"Fruit Cocktail" Tree

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by Linda P, Mar 16, 2006.

  1. Linda P

    Linda P Member

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    A local nursery is selling a "Fruit Cocktail" Tree. It has 5 different trees grafted together - 2 plum, 2 apricot, 1 nectarine and 1 peach (it adds up to 6 so it might be a mistake or maybe one is the base tree?).

    I've not had a chance to check this out yet but I want to know how trees like this fare? I live in the lower mainland so I think it would survive our rainy weather and mild winters. I have several flowers beds in my yard but I a newbie when it comes to fruit trees.

    Are these types of trees hardy or more susceptable to disease? Do they grow relatively large or are they smaller in size than single fruit trees? Can they be easily espailiered? Are there any obvious things that one should look out for with grafted fruit trees?

    Any information and suggestions would be apprectiated.
    Thanks, Linda
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Probably not locally adapted cultivars--few of these are. That is the part to check on, if the specific varieties that were used are at all suitable for this area. Even then some disease is likely.
     
  3. Linda P

    Linda P Member

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    Well, I checked out the Fruit Cocktail trees and here is what is on them - Shiro plum, Italian prune plum, Harko nectarine, Golden apricot, Frost peach and Harglow Apricot. (I forgot to see which tree is the root stock.)

    The trees appeared to be 7-9 feet tall and the different branches about 6 inches apart on the main trunk. The branches came out of the trunk from all sides so it might be difficult to espalier, or you have to get creative. The cost was $60, it seems reasonable but I haven't seen this before so it may be outragous.

    I will be researching these varieties as to their hardiness levels, etc.

    Thanks again, Linda
     
  4. silver_creek

    silver_creek Active Member

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    The difficulty with a tree like this is managing the different varieties. The plums are more vigorous than the apricots, nectarine, and peach, so careful pruning will be needed to keep them from taking over the tree. The varieties you listed are ones commonly grown in the Pacific Northwest, except for the Golden Apricot (not familiar with that variety). The Harko nectarine will need to be sprayed for peach leaf curl to survive our wet springs.
     
  5. mr.shep

    mr.shep Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
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    If you really want to espalier the tree you probably
    can do it over time. My questions are why would
    you want to, have you espaliered plants before and
    what kind of trellis are you planning to use for this
    tree?

    The multi-fruit Cocktail trees are a novelty and are
    not created for just anyone as they can take a little
    more hands on care than a conventional one variety
    tree will. Yes, indeed the budded Plum limbs should
    grow more vigorously than the Apricots, Peach and
    Nectarine limbs will which means to keep this tree
    maintained and shaped may require you to prune it
    more than once a year. These type trees are for the
    homeowner that wants the best of four worlds it
    seems on one tree, a lot of times due to room and
    space constraints. I am not saying you should not
    buy the tree as if it is what interests you then go for
    it. A 7-9 footer at $60 retail is not out of bounds at
    all price wise.

    Jim
     

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