fruit trees & bushes
Trees of all kinds are the backbone of a garden. The idea of growing plants that will contribute to the kitchen and pay their way has caught on as people have become more concerned with both the quality and the cost of eating well. Growing and picking your own fruit is also a great way to involve your children in the garden as they love growing things they can eat. They will grow up to appreciate where food comes from and understand the bounty that nature has for us in return for a little effort. Plus of course, if you grow your own fruit trees you will be the one to decide what chemicals go on them and if you want truly organic food the choice will be yours and you will know exactly how your food has been grown.
Here are some of our favorite fruit trees. We usually carry between 20 and 40 varieties
elliot pecans
The Elliot pecans are known by foodies and chefs alike for their signature sweet flavor, high oil content, and natural buttery crunch. This plump, round nut is a pecan, unlike any other pecan you’ve ever tasted. Only a handful of growers have them planted, so their limited supply makes them a treat worth savoring. Pollinates with a Stuart Pecan.
santa rosa plum
Santa Rosa Plums are an easy to grow plum for our area. They grow to about 10-15 feet tall and will produce beautiful purple plums. Santa Rosa Plums do not need a pollinator but will make more fruit if pollinated with another variety like Methley.
rabbit eye blueberry
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruiting plants you can put in your yard. We typically carry the Rabbiteye varieties, which do best in our area. Plant at least three for best pollination. They grow to about 8 feet tall and like acidic soil. Plant in pine bark and add aluminum sulfate.
citrus trees
Citrus trees can be grown in Southeast Alabama. Satsumas and Kumquats, once established can take cold temperatures into the teens. Others like lemons, grapefruits, and limes need to be planted in a pot so they can be moved when we have temperatures below 26 degrees. We usually always have a good selection of citrus to choose from. All citrus is self-pollinating.
anna & ein shemer apples
Apples will grow in Southeast Alabama if you pick the right variety. The two best varieties are the Anna and the Ein Shemer Apple. Both are heat tolerant and pollinate each other well.
brown turkey fig
A classic, all-purpose fig. The fruit is delicious fresh and in preserves. Dried figs make tasty snacks all year long. The tree needs protection when temperatures drop below 10ºF. Needs minimal pruning. Heat-tolerant. Ripens in June. Self-pollinating. One of the easiest to grow fruit trees.
muscadine & scuppernongs
Regular grapes don't grow that well in our area, but muscadines do. There are black and bronze types with varying sizes and sweetness. The female varieties have the bigger sweeter fruit, while the males usually have a smaller fruit. But the females will not produce fruit without a male pollinator within 15 or so feet. Easy to grow, very drought tolerant.