Fruit varieties for cold semi-arid climates

Cold, semi-arid climates, (as identified by the Köppen-climate classification system) can present a challenge to fruit growers because of the harshness of the climate. Extremes of heat and cold, dry conditions, poor soils and rapid swings of temperature can make it difficult to keep trees alive, let alone produce abundant crops. Careful selection of fruit tree varieties can help to partially overcome these challenges.

Rootstocks

A larger tree may have a better chance of success in the cold, semi-arid regions. Although dwarfing and small semi-dwarfing rootstocks have become popular in the commercial fruit producing world, the low vigor and small root systems of very small trees struggle to survive in the cold semi-arid ecosystems. Planting the larger semi-dwarf or standard rootstocks may help them to thrive. EMLA111 and BUD-118 are two of the larger semi-dwarfing rootstocks.

Escaping spring frosts

In areas where temperature is highly variable, trees may be "fooled" into thinking that it is time to blossom too early.