Scientific Name Fragaria spp. General Information Strawberries are perennial, low growing, vining plants that produce edible, heart-shaped berries. The tiny yellow or black dots on the berry’s surface are called achenes and are the actual fruit. When to Plant Middle to late August is generally the…
Scientific Name English/Persian: Juglans regia; Northern California Black: Juglans hindsii; ‘Paradox’: J.hindsii x J. regia General Information Large, fast-growing, deciduous tree 40 to 80 feet tall. Called English/Persian, or Northern California Black or the hybrid ‘Paradox’. The delicious,…
Scientific Name Malus domestica General Information Apple trees are deciduous, attractive trees native to central Asia and cultivated worldwide. There are hundreds of cultivars, including many familiar names like 'Fuji' and 'Granny Smith.' Most apples need 500 to 1,000 chill hours in winter, although…
Scientific Name Prunus armeniaca General Information Apricots bloom in February and early March, which can coincide with cold rain storms. As a result, consistent crops are unlikely in Marin. However, when one does get a crop it's worth the wait. Apricots perform best where spring weather is dry. They…
Scientific Name Rubus spp General Information Blackberries and raspberries are deciduous vines that do best when trellised. Boysenberries are a hybrid cross of blackberries and raspberries. These plants have perennial roots and biennial shoots or canes that give us fruit in the second year. When to…
Scientific Name Vaccinium spp General Information Blueberries belong to the Ericaceae family, which includes azaleas and rhododendrons. They have pinkish flowers in the spring, berries in summer, and often brilliant red and yellow foliage in the fall. Blueberries have pinkish flowers in the spring,…
Scientific Name Prunus avium (sweet) Prunus cerasus (sour) General Information Cherries are deciduous trees available in sweet (for fresh eating) or sour (for preserving or jams) varieties. Most require between 600 to 900 chill hours (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). High temperatures contribute to…
Scientific Name Citrus spp. General Information Citrus are evergreen shrubs or trees native to Asia and belong to the Rutaceae family. One of California’s most common backyard fruit trees. When to Plant Citrus can be planted any time of the year in frost-free zones. Otherwise, plant in spring…
Scientific Name Ficus carica General Information Fig trees are deciduous, easily-grown, and don't require pollination to yield fruit. Most bear two crops per year: early summer and late summer/early fall. Native to western Asia and eastern Mediterranean, figs thrive in warm climates but also grow in…
Scientific Name Vitis vinifera (wine grapes) Vitis labrusca (table grapes) General Information Grapes are divided into table grapes and wine grapes. Many varieties available. Some have multiple or secondary uses, ie juices or jellies. Hybrids are typically grown for table grapes, juice, or jelly…
