wildlifeman:

You're right, the only mention I see of drought tolerance is seedling. Commercial growers aren't used to rationing water. But they should be as it can improve quality. But more importantly for them, there will likely be increasing water shortages in the future.

I'd go with Mazzard on cherry, apricot seedling for cots, and Lovell seedling for peach, nectarine, and plum. I'm pretty sure Lovell will work for plum. There are many other choices for plum but don't see any advantages for your situation.

Do hope you will try some nectarines. Honey Kist, Honey Blaze, Artic Star, and Artic Jay. The Honey series is the best fruit I grow. But they do take a lot of heat for best quality.

The Fruitnut

fruitnut,

glad someone experienced chimed in on mazzard as a choice for cherry. that has been my inexperienced choice until i'm convinced something better is available.

i do hope to try some nectarines. currently i have zero grafted planted although i did plant 3 pits in a patch of snowberries "just to see". i will definitly keep an eye out for your reccommended varieties. been jealous of y'all discussing them and pluots for that matter.

peaches and nectarines are just something i can't get any worth a %#$@*!? at our local grocers. the 3 pits that i planted came from nasty nectarines and they were the only ones i bought this year.refused to waste any more money.peaches same, except we have some local orchards that produce mighty fine fruit. actually to the point where i've dreamed of seeing a southern belle with a parasol and a pitcher of sweet iced tea. the problem is most all that fruit is exported and to get it directly from the orchard it's a 25 mile out of the way trip. long way to go for half a flat of peaches.

regards,
wildlifeman