When to plant

• Set out bare-root trees about 3 weeks before your average last spring frost.

Most need a second variety nearby for pollination. Zones 8+ need low-chill varieties.

Frost dates depend on where you live. Enter your ZIP code to get exact dates.

Dates by zone: 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Growing basics

Toxic parts. Seeds are toxic in quantity. Do not eat them.

Harmful to pets. Seeds, stems, and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs.

Sun

Full sun (6+ hours)

Spacing

8–20 ft (by rootstock)

Soil temperature

At least 45°F

Plant family

Rose family (berries, fruit trees)

Harvest per plant

About 75 lb

Companions

Keep apart: Horseradish. Horseradish spreads aggressively. Give it its own spot.

Keep apart: Mint. Mint spreads aggressively into neighbors. Keep it in a pot.

Keep apart: Fennel (bulb). Fennel slows the growth of most garden plants. Grow it on its own.

Keep apart: Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke). Sunchokes spread aggressively and shade neighbors.

Pests and problems

Grow it well

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