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Grow Big in Small Spaces: Ultra-Dwarf Fruit Trees

Welcome to the green revolution in urban gardening! At SummerWinds Nursery, we understand that in the heart of Silicon Valley, outdoor space is as precious as a ripe, sun-kissed fruit. But who says you need sprawling orchards to grow your own delicious, fresh fruit? Our 2024 lineup of Ultra-Dwarf fruit trees is here to prove that even the coziest of landscapes can be a bountiful oasis.

Imagine stepping out onto your balcony or patio and plucking a crisp Fuji apple or a succulent Blenheim apricot from your very own fruit tree. These aren’t your average backyard giants; our ultra-dwarf varieties are tailor-made for small spaces, thriving in containers and reaching a manageable height of just 5’-8’. Not only do they fit comfortably in your limited outdoor area, but they also boast an incredible ability to produce full-sized, high-quality fruits that surpass anything you'd find at the grocery store.

Join us as we explore each of these delightful varieties, from the sweetness of HoneyCrisp apples to the exotic allure of 20th Century Asian Pears. Learn how you can transform your small urban space into a fruitful paradise with our easy-to-care-for ultra-dwarf fruit trees. The time has come to elevate your urban living with a touch of nature's finest, right at your fingertips.

Ultra-Dwarf Fruit Trees

Fuji Apple

Fuji apples are a favorite among children, cherished for their delightful sweetness. These apples are bursting with delectable juice, making them the perfect treat for anyone craving a sweet and crisp snack. Additionally, their firm texture lends itself beautifully to various culinary creations, offering versatility for those who love to incorporate fresh fruit into their recipes.

Perfect for: Raw eating, after-school snacks, baking, salads.

Try it in:

• 1. Smoothies and Juices: Their natural sweetness makes Fuji apples an excellent addition to smoothies and fresh juices.
• 2. Applesauce: Homemade applesauce with Fuji apples is delicious due to their sweet flavor and good texture.
• 3. Dehydrated Apple Chips: Thinly sliced and dehydrated, they make a healthy, crunchy snack.
• 4. Apple Butter: Cooking Fuji apples down into a rich apple butter is perfect for spreading on toast or pastries.
• 5. Canning and Preserving: Their flavor holds up well in canned goods, like jams or jellies.
• 6. Roasting or Grilling: They can be roasted or grilled for a unique twist, especially as a side dish or dessert topping.
• 7. Incorporating into Oatmeal or Cereal: Chopped Fuji apples can add sweetness and texture to morning cereals or oatmeal.
• 8. Pies and Pastries: Beyond traditional baking, they work well in tarts, turnovers, and other pastry recipes.
• 9. Cheese Pairings: Pair them with cheese for a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• 10. Cocktails and Mocktails: Use them in apple-infused cocktails or mocktails for a refreshing drink.

HoneyCrisp Apple

Hailing from our ultra-dwarf varieties of fruit trees, HoneyCrisp apples are renowned for being the juiciest selection available. These apples are a top choice for health enthusiasts who enjoy whipping up nutritious drinks in their juicers. Moreover, their firm texture is ideal for cooking, as it retains its shape beautifully, making HoneyCrisps a superb variety for baking delectable pies, cobblers, and crumbles.

Perfect for: Juicing, cider-making, baking, raw snacking.

Try it in: Baked HoneyCrisp Apples

Baked HoneyCrisp apples are a delightful and simple dessert to make. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• - 4 HoneyCrisp apples
• - 1/4 cup brown sugar
• - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
• - 1/4 cup oats or granola
• - 1 tsp cinnamon
• - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• - 4 tsp butter
• - Optional: raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. Prepare Apples: Wash the apples. Cut off the tops and use a spoon or a corer to hollow out the apples, leaving about a half-inch of apple around the edges. Be careful not to pierce through the bottom.
• 3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, chopped nuts, oats or granola, cinnamon, nutmeg, and if you like, a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.
• 4. Stuff Apples: Stuff each apple with the sugar and nut mixture. Top each one with a teaspoon of butter.
• 5. Bake the Apples: Place the apples in a baking dish and add about a quarter-inch of water to the bottom of the dish. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the filling is nicely browned.
• 6. Serving: Serve the baked apples warm. They are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• 7. Optional Variations: Feel free to get creative with your fillings – some people like adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or substituting the brown sugar with maple syrup.

