You're in luck if you want to add fruit trees to your backyard garden! The climate in Colorado is ideal for producing a variety of fruit trees, including Troy's favorites, Italian plums, pears, and Golden Delicious apples. These three trees are not only simple to plant, but they also provide tasty fruits that you can enjoy throughout the season.
1. Italian Plums
Italian plums are a popular choice for Colorado gardeners because they are hardy, require minimal maintenance, and produce an abundant harvest. These plums are also known for their sweet and juicy flavor, making them a great choice for fresh eating or for making jams and jellies. Since Italian plum plants are self-pollinating, you only need one tree to produce fruit. They are also resistant to the majority of pests and diseases, making them an easy-care option for your garden. These trees are also extremely weather resistant, as long as they produce blossoms and the temperature does not fall below 26 degrees. Plant your Italian plum tree in full light and well-drained soil, and you'll have an abundance of fruit in no time. The plums will be at their juiciest if you begin picking in late August or early September.
2. Pears
Pears are another fruit tree that thrives in Colorado's climate. They are easy to grow and produce a delicious harvest of sweet, juicy fruit. Bartlett and Anjou's pears are two of the most popular varieties for Colorado yards. Troy’s favorites are Asian and Ambrosia pears. Pear trees require a bit more maintenance than Italian plum trees, but they are still relatively low maintenance. They require well-draining soil and full sun, and they benefit from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. They tend to grow in a cylindrical shape and a small ladder will easily do the job of picking the fruit. Pear trees are also self-pollinating, but they produce a better harvest when planted near other pear or apple trees.
3. Golden Delicious Apples
Golden Delicious apples are a classic choice for Colorado gardeners. They are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and are great for fresh eating, baking, and making cider. Golden Delicious apple trees are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.
Apple trees require more care than Italian plum or pear trees. To keep their shape and stimulate fruit production, they require well-draining soil, full light, and regular pruning. Golden Delicious apple trees are also self-sterile, which means they need pollination from another apple tree. As long as there is no freeze in the spring while the tree is flowering, they can be exceptionally heavy producers.
Here is a tip for harvesting apples, wait for the first frost to pick fruit because it will set the fruit sugars for a more delicious taste. Tall ladders will do the job to make picking apples more accessible.
Consider adding fruit trees to your Colorado lawn, such as Italian plums, pears, and Golden Delicious apples. These trees are sturdy, easy to maintain, and provide delicious fruit throughout the season. To support healthy development and fruit production, plant them in well-draining soil, give them enough sun, and prune them on a regular basis. Have fun in your garden!