Which fruits grow the best in Portland area? (Eugene, Milwaukie: neighborhood, organic)

[oregon911]

Growing up, I always thought that Oregon is a very fertile place with lots of rain and moderate climate, but lately as I've been trying to grow my own fruits, I found out that there are many fruit varieties that will either not grow here at all or grow in a way that won't be very fruitful. I've had good experiences with fig, blueberries and strawberries but everything else I've tried either failed or yielded mixed results so far (apples, almond, cherries, peach). My question is, what do you guys usually grow that grows nicely in this area?

[CAjerseychick]

our friends have a massive stand of raspberries that are thriving (they gave us some starts and they are budding out nicely).... so I can say raspberries....
The other fruit (we have yet to start but most of our neighbors have them)- is grapes- my SO favors the seeded thick skinned old fashioned variety (Concord?) but most seem to thrive here!

[Dwayne Lassiter]

At least apples and peaches grow fabulously in this area. You need to get in touch with the Portland Fruit Tree grass-roots, non-profit project who, I believe, in exchange for some fruit that you produce, to benefit the needy, will teach you about proper ways to successfully grow fruit trees in Portland. They used to actively maintain residential trees and orchards, but I think now they just do teaching of responsible horticulture.

[cyberous]

I see an abundance of pears in my area.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

What grows? Apples, pears, cherries. Peaches and nectarines will grow but the tree is short lived because there is too much water for a peach tree. Peach tree will live longer if you protect it from too much water.

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, marion berries, asparagus, rhubarb, all grow.

In some areas of Portland, you can grow the cold hardy figs. Mostly Desert King.

Maybe plums, especially cold hardy varieties, and apricots.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

I had no problems with figs and plums when I lived in the Woodstock neighborhood.
Didn't know the kinds though, they were planted long before I moved in.

Also had apples, cherries, pears, and my neighbor had some kind of kiwis.

Plants, Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Annuals, Perennials - All at Portland Nursery

[Dwayne Lassiter]

Originally Posted by Dwayne Lassiter

You need to get in touch with the Portland Fruit Tree grass-roots, non-profit project who, I believe, in exchange for some fruit that you produce, to benefit the needy, will teach you about proper ways to successfully grow fruit trees in Portland. They used to actively maintain residential trees and orchards, but I think now they just do teaching of responsible horticulture.

Portland Fruit Tree Project - Home

My experience with them is that at least for one year, they'll walk you through the process of getting a productive fruit harvest. I'm pretty sure they stay organic. They pick and give about 20 tons of fruit to local food banks every year. I believe it may be too late in the growing season to register your tree with them, but they may still be taking registrations for orchards.

It's more than what grows "nicely" in this area. You have to do it right, and they will show you how to do it right.

[Squidlo]

Bing cherries grow pretty well. Plums and prunes rarely need much attention. Blackberries are overly abundant to the point I consider it a pest plant. I love the berries, hate the stray vines popping up all over.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Bing cherries were developed in Milwaukie, Oregon on that bluff on the down river side of where Johnson Creek enters the Willamette.

Present day Waverley Country Club was the site of the main orchard.

[jjpop]

Not sure if it's a good fruit plant in Portland, but I've heard kiwi grow well in the S. Willamette valley around Eugene.