Image of a group of fruit trees in the winter at the UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery. — Multiple varieties of fruit trees are offered at the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Plant Sales this spring. Many selections include 2 or 3-in-1 types. Check each tag to make sure whether or not the tree you select needs a mate, or if it is self-fertile. (Photo Chiara Zavala)

Fruit Trees Offered at Plant Sales

by Chiara Zavala
Thu, March 06, 2025

Fruit Trees and More!

Interested in edibles? Filter our online inventory to see what we've got to offer.

Pro Tip: Hit the filter icon in the upper left-hand corner of our online inventory, click "+ condition." Select "Category" from the first drop-down menu. Then toggle on the option you want which in this case is "Edible."

Voilá! You have a view of all our herbs, fruit trees, berries and more!

If you’ve ever browsed the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Plant Sales, you’ve probably noticed that fruit trees aren’t always part of our inventory — that is not the case this spring! This season, the trees we've chosen were selected with Central Valley home gardeners in mind, meaning they’re productive, well-suited to our climate, and ready to flourish in your backyard!

Be sure to check the tag to see if the tree you select is “self-fertile.” If it needs a mate to pollinate it, the tag will tell you which. Learn more in the photo caption below.

Notice the Containers

Unlike the traditional plastic-container trees, our fruit trees come in biodegradable fiber pots. This means they’re still in soil but in a form that makes them easier to plant, better for root health, and kinder to the environment. No plastic waste, no root binding, just happy, healthy trees ready to be planted into their new home!

Planting Tips

Dig a hole slightly shallower than the depth of the pot and twice as wide.
Cut off the bottom of the container.
Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is the right depth.
Cut slit down side of container and gently remove pulp container entirely. (It’s compostable!)
Backfill hole with native soil, gently compressing around the root ball to hold the tree in place.
Mulch and water

Image of a tag on a fruit tree that explains whether or not it is self-fertile. — Be sure to check the tags on each fruit tree to determine whether or not it needs a mate or is self-fertile. The pluot shown here needs to be pollinated by Santa Rosa and Late Santa Rosa plums or Flavorosa, Flavor Queen or Geo Pride pluots. If not self-fertile, each type of tree will have different instructions. (Photo Abbey Hart)

Planting a fruit tree is an exciting investment, and with a little extra care at the start you’ll be set up for years of delicious harvests! For best results, plant in late winter or early spring, giving the roots time to establish themselves before the heat of the summer. Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and water deeply, especially during the first few summers

Pruning every year will encourage stronger, more balanced growth. These trees have been minimally pruned so that you can choose what height you want your permanent branches to be. Your goal with pruning should be to give the tree an open center vase-like form that allows lots of light and air circulation. Keep in mind that fruit trees don’t need to be huge to produce copious fruit. Pruning is a useful tool to keep them smaller and keep branches at harvestable heights.

Two or Three-in-One!

One of the most exciting offerings at our sale is multi-grafted fruit trees, also known as two or three-in-one trees. These have multiple types of fruit grafted on a single trunk, making them perfect for smaller spaces or gardeners who love variety!