Many varieties of fruit trees are well adapted to our cool summers and able to resist the many fungal diseases that the extended wet season brings. Carefully selected varieties that are adapted to the NW climate will more readily produce ripe and tasty fruit.
Early ripening varieties are best for Western Washington.
Almost anything will grow here in the Pacific Northwest, but because of our cooler summers, not all will be successfully pollinated or ripen well. Some varieties flower too early, and because pollinators won’t fly in the rain, the fruit doesn’t set. Other fruits, such as peaches, have severe fungal problems.
You must be willing to experiment and remove what is unsuccessful in your micro-climate in order to find which varieties do best. Ask the nursery for advice. Raintree, Burnt Ridge and Hartmann’s are three local and experienced nurseries where you can speak to fruit growing enthusiasts and receive recommendations of great varieties for your urban orchard. Raintree has a comprehensive catalog that includes information on pollination, cultural (general care required), soil and sun requirements, in addition to giving tips on pruning, ripening and planting specifications.
Popular Fruit varieties for the Northwest
When selecting a fruit tree, taste the different varieties, see what your neighbors successfully grow, and be willing to try a few different types before finding the perfect one for your taste and micro-climate.
Apples
Akane, Chehalis, Corail, Elstar, Empire, Fiesta, Jonagold, Gravenstein, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Rubinette, Sansa, Spitzenburg, Sweet Sixteen, and Williams Pride all do well here. Karmijn De Sonneville is also quite delicious, but prone to Scab. Apples and Asian Pear-apples need to be protected from Apple Maggot and Codling Moth pests.
Asian Pear-Apples
Asian pears have varying flavors and textures, and except for late-ripening varieties, they do well here. Try Chojuro and Shinseiki varieties. Like apples, protect Asian pear-apples from Apple Maggot and Codling Moth pests.
Blueberries
Blueberries are nutritious and easy to eat and if you have wet boggy soil, blueberries are for you. However, boglike conditions are not required to successfully grow them; they can be successfully included in almost any landscape. You can see blueberry varieties being grown by visiting the Bellevue Blueberry Farm. The blueberry variety Olympia has great reports, and there are many other varieties to choose. Try planting natives such as Vaccinium ovatum, ovalifolium or deliciousum. Protect ripening crops from birds using bird netting.
European Plums
The variety Italian Prune Plum leads the pack with many good reports, and is highly recommended for every NW gardener. They are great fresh or dried and are easy to care for, but may get a bit large.
Figs
Brown Turkey figs are delicious and highly appreciated by those who like fresh figs, but unfortunately they do not dry well. Fig trees need absolute maximum sun and heat exposure to do well in the Northwest.
Grapes
Try Canadice and Interlaken. Most other grapes have trouble ripening here, but if you see a type growing well in your neighborhood, taste them and see.
Adapted from an article by John Reardon, Seattle Tree Fruit Society
