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History: Jonagold, a cross between Golden Delicious and Jonathan, was developed in 1953 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Cornell University. With its large size and sweet flavour, it has become one of the most popular apples in North America and is especially popular in Belgium.

Why We Grow It: The fruit is attractive with a red blush over yellow skin. It has a pleasant sweet-sour flavour that makes it a great multi-purpose apple. 

History: Jonathan has an interesting history since there are two potential origins. One story says that Rachel Higley collected apple seeds from the local cider mill which she later grew on her new property in Ohio in 1796. She named one of the new varieties Jonathan after a young boy who often visited her orchard. The second, and more likely story, is that it was grown by farmer Philip Rick in the 1820s in New York. Originally named Rick, the apple was renamed Jonathan after the man who brought it to the attention of the Albany Horticultural Society.  

Why We Grow It: These cheery red apples are crisp, juicy, and sweet. They are good for fresh eating as well as turning into pies and sauce. The fruit also stores quite well, lasting until January/February under optimal conditions.

2025 Staff Favourite

Jostaberries are Wayne's favourite this year! He enjoys them because "they have the best qualities of both black currants and gooseberries."

All Staff Favourites are 20% off. The Staff Favourite Discount cannot be combined with other quantity discounts.

Species: Ribes x nidigrolaria, a cross between Ribes nigrum (black currants), Ribes divaracitum (black gooseberries), and Ribes uva-crispa (European gooseberries)

History: Jostaberries were created in West Germany in 1955 by Dr. Rudolph Bauer, although attempts to cross these three plants had begun as early as 1883 without success. They were eventually released to the public in 1977.

Why We Grow It: Jostaberries are a unique cross between three plants: black currants, black gooseberries, and European gooseberries. The berries taste like gooseberries at first and transition to a black currant taste as they ripen and darken. 

History: Jules d'Airoles was first discovered by Leon Leclerc in Laval, France, in 1836. It was named after Jules de Liron d'Airoles, a notable French horticulturalist and pomologist. Confusingly, this pear shares its name with a Belgian variety grown about twenty years later by François-Xavier Grégoire-Nélis. 

Why We Grow It: This pear develops in storage to a wonderful treat: very sweet and a touch tangy, semi-fine juicy flesh, with pleasant tannic notes depending on the terroir. Smooth, thick green skin with a lovely rose blush where the sun touches the fruit. 

History: Juliet dwarf sour cherries are one of several dwarf sour cherries developed and released by the University of Saskatchewan with the goal of creating sour cherries that were cold hardy, shorter in stature, and produced good quality fruit. This initiative began in the 1940s and Juliet was released as part of the Romance series in 2004.

Why We Grow It: With good yield and deep red medium-sized fruit, Juliet is a favourite for those that enjoy the sweet-tart flavour! This is an excellent variety for the fresh market or processing. For anyone short on garden space, these cherry bushes reach 6-8 feet at maturity.

 Check our our blog post with some tasty sour cherry recipes!

Species: Prunus cerasus

History: These sour cherry seedlings are grown from Juliet seeds we've collected here at Silver Creek Nursery from our own trees! Juliet, is one of the members of the Romance Series released in 2004 from the University of Saskatchewan.

Why We Grow It: Seedling fruit trees are a great way to add some diversity and mystery to your garden or orchard! The parent variety, Juliet, has a sweet/tart flavour that some enjoy for fresh eating and is great for processing. A naturally dwarfing and bush-like variety. For a full description, see our Juliet page here. 

Please Note: Since sour cherries tend to stay true to type more than apples, these seedlings will likely bear a strong resemblance to their parent variety. However, any specific information listed on this page should be taken with a grain of salt as there may be some variation from the parent tree.

History: Kandil Sinap* originated in the early 1800s around the Black Sea, although it is debated whether it originally came from the Crimean Peninsula in the Ukraine or the Sinop Peninsula in Turkey. It was at one time commonly exported into Russia.

*There are different thoughts on what Kandil Sinap translates to, some say it is 'candle of Sinop,' others 'sweet apple of Sinap,' and it translates directly from Turkish as 'oil lamp' 

Why We Grow It: Kandil Sinap's most prominent feature is the odd shape of the fruit, strangely oblong and conical, almost resembling a candle in appearance. The odd green fruit have a sweet, sprightly flavour and are quite aromatic, although they do bruise easily. The tree naturally stays smaller but produces heavy crops and is great for backyard orchards.

