Small Orchard Selection - Ask Extension
We are interested in adding a small organic orchard on our land in Collins County. We are hoping to use a dense planting of reliably semi-dwarfing t...
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Small Orchard Selection #210553
Asked September 03, 2014, 4:20 PM EDT
We are interested in adding a small organic orchard on our land in Collins County. We are hoping to use a dense planting of reliably semi-dwarfing trees for reduced labor costs during pruning and harvesting. Disease resistance is important.
For apples, my research is suggesting the following varieties: Anna, Rootstock EM 7 (400 chill hours) & Dorsett Golden, Rootstock EM 7 (350 chill hours)
Are the above apple varieties & rootstock a good idea?
I am unable to find similar information for peaches and plums. We are also open to any other fruit recommendation.
Is there a list of root stock and fruit varieties that could be suitable for our situation? If you do not have the information, can you recommend a resource?
For apples, my research is suggesting the following varieties: Anna, Rootstock EM 7 (400 chill hours) & Dorsett Golden, Rootstock EM 7 (350 chill hours)
Are the above apple varieties & rootstock a good idea?
I am unable to find similar information for peaches and plums. We are also open to any other fruit recommendation.
Is there a list of root stock and fruit varieties that could be suitable for our situation? If you do not have the information, can you recommend a resource?
Collin County Texas
Expert Response
I can assist you with planning your orchard project. First, you should visit this website and read the publications available on the crops you would like to grow: http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu
Read these two specifically: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2010/10/apples.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2010/10/peaches.pdf
Those varieties of apples you listed are better suited for South Texas, not North Texas. See the above presentation for recommendation for Medium to High Chill Hours Areas.
The root stocks for apples and peaches will be listed in the publication above. They list dwarfing root stocks for at least Apples. Keep in mind that we have a heavy alkaline soil, so pick the rootstocks that do well in our soil. Apples and Peaches do prefer slightly acidic soil, which we don't have, so their is a risk of problems associated with our high pH. Be sure to test your soil through our soil testing lab: http://soiltesting.tamu.edu prior to selecting the site for your orchard.
To my knowledge Texas A&M has not performed any research on fruit trees in our area. In my experience and observations, these is risk involved in these crops because of our soil, climate, water, etc. Fruit trees are short lived trees, especially in our soil. It is important to understand the challenges that you will face prior to starting an orchard. I do not want to discourage you from starting an orchard, but want you to have the best information and have the proper planning to give you the best chance of success.
I am available for office visits or site visits to help you properly plan your orchard and other farming operations.
Read these two specifically: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2010/10/apples.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2010/10/peaches.pdf
Those varieties of apples you listed are better suited for South Texas, not North Texas. See the above presentation for recommendation for Medium to High Chill Hours Areas.
The root stocks for apples and peaches will be listed in the publication above. They list dwarfing root stocks for at least Apples. Keep in mind that we have a heavy alkaline soil, so pick the rootstocks that do well in our soil. Apples and Peaches do prefer slightly acidic soil, which we don't have, so their is a risk of problems associated with our high pH. Be sure to test your soil through our soil testing lab: http://soiltesting.tamu.edu prior to selecting the site for your orchard.
To my knowledge Texas A&M has not performed any research on fruit trees in our area. In my experience and observations, these is risk involved in these crops because of our soil, climate, water, etc. Fruit trees are short lived trees, especially in our soil. It is important to understand the challenges that you will face prior to starting an orchard. I do not want to discourage you from starting an orchard, but want you to have the best information and have the proper planning to give you the best chance of success.
I am available for office visits or site visits to help you properly plan your orchard and other farming operations.
