Best source for dwarf fruit trees?

[Chicky2]

Hi! We are on a small (5 acre) farm, and want to add to our little orchard, that only consists of 3 trees so far (2 regular sized peach trees, and 1 apricot tree that still needs a partner so it'll produce). I believe the best option for us will be dwarf trees, but don't know where to buy the best trees. Anyone have a great source to share? I'd like to buy them as mature as possible, and plan to buy about 8 trees. Not sure what the best trees for our area are (other than peach or pear or plum) either, so will need help there.

TIA!

[spring978]

I really really like raintree nursery plus the catalog gives me hours of great reading.

[Chicky2]

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought I'd get a ton, but I guess no one plants dwarf trees?

I will look them up and order a catalog.

[PenelopeJune]

I was wanting to ask the same question. We're moving into a rental on 3 acres, and someone suggested that dwarf trees in tubs might be a good option for us, since we don't know if we'll end up staying there long-term. Anyone have any experience with planting in containers, and leaving them there for several years?

[jentilla]

I ordered and planted 6 dwarf trees from Stark Bros Nurseries. They come already pruned and should produce next year.

[GardenStream]

I've ordered from Stark Bros and from Raintree. They have both been good.

[newbymom05]

I'm curious too. My neighbor and I each have dwarf peaches and neither ever produced edible fruit to speak of. We're in the suburbs btw. That same neighbor has a full sized apple that does really well.

[jtsmom]

I ordered from stark brothers this year, but I haven't received anything yet. The customer service was good.

I also ordered some from fedco, but they are in Maine and I guess you'd probably want somewhere closer to you that had varieties you know would work in your climate. I would also check with your cooperative extension to see what varieties they recommend.

[ScarletBegonias]

www.tressofantiquity.com

they are located in california, have organic rootstock (and conventional) and about a dozen different rootstocks, with many being dwarf. i highly recommend checking them out!

[Chicky2]

Originally Posted by ScarletBegonias

www.tressofantiquity.com

they are located in california, have organic rootstock (and conventional) and about a dozen different rootstocks, with many being dwarf. i highly recommend checking them out!

Thanks! I will!

[Pepper44]

I ordered four dwarf apple trees from The Arbor Tree Foundation. I read in online reviews that the trees come as little sticks but in a few years grow to produce lots of fruit. Mine are due to come in the mail this spring.

I ordered from them because it was only $10-15 per tree and $5 total for shipping. We have no extra cash to spend on expensive trees. I'm planning on doing them in containers on my back porch because I don't know if we will move or not in the next few years.

[Pepper44]

Originally Posted by newbymom05

I'm curious too. My neighbor and I each have dwarf peaches and neither ever produced edible fruit to speak of. We're in the suburbs btw. That same neighbor has a full sized apple that does really well.

Are your peach trees self pollinating? I've read that even self pollinating trees need two or three together in order to produce fruit.

[SleeplessMommy]

I have planted fruit trees obtained both locally (bare root) and mail order ... I got slightly better results with the "local" trees - reduced shipping stress. I think finding a supplier in your own state is the way to go, and also check out your states ag extention website.

[Chicky2]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

I have planted fruit trees obtained both locally (bare root) and mail order ... I got slightly better results with the "local" trees - reduced shipping stress. I think finding a supplier in your own state is the way to go, and also check out your states ag extention website.

Ooh, I hadn't thought of the ag extension.....Good idea!

Precisely why I asked here...lots of great suggestions!