History: Karneval (translated from Czech as 'Carnival') was developed at the Institute of Experimental Botany in Prague in the Czech Republic by Dr. Jaroslav Tupý. It is a cross between Vanda and Cripps Pink. It was released in 2011 and like many other modern apples, boasts a sweeter flavour and good disease resistance. However, the main reason this apple was likely selected and given its fun name was for the bright red striped that adorn it. 

Why We Grow It: Karneval is medium sized apple that is sweet, juicy and just a little tart and aromatic. However, this apple is best known for its unique appearance: yellow skin with distinct red stripes that would make it feel at home at the circus. Great flavour, striking visual appeal, good storage capabilities, and good disease resistance make this apple an excellent choice for any grower.

Species: Gymnocladus dioicus

History: Kentucky Coffeetrees are native to the southernmost parts of Ontario and the midwestern United States. Despite its fairly large range, it is relatively rare today likely due to evolutionary anachronism. It is believed Kentucky Coffeetrees co-evolved with megafauna that are now extinct, so previously beneficial traits like the thick leathery pod around its seeds now hinder seed dispersal. Indigenous peoples have used the tree as a source of food by roasting the seeds and making a coffee-like drink, and the seeds have also been used as pieces in games and to make jewellery. Nowadays, the tree is planted ornamentally in urban areas.

Why We Grow It: This nitrogen-fixing, Carolinian tree produces seeds that may be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, but be aware the raw seeds are toxic! This tree boasts the largest leaves of any native tree, and it's considered a threatened species. 

History: Kerr is an applecrab (cross between crabapple and apple) with Dolgo and Haralson parentage. It was developed at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba in the 1950s and named after plant breeder and ecologist William Les Kerr who was working at the station at the time.

Why We Grow It: The fruit is a pleasant dark red and unlike true crabapples, has a pleasantly sweet and tart flavour that makes it good for fresh eating. Although small, the fruit stores well and are quite juicy which makes them good for pressing. The juice does well when added to cider blends.

History: Ketchankookem Trail was discovered in 2022 by Wayne Kuntze while he was vacationing on Manitoulin Island with his family. He found it growing wild along Ketchankookem Trail, being drawn to its bright yellow fruit with a pinkish-red blush. Now we are happy to officially introduce this variety in 2023! 

Why We Grow It: This variety is worth growing for the name alone! Ketchankookem Trail shares a lot of similarities with Lodi and Yellow Transparent in terms of its early ripening time, yellow skin, and sprightly flavour. Like these other fine early-ripening varieties, it may also be good for sauce along with fresh eating.

This is a brand new variety and we're still learning about it! For any avid apple growers who decide to plant these out, feel free to keep us updated on how it grows, what you use the fruit for, etc, so we can provide as much information as possible!

History: Little is known about this particular variety aside from that it's a Damson plum that originated in Sweden. 'Krikon' is the Swedish word for 'damson.'

Why We Grow It: Although its history is a bit of a mystery, we can certainly tell you that this is the best plum variety for very cold regions. It produces small round deep purple fruit that are good for cooking, preserving, and making jam. The flesh has a spicy, sweet flavour although some do not find it that great for fresh eating. Compared to regular Damson's Krikon Damson is a bit smaller, and more flavourful.

Lac Balsam is a premium European wound sealing product made from natural tree resin.  This is simply the best solution for sealing those irregular wounds caused by such things as rabbits, mice, ice storms and string trimmers.  It also works reasonably well as a grafting wax.  We have been using Lac Balsam around the nursery for as long as we can remember... and we're super super happy with this stuff. 

A little bit goes a long way too; one of these 200mL tubes will last a long time for the backyard orchardist. However, for those looking for a larger quantity we also have 1kg tubs as well!

