most fruiting plants can't take. But there are definitely options for you out there. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video! Happy growing!

[@jojoknows9808]

@@PlantFanatics I'll keep watching & might even make efforts with PLENTY of mulch to protect through the winter. That's how I've managed to keep hydrangeas alive for 3 years so far. BTW, insanely cold here Sunday morning at -38C.

[@lisastarace112]

Paw Paw interior looks a lot like a cherimoya.

[@kaydixie5727]

The sound was all muffled, but was still able to read the closed captioning.

[@PlantFanatics]

This video was the first one we ever did a voiceover on... So we made beginner mistakes with that. On our newer videos we solved that problem. Thank you for checking the video out even with the terrible sound quality. You're awesome! Happy growing!

[@beckyirvin4935]

Can a paw paw grow in California?

[@PlantFanatics]

It depends what the weather is like there. What growing zone are you in?

[@beckyirvin4935]

Zone 9b

[@stanford2444]

Cold Hardy? Where are you growing? Kentucky? Come back with some zone 3 and 4 plants.

[@PlantFanatics]

Haha, I see where you're coming from. Those lower zones are for insanely cold hardy fruiting plants. Every zone you go down at a certain point drops most plants off as options very quickly. But theres definitely some options for you out there. They may just be your more common fruits like blueberries, apples, etc... Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video! Happy growing!