Fruit Trees and Berry Shrubs
By: Cindy Mahoney, Waller County Master Gardener
Online Tree Sale Benefiting the Waller County Master Gardeners
Date: September 5 at 8 a.m. to October 5 at 5 p.m.
It’s almost time for the Waller County Master Gardeners’ tree sale! Get out your big pots or make room in your landscape. These fruit tree varieties have been specially selected for our unique climate and grown locally. This means the trees will acclimate to their new home easier than the ones from big box stores. The event also supports our Waller County Master Gardeners, who actively provide education and support throughout our local community. These are just a few of the 41 tree varieties that will be available this year.
Order online at txmg.org/wallermg starting on September 5 at 8 a.m. through October 5 at 5 p.m. for pickup at Community Christian Academy at 1016 6th St, in Hempstead, on October 25th from 8 am until 11 am.
Improved Meyer Lemon
The Improved Meyer Lemon tree is actually a hybrid between a lemon and mandarin, which produces fruit that is sweeter and less acidic than standard lemons. The “improved” part is disease resistance as compared to the original Meyer lemon. It is a compact tree that can do well in pots and is self-pollinating, so you can grow fruit with only one tree. At full maturity, it will reach 6-10 ft tall and is cold-hardy to 20°.
Panamint Nectarine
The Panamint Nectarine is an adaptable yet showy tree. From spring flowers to autumn-hued foliage in the Fall, it’s as beautiful as it is bountiful. The fruit is a freestone variety, meaning the pit releases easily from the flesh, as opposed to a clingstone variety. This makes them especially desirable for canning and pie-making. As a self-pollinating fruit tree, it does not require a companion to bear fruit. Growing up to 30 ft tall, it can produce up to 50 lbs of fruit a year at full maturity. Nectarines are ready to harvest around July and August. This particular nectarine has a lower chill requirement at only 250 hours and is hardy to -20°.
Hosui Pear
The Hosui Pear tree grows golden brown, medium-large Asian pears. The fruit is sweet, crisp, and juicy, usually ripening around August and is known to store well. The trees provide three seasons of interest with blooms in early spring, glossy green leaves in summer, and colorful fall foliage. While they can be self-pollinating, the harvest will be larger with a companion tree. These trees grow to 8 to 10 feet and require a longer chill time at 450 hours.
Prime Ark Freedom Blackberry
The Prime-Ark Freedom blackberry is thornless and produces large, sweet berries. It is known for fruiting on first-year canes as well as older canes, which means it has the capacity to produce two crops per year. It is grown both commercially and residentially since it is prolific yet easy to care for due to its disease resistance. Pollinators are attracted to its pink and white blooms. A bit of support or a trellis can help keep the canes upright and healthier. These blackberries are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them a tasty and nutritious addition to your garden.
Biloxi (Southern Highbush) Blueberry
The Biloxi Southern Highbush Blueberry is prized for its adaptability to warmer climates and its large, sweet berries. It grows vigorously into a 4-6 ft tall bush with a compact and upright build. It’s a pretty bush that blends well with landscapes as it grows glossy green, semi-evergreen foliage, especially in mild climates. The Biloxi Blueberry also works well in containers, preferring full sun to partial shade. Its disease tolerance makes it a low-fuss option for home gardeners. It only requires 250 chill hours, so it will do well in our Texas climate. These blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse, packed with high phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content which can support heart health and reduce some cancer risks. They are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, which support immunity and bone health.