Let me start with a list of the trees I already have. I do not know all root stocks as some were purchased at BB stores. I have decided to keep the height at 8? for most of them and they are all planted in the ground. Most of the trees are around 2 years old. Fruit set this year was good (thinned most off on all trees) but growth not so much. I did not fertilize. Had trouble with Snow Queen (First season), Flavor King (First season) and Sweet Bagel (First season). Snow Queen broke late and had few flowers and did not leaf or grow well. Flavor King died, when I dug up it looked like it had big ball like things on the roots (I have bought another but it has yet to be put in the ground). Sweet Bagel broke late, never flowered but had tremendous growth (went from 5/8 to 3" diameter).

My soil is clay but not horrible. Is citation the best choice for rootstock for me with my type of soil? The nursery only offers citation, nemaguard, myro or lovell (with the trees I am looking at) and not all of those are available for all trees. Opinions on the new selections? I am not sure on my chill hours I believe I should get around 2-3 hundred (Most of my trees flowered and fruited). I am trying to have fruit all year. I am a beginner (3 years) at fruit and vegetables and it is my most favorite thing to do now. I am also learning how to can and store foods. Let me tell you I was sooooo overwhelmed this year with all my plantings. Vegetable garden almost killed me I swear. :P
Next year will not plant as much...baby steps. LOL It's just not in my nature though (baby steps that is). I did put up some pretty great jalapeno jelly I must say!

Apples: Anna, Dorsett Golden, Fugi, Pink Lady (OHXF33)
Apricot: Blenheim, Katy
Aprium: Cot-N-Candy (CIT), Flavor Delight (CIT)
Avacado: Mexican Stewart, Bacon
Cherry: Minnie Royal (Colt), Royal Lee (Colt)
Citrus: Satsuma Manderain, Washington Navel Orange, Rio Grapefruit, Bearss Lime
Nectarine: Double Delight (CIT), Panamint, Snow Queen (Lovell)
Nectaplum: Spice Zee (CIT)
Peach: Babcock, Desert Gold, Eva's Pride (CIT), Mid Pride (CIT), Saturn (CIT), Sweet Bagel (Nemaguard), Red Baron (Lovell), Galaxy (White Donut)
Pear: Florida Home, Hood (OHXF33), Shinseiki Asian Pear
Plum: Burgundy (Myro 29)
Plout: Emerald Drop (CIT), Flavor King (CIT)

List of new trees I was thinking about purchasing through Bay Laurel Nursery:

Apricot: Earli Autum, Tomcot, Goldkist, Flavorella (Plumot)
Cherry: Lapins, Stella, Rainer
Nectarine: Desert Dawn, Desert Delight, Fantasia, Jolