If you’re looking for a fruit tree that’s both ornamental and productive, the mayhaw tree (Crataegus spp.) is an excellent choice for backyard growers. Mayhaw trees produce small, tart berries that are highly prized for making jams, jellies, syrups, and sauces. These trees are incredibly hardy, thrive in wet conditions, and are a favorite among Southern gardeners.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing mayhaw trees in your backyard, including:
✅ Best mayhaw tree varieties for home orchards
✅ Chill hour requirements & pollination
✅ Planting and care instructions
✅ Health benefits & delicious recipes
✅ Essential planting products for maximum growth
✅ Where to buy high-quality mayhaw trees at low prices
Let’s dive in and learn how to grow your own mayhaw trees at home! 🌿🍒
🍒 Best Mayhaw Tree Varieties for Backyard Growers
There are several excellent mayhaw varieties to choose from, each offering unique benefits. Here are the top three varieties available:
1. Red Star Mayhaw ⭐
✅ Chill Hours: 400-600 hours
✅ Pollination: Requires another mayhaw variety for cross-pollination
✅ Fruit Description: Small, bright red fruit with a tart flavor
✅ Best Uses: Perfect for jams, jellies, and syrups
The Red Star Mayhaw is highly productive and disease-resistant, making it a top choice for home growers. It produces abundant red fruit, and its beautiful white blossoms in spring make it a lovely ornamental tree.
2. Georgia Red Mayhaw 🍑
✅ Chill Hours: 500-700 hours
✅ Pollination: Requires a second mayhaw tree for best fruit production
✅ Fruit Description: Medium-sized, deep red fruit with a mild tart-sweet flavor
✅ Best Uses: Great for jellies, preserves, and fresh eating
The Georgia Red Mayhaw is known for its large fruit size and strong disease resistance. It’s a favorite among Southern gardeners and produces a heavier crop than most varieties.
3. Super Texas Star Grafted Mayhaw 🌟
✅ Chill Hours: 400-600 hours
✅ Pollination: Self-pollinating but produces better with another mayhaw nearby
✅ Fruit Description: Large, deep red berries with a sweet-tart balance
✅ Best Uses: Ideal for juices, wines, and desserts
The Super Texas Star Mayhaw is a grafted variety, meaning it produces larger, more consistent fruit yields than seed-grown trees. It is highly adaptable and one of the best mayhaw trees for backyard orchards.
🌡️ Chill Hours & Pollination
🌿 What Are Chill Hours?
Mayhaw trees require a period of winter chill (hours below 45°F) to produce fruit. They typically need 400-700 chill hours, making them ideal for Southern and mild winter climates.
🌸 Pollination Needs
Most mayhaw trees require a second tree for cross-pollination to achieve the best fruit production. Plant at least two different varieties to ensure a heavy harvest.
🌳 How to Plant Mayhaw Trees
📍 Best Location to Plant
✅ Full Sun: Mayhaw trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
✅ Moist Soil: They prefer wet, well-draining soil and thrive in areas where other fruit trees struggle.
✅ Spacing: Plant trees 12-15 feet apart for optimal growth and airflow.
🌱 Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
1️⃣ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
2️⃣ Place the tree in the hole, making sure the graft union is above soil level.
3️⃣ Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
4️⃣ Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
🌞 Ongoing Care & Maintenance
💧 Watering: Mayhaw trees love moist conditions, so water regularly, especially in dry spells.
✂️ Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead branches and improve airflow.
🍂 Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for better fruit production.
🍒 Taste & When to Harvest Mayhaw Fruit
🌿 What Does Mayhaw Fruit Taste Like?
Mayhaw berries have a tart, slightly sweet flavor, similar to cranberries and apples. They are rarely eaten fresh but are incredible when cooked into jams, jellies, and syrups.
🌾 When to Harvest Mayhaws
- Ripening Time: April – May (hence the name “Mayhaw”)
- The berries turn bright red and fall from the tree when fully ripe.
- Harvest by shaking the tree and collecting the fruit from the ground.
🍒 Health Benefits of Mayhaw Fruit
Mayhaws are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits:
✅ High in Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and fights infections.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health.
✅ Supports Digestion – Contains natural pectin, which aids digestion.
✅ Heart-Healthy – May help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
🍽️ Delicious Mayhaw Recipes
1. Mayhaw Jelly 🍯
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mayhaw juice
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 box pectin
Instructions:
1️⃣ Boil juice and pectin, then stir in sugar.
2️⃣ Simmer for 5 minutes, then pour into jars.
3️⃣ Seal and store for delicious homemade jelly!
2. Mayhaw Syrup 🍷
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mayhaw juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1️⃣ Simmer all ingredients for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Let cool, then drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream!
🌱 Essential Products for Maximum Growth
Boost your mayhaw tree’s health and fruit production with these must-have planting products:
✅ Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks – Provides slow-release nutrients for strong root development.
✅ Soil Moist Transplant Mix – Helps retain moisture, reducing transplant stress and improving survival rates.
✅ Weed Pro Weed Mats – Keeps weeds away, so your tree gets the nutrients and water it needs.
✅ Max Growth Tree Shelters – Protects young trees from pests and harsh weather.
These products increase growth, prevent transplant shock, and ensure a bountiful harvest.
🛒 Buy Mayhaw Trees Online at Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC!
For the best selection of Mayhaw trees at unbeatable prices, order from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC!
🌱 Why Buy From Us?
✅ Low Prices & Fast Shipping – Get premium-quality trees delivered straight to your door.
✅ Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee – If your tree doesn’t survive its first year, we’ll give you store credit free of charge!
✅ Healthy, High-Yielding Trees – Grown with care to ensure maximum success in your orchard.
Don’t wait—order your Mayhaw trees today and enjoy delicious homegrown fruit for years to come! 🌳🍒
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