Listed by Species
by Aaron Parker , Sunday, 24 March 2019
Trees should be hardy in most of the state, but only early ripening genetics are likely to ripen and only in decent conditions, with the limiting factor being heat units rather then season length. Hot micro climates are limited it can be nice to know what has worked for others. This doc is editable by the group.
Paw Paw (Asimina triloba)
Trees should be hardy in most of the state, but only early ripening genetics are likely to ripen and only in decent conditions, with the limiting factor being heat units rather then season length. Hot micro climates can be helpful. Planting seedlings with early ripening genetics seems to be the most successful tactic so far as graft unions often fail in cold winters on young trees. Seedlings of “PA Golden” have a good track record, other likely parents include “Summer Delight” and “VE-21”. If you do decide to plant grafted stock, you may want to either protect the graft union by insulating with a mound of snow (after rodent protection) or plastic insulation like Sill-Seal or try holding plants in pots in a root cellar for their first winter. Young paw paws can’t handle full sun, but mature trees need sun to ripen a decent crop of fruit, Blue-X grow tubes can be used to shelter young plants, as can large tomato cages covered in row cover, tall perennials or existing trees that can be cut down after a couple years. Shenandoah (excellent flavor, large size) , PA Golden (not sure which PA golden), and Prolific (not great flavor) ripen in zone 5 eastern VT.
Peach (Prunus persica)
“Reliance” is probably one of the hardiest cultivars, but the fruit isn’t quite as good as others. In zone 5 “Red Haven” and “Garnet Beauty” both seem fully hardy and produce excellent fruit. The seed line “Siberian C” appears to be more hardy then any cultivar, recommended for zone 4b and worth a try in 4a. A line with improved fruit quality has been selected by Miekal And of La Farge, Wisconsin. Seedlings available from Edgewood Nursery (Falmouth, ME) and Seeds available from https://beyondvineyard.com/
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
“Elegant” and “Pioneer” have done well in Sidney, ME for decades and are sold by Fedco . Jesse Stevens is heading up a project to trial many cultivars, check back in a decade or so for more detailed recommendations.
Mulberry (Morus species and hybrids)
“Illinois Everbearing” seems to be the standard for a medium/large tree. “Geraldi Dwarf” is a nice dwarf cultivar that has been doing well in Portland. More data needed.
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana )
“Meader” is said to be the hardiest and has been successful and productive in a few locations, including Buckfield (?). “Szukis” has grown well and ripened in most years in Falmouth. “Yates”, “Early Jewel” and “Early Golden” all seem like likely candidates.
