You Had Me at Rainier Cherries: A Guide to Fruit Trees in Seattle (that won't leave you feeling sour)
Let's face it, Seattle weather can be a bit...dramatic. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're in a downpour that would make Noah jealous. But hey, that's what makes our Emerald City so special, right? And guess what else thrives in this quirky climate? A surprising abundance of delicious fruit trees! That's right, folks, you can ditch the overpriced grocery store cherries and cultivate your own backyard orchard.
But before you get all "Johnny Appleseed" and plant a forest, let's talk specifics. Not all fruits are created equal, especially when it comes to Seattle's moody personality.
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Fruits that will ROCK your Seattle garden:
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- Apples: We're talking Gravenstein, Akane, Chehalis, Liberty, Jonagold. These guys are practically Seattle natives, perfectly adapted to our cool climate and ready to rain down (pun intended) juicy goodness. Just picture yourself enjoying a crisp autumn day, picking apples right from your own tree. Pure. Bliss.
- Pears: Don't let their fancy French names fool you (Clapp Favorite, anyone?), these pear trees are as happy as a clam in Seattle soil. Bartlett, Orcas, Comice - all these varieties will bring you sweet, refreshing bounty come harvest time.
- Plums & Cherries: Who doesn't love a plump, juicy plum or a handful of Rainier cherries bursting with flavor? Here, success stories include Methley, Beauty, Shiro plums and Van, Angela, Hardy Giant, Emperor Francis cherries. Just be warned, these little flavor bombs might turn you into a neighborhood fruit sharer (it's a good thing!).
Hold your horses, these fruits might be a bit trickier:
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- Apricots & Peaches: Let's be honest, Seattle isn't exactly California. These sunshine-loving fruits might struggle with our cooler temps. But hey, if you're feeling adventurous, there are a couple of cold-hardy varieties like Puget Gold apricots and Juneglo nectarines that might surprise you. Just be prepared to give them some extra TLC.
Now that you've got the lowdown, here are some bonus tips:
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- Do your research! Different fruit trees have different needs in terms of sunlight, soil, and space. Make sure you choose a variety that will thrive in your specific yard.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help! Local nurseries and gardening enthusiasts are a wealth of knowledge.
- Patience is a virtue! It might take a few years for your trees to mature and produce fruit, but the wait will be totally worth it.
What Fruit Trees Grow In Seattle |
How to Fruitastic FAQs:
- How to plant a fruit tree? Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, add some compost love, and settle your sapling in gently. There's more to it, but that's the gist!
- How to care for a fruit tree? Water regularly, especially during the first few years. Prune for healthy growth and good airflow. A little TLC goes a long way.
- How to keep pests away from my fruit tree? There are natural and organic methods to deter unwanted critters. Research what works best for your specific fruit tree.
- How to harvest fruit? Wait until the fruit ripens completely (no green apples here!). A gentle tug should release the fruit from the branch.
- How to enjoy your homegrown bounty? Fresh-off-the-tree flavor is unbeatable! But you can also bake pies, make jams, or get creative with delicious fruit cocktails.
So there you have it, Seattleites! With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can be enjoying homegrown fruits in no time. Happy planting, and may your harvests be plentiful!
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