Enjoy your baked HoneyCrisp apples! This cozy, comforting dessert is perfect for a chilly evening and showcases the natural sweetness and texture of these delightful fruits.

Blenheim Apricot

The Blenheim Apricot, with its delightful sweetness and tender texture, is ideal for enjoying fresh. This variety is not only exquisite in its natural state but also excels in the creation of extraordinary jams. Its flavor profile is perfectly suited for preserving, and it cooks down beautifully into luscious sweet sauces, making it a versatile choice for both fresh eating and culinary creations.

Perfect for: Fresh eating, jams, jellies, canning, dessert toppings, and making spirits.

Try it in: Apricot liqueur; a delightful aperitif on warm summer nights! Fill a jar halfway with sliced Blenheims, and pour in equal parts brandy and sweet white wine to the top. Store in the fridge for two weeks before straining out fruit, and serve chilled or over ice cream.

20th Century Asian Pear

These unique fruits offer a delightful fusion of the crispness of apples and the succulent sweetness of pears. Their texture and taste are outstanding, making them an exceptional choice for enjoying fresh.

Perfect for: Eating right off the tree!

Try it in: Your charcuterie boards.Asian pear slices are an unexpected, but always welcome, accompaniment to your favorite selections. The apple and pear flavors are excellent companions to cheddar or blue cheeses.

Weeping Santa Rosa Plum

Not only does this fruit tree bear the most flavorful, aromatic plums you’ve ever tried, but the tree is also absolutely show-stopping when in bloom. The tree’s beautiful weeping form is worthy of the cover of a home design magazine!

Perfect for: Fresh eating, preserving, baking.

Try it in: Santa Rosa plum compote—a fabulous topping for ice cream or waffles! Just cook down a few sliced plums with a cinnamon stick and the contents of one vanilla bean. Add sugar to taste.

Bing Sweet Cherry

Bing cherries have earned their fame rightfully! Known for their rich, dark purple flesh and a flavor profile that's both deep and complex, these cherries are a favorite among bartenders, bakers, and chefs for their exceptional taste and versatility in various culinary applications.

Perfect for: Fresh eating, cocktail garnish, baking, preserving.

Try it in: A classic Old Fashioned. This traditional cocktail just isn’t complete without a Bing cherry and an orange twist. For maximum flavor, soak your cherries in a little brandy or bourbon a few days before serving.

Nectarine Snow Queen

The Snow Queen nectarine, with its fragile spring blossoms and soft, aromatic fruit, is effortlessly enchanting. Despite its light-colored flesh, this fruit packs an abundance of rich, delightful flavors that are sure to captivate your taste buds.

Perfect for: Fresh eating, fruit salads, baking.

Try it in: Greek yogurt and nectarine parfaits. Top this high-protein yogurt with nectarine slices, a handful of almond granola, and a drizzle of honey for a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Early Elberta Peach

What could be more delightful than a juicy, fuzzy summer peach? How about one that ripens to perfection two weeks ahead of the usual schedule, offering that same sweet, succulent taste early in the season!

Perfect for: Fresh eating, baking, stewing, canning.

Try it in: Grilled peaches! Giving peaches a quick char on the grill adds a new dimension of flavor by caramelizing the sugars and enhancing the juiciness and sweetness of the fruit. Slice peaches in half, remove the stone, and grill until tender, flipping once. Serve with vanilla frozen yogurt.

Full selection of Ultra Dwarf Fruit Trees

The only thing more amazing than the fruit from your ultra-dwarf tree is how easy they are to care for!

• Keep your tree in an 18-inch container with large drainage holes to let excess water pass through.
• Make sure your tree is in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, with some protection from heavy winds.
• Check the soil daily with your finger and water when the first two inches feel dry to the touch.
• During the growing season, give your fruit tree a monthly application of water-soluble balanced fertilizer.
• And, of course, if you have any questions, get in touch with us at SummerWinds Nursery!

These ultra-dwarf fruit trees are compact, productive, and beautiful in any outdoor space. Better yet, many of them are self-fertile and will produce fruit even without a companion plant to cross-pollinate. (Though you might adore your first tree so much, a second one may not be far behind!) Find these space-saving beauties at your nearest California SummerWinds Nursery location, while supplies last.