17 Hardy Fruits That You Can Grow On The Prairies
When I was a kid growing up in central Alberta, I was pretty sure that all good fruit came out of B.C. True, I we had raspberries and strawberries on the farm, but apples, plums, cherries, grapes and the like where all “exotic” fruit that simply didn’t grow in Alberta. How mistaken I was! Or at least, how things have changed! I never would have thought that I could be growing plums, grapes and kiwis just outside of Red Deer, Alberta. But it’s true. There is a whole world of hardy fruit plants that can survive and even thrive on the northern prairies.
So if you’re looking to grow some “exotic” fruit of your own, here’s my list of 17 hardy fruits that you can grow on the prairies.
1. Cherries
The University of Saskatchewan has really done great work in making cherries a viable prairie fruit. I now know of at least 10 varieties that are available. (I personally have 7 varieties.)
2. Haskap/Honeyberries
This fantastic fruit is amazing! Consider this… Can withstand -47 degree weather, ready for picking by the end of June, can produce 7 kgs of fruit per bush, and tastes great! Take a look at this article I wrote about haskap earlier.
3. Grapes
Yup, that’s right. Grapes in Alberta. Valient is the most common variety, but there are others as well. I’ve had mine for two years now, so I’ll be looking forward to my first harvest soon.
4. Plums
Pembina is the most common, but I’ve found about ten other varieties around.
5. Kiwis
This one blew me away when I heard about it. Kiwis in Canada. Go figure.
6. Blueberries
Perhaps the world’s favorite berry. You too can grow them.
7. Strawberries
Mmmmmm. Strawberries… Perhaps another one of the world’s favorite berries.
8. Raspberries
Despite all the “exotic” fruit I’ve mentioned, I’m afraid the plain ol’ raspberry is my favorite. Red, yellow, or black – wild or tame… They are delicious!
9. Hazelnuts
Nor really sure it’s a fruit, but close enough.
10. Apricots
I haven’t yet planted any yet, but the nursery just north of me is growing them.
11. Chums
Cherry plum, that is.
12. Pears
There are a few good varieties out there with more being developed!
13. Saskatoons
One of the few fruits native to Alberta. Also called service berries.
14. Gooseberry
Much better than the wild kind you ate green as a kid.
15. Cranberries
Why not my your own cranberry sauce this year?
16. Currants
Great for jams and jellies.
17. Apples
Not just crab, but there are all kinds of apples that are hardy enough for the prairies.
So there you have it. Proof that you don’t have to live in California to grow your own fruit. Did I miss some? Let me know!
You can find all of these fruits at either DNA Gardens or T & T Seeds.
Hi!
Been fortunate enough to grow 16 of the 17 fruits listed (no chums) as well as several Saskatoon, 3-4 dwarf sour cherry and 3 grape cultivars. Ate my first apricot this summer – awesome taste and texture. Growing everything in our yard here in Regina. Good luck to everyone!
Ed
You should be able to grow Quince, and pomegranite too.
Nanking Cherries grow wild around Edmonton. Very good.
Great to read on different types of fruits that can grow in Alberta, I live in Lethbridge, Alta. I have 3 different grapes which have been growing for 10 plus years no winter protection, they are Bluebell the first to ripen about mid Aug., KING OF THE nORTH AND Swenson Red both which ripen mid Sept. I have 10 plants which takes up 40 ft. along my fence, these are all very good eating grapes.
Just getting my homestead set up this spring, Where can I find the Grape varieties mentioned? and Blueberries and well pretty well all of it? Also are these all GMO types? or is it selective reproduction?
Meg: I buy most of my plants through T & T Seeds. http://www.ttseeds.com/ And I believe these plants are not genetically modified, but are selectively bred to bring out the best, hardiest qualities!
I get my grape cuttings from Bert Dunn out of Ontario, Have had good luck with his grapes,You can find his site at Bert Dunns Cold-Hardy Grapes. Good Luck.
Thanks for posting these. I am hoping to grow some fruit next summer. This may have been answered but I didn’t see it, do all of these fruits withstand the winter or do you have to have a greenhouse? I would assume that since you are saying they can be grown in Alberta, you also mean naturally. Thanks in advance!
Amanda: Yes, all my fruits live outside and endure the Alberta winter weather!