Question: What are "Chill Hours" on peach trees and what do you look for? I live in Delta, Colorado and we currently have peach trees and we are looking to increase our orchard by 4 or 5 dozen trees with some mid August to late August ripening. Which would you recommend? Darla Answer: Chill hours - It is not really funny, but as I was starting to answer this, the whole mid and eastern section…

Question: I have 2 questions:1. what is the difference between brown turkey fig and improved brown turkey fig?2. what is the difference between kadota fig and janice kadota fig? Richard Answer: Richard, 1. We grow the "unimproved" Brown Turkey Fig which has been a popular, proven, tasty "heirloom" variety for hundreds of years and across a wide range of countries and climates. Brown Turkey Fig I believe the "Improved" Brown Turkey Fig you mention is…

Question: please tell me if your bare root and canned grape vines are grafted onto special rootstock or on their own roots?thanks,Ken Answer: Ken, we primarily grow for the homeowner market and not the commercial vineyards. The commercial orchards pay careful attention to soil profiles, disease and pest issues and high productivity for their location. Thus the added cost that more than doubles the grapevine price is worth it. The homeowner on the other hand…

Question: I live in Syracuse New York- the middle of the state, zone 5, heavy clay soil. I would like to grow Black Mulberries for the fruit. What is your thinking in terms of the black varieties you offer for my locale?Regards, Jim Answer: Jim, It seems the popularity of fruiting mulberries continues to grow every year, and rightly so. The fruit can be delicious. What is a favorite food for people of Middle Eastern…

Question: Hello, I planted an Angel Red pomegranate last spring. Now the leaves have all yellowed, dropped and there's still no fruit. We're in the San Gabriel valley, LA county.Please advise. Janie Answer: Hi Janie, We started this nursery in San Gabriel back in 1944 and I spent my childhood there in the 50's & 60's so have fond memories of your area. We moved the nursery to Visalia in 1965-66. I think you are…

Question: What are your recommendations for an almond tree that produces nuts in the Knoxville, TN area? The UT Extension does not recommend. I heard the tree would grow but not produce nuts in my area. Answer: Your University of Tennessee Extension is basically correct. Almonds bloom early in the spring - so early that the typical Tennessee late frosts wipe out most of the blooms or juvenile fruits. Tennessee seems to get some nice…

Question: I have been looking for a stainless steel hand held pomegranate press...it looks like a giant garlic press...Only one store in Yuba City carried it, Harpers Ferry. They no longer carry it...I want to make my own jelly but am not able to locate one. I don't want a commerical electric juicer because I was told that the seeds would only ruin the juicer and too much of the seed would be chipped and…

Question: how to take care for japanese apricot? Answer: The Japanese Apricot Tree (Ume) is generally speaking a low-maintenance tree. Therefore simple general care is recommended. If you are buying and planting a dormant, bare root tree dig a hole twice the width of the roots and just as deep. Place the tree and back fill the soil, watering as you go to settle out any air pockets. You will not need to water again…

Dear Sir/Madam,Question: I would like to grow table grapes. I would like to know the name of the large white sweet seedless grape. Is it Autumn seedless or another variety?RegardsJohn Answer: There are a lot of green (white) seedless grapes - the most well known being Thompson Seedless. It would help to know where you are located so the right one(s) could be recommended for your climate. Here are the Green Seedless Grapes that we…

Question: I have a 15 year old, healthy Western Schley pecan tree . It has never produced more than a couple handfuls of nuts. What variety would you suggest to help pollinate, I live east of clovis. Also, what local nursery sells your pecan trees? Thanks. Answer: For our western, arid climate, the best pollinator for Western Schley Pecan is Witchita Pecan. I will have the sales representative for your area contact you via email…