History: Lady apples are one of, if not the oldest, apple varieties in existence with a verifiable history. It is said to have originated in the Brittany region of France before 1628 and was grown during the reign of King Louis XIII. This apple goes by several other names as well. It is also known as Api or Pomme d'Api, named after the Forest of Api in France where it is believed this apple may have been discovered. This particular name is similar to Appia, an apple variety popular in Ancient Rome, which some believe is the same apple as Lady. Lady apples are also known as Christmas apples due to their use in adorning Christmas wreaths and trees. 

Why We Grow It: It's hard not to be interested in an apple with such a long history as this one. The fruit is small but attractive: red flushed over yellow. The crisp, sweet fruit maintains its good quality all winter in storage.

History: Lapins (aka Cherokee) was developed at the Summerland Research Station in British Columbia by Latvian agronomist Karlis Lapins, an important figure in the development of self-pollinating sweet cherry varieties. He created Lapins by crossing Stella and Van sweet cherries, and although the variety was released in 1983 after he retired, it was named in his honour. The variety was also awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Although quite popular when it was first released, Lapins have since been supplanted by other cherry varieties due to their popularity and its inconsistent quality when shipped.

Why We Grow It: These lovely deep purple cherries are quite similar to Bing. They have a pleasant, mild flavour and can be used for fresh eating, cooking, and canning. The fruit is resistant to cracking and the tree grows well and begins bearing fruit a little earlier than other varieties.

History: Late Italian plums originated in the coastal Mediterranean areas of Italy, although little is known about their history aside from that. They are still grown in Europe and North America today. 

Why We Grow It: This European variety produces a large-sized blue plum with sweet yellow flesh. It is an all-purpose plum that is excellent for drying and great eaten fresh, canned, or incorporated into baking, desserts, or salads. 

Species: Prunus sp

History: These seedlings are grown from Late Italian plum seeds collected from our orchard. Late Italian is a traditional prune variety and is still commonly grown in Europe and North America today.

Why We Grow It: Seedling fruit trees are a great way to add some diversity and mystery to your garden or orchard! The parent variety, Late Italian, produces an all-purpose plum that is excellent for drying and great eaten fresh, canned, or incorporated into baking, desserts, or salads. For a more detailed description, see the Late Italian page on our website here.

Please Note: Since plums tend to stay true to type more than apples, these seedlings will likely bear a strong resemblance to their parent variety. However, any specific information listed on this page should be taken with a grain of salt as there may be some variation from the parent tree.

History: Aka Italian Honey fig.

Why We Grow It: Very large, sweet, yellow figs with a long neck and honey coloured flesh. When picked at peak ripeness, the flavour and texture are unsurpassed. Not only does this variety have an exquisite flavour, it's compact growth (container friendly), strong breba cropping habit, and adaptability to cool or warm summers make it an excellent choice for the backyard grower.

History: Liberty was developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, in 1955 and released in 1978. It is a cross between Macoun and a Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda), bred in hopes of achieving the disease resistance of the Japanese crabapple. 

Why We Grow It: The creators of Liberty were highly successful in their goal, creating one of the most disease-resistant varieties. Liberty is a favourite for organic production as a result. The fruit is bright red with sweet, creamy flesh and it stores well.

History: Lodi is a cross between Yellow Transparent and Montgomery Sweet created at the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, and released in 1924. Although it is not suitable for commercial production due to its poor keeping qualities and tendency for the flesh to crack in storage, it is still commonly grown by homeowners in the southern US today.

Why We Grow It: If you're looking for an early apple to get started on making applesauce, Lodi is the way to go! These large yellow-green apples are ready to harvest by the end of July and do not bruise as easily as their Yellow Transparent parent.

Species: Prunus sp

History: These seedlings are grown from Lombard plum seeds. The parent variety, Lombard, originated in the US in the 1800s.

Why We Grow It: Seedling fruit trees are a great way to add some diversity and mystery to your garden or orchard! Lombard is decent for fresh eating and good for canning and cooking. 

Please Note: Since plums tend to stay true to type more than apples, these seedlings will likely bear a strong resemblance to their parent variety. However, any specific information listed on this page should be taken with a grain of salt as there may be some variation from the parent tree.

History: Luscious was developed at South Dakota State University as a cross between Ewark and South Dakota 31 in 1954. This goal was to create trees suitable for areas like the Northern Great Plains. Luscious was introduced in 1973, likely selected for its cold-hardiness and excellent flavour. 

Why We Grow It: Luscious produces small to medium yellow fruits with an attractive red blush. The fruit is quite sweet, great for fresh eating and cooking/baking! This is an excellent option for fans of Bartlett who are looking for a versatile and cold hardy variety! Luscious also has value as an ornamental tree, producing white blooms and glossy green leaves that turn a nice red in the fall. 

History: Maiden's Blush was first described in New Jersey in 1817 although it had already been popular in Philadelphia markets for some time. It likely originated around New Jersey in the late 1700s. Maiden's Blush continued to be commonly grown in the southern US through the early 1800s. 

Why We Grow It: Maiden's Blush's uniqueness is still worthy of attention today, its flavour being an interesting mix of citrus-like acidity and sweetness that stand out among other apples. While it is good for fresh eating, particularly after a few weeks off the tree, it is most well known for cooking, baking, and drying due to its non-browning qualities.

History: Major dates back to potentially before the nineteenth century and was commonly grown on farms in Devon and Somerset in England. It remains a traditional English cider variety.

Why We Grow It: Major produces a lovely bittersweet juice that is good both in blends or on its own. It ripens relatively early so it is a nice apple for extending the cider pressing season.

History: While on vacation on Manitoulin Island in 2022, Wayne Kuntze found Manitowaning Pink Heart growing wild in the corner of the Gulyas family's yard and (with permission) brought the apples and some grafting material back to Silver Creek Nursery. The distinct pink colour and the heart shape of the fruit caught his eye, along with the pink flesh inside. Fittingly, he named it Manitowaning Pink Heart after the village where the property was located and the unique appearance of the apple. A truly unique variety, we are happy to officially introduce it in 2023!

Why We Grow It: We love unusual apple varieties and Manitowaning Pink Heart really stands out! With its attractive pink blush over yellow skin, pink flesh, and heart-shaped fruit, this is a one of a kind apple! Despite its sweet appearance, this crabapple is quite tart and tannic. Like other crabapples, this one is best suited for jelly and cider. Its pink flesh may help add a distinctive colouration. 

This is a brand new variety and we're still learning about it! For any avid apple growers who decide to plant these out, feel free to keep us updated on how it grows, what you use the fruit for, etc, so we can provide as much information as possible!

Bloom photo courtesy of Christine Gulyas

Species: Prunus pumila var. besseyi (Western sandcherry) x P. salicina (Japanese Plum)

History: Manor was developed at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba and released in 1945.

Why We Grow It: Manor produces a small plum with skin that is nearly black when ripe and purplish-red flesh. When ripe, the fruit is quite sweet and good for fresh eating! Some prefer to pick it when it is still a little unripe and a bit firmer since it is more astringent and lends itself well to uses such as baking, preserving, and making wine. The shrub stays smaller than other chums but starts bearing fruit at a young age and is known for being quite productive.

History: Little to nothing is known about this apple other than it likely originated in France.

Why We Grow It: Astringent! First apple to produce in Ken's orchard planted 2019 in Beaver Valley. Despite its foggy past, this apple has a lot of potential for a bright future. It produces an aromatic juice and is quite high in tannins, making it a great addition to cider blends. The tree is known for its vigorous growth (notable compared to cider trees in general), high productivity, and general disease resistance which make it definitely worth growing.

Species: Amelanchier alnifolia (aka Western Serviceberry)

History: Martin was grown by Dieter Martin in Saskatchewan. He selected this variety for its large berries and uniform ripening time.

Why We Grow It: Martin produces deep purple berries that are both flavourful and juicy! The berries are on the larger size and ripen at more or less the same time, making them a good choice for mechanized picking.

Species: Asparagus officinalis

History: The parent of these seedlings, Mary Washington, was introduced by the US Department of Agriculture in California in 1949. It remains one of the most popular varieties of asparagus in the US today. These seedlings may vary from their parents but should bear similar traits!

Why We Grow It: We love offering seedlings as a way to add some diversity to the plants being grown! The parent variety Mary Washington is known for producing large quantities of uniform spears in the spring. They have an excellent nutty and buttery flavour and are known for being resistant to rust. They are hardy against both cold and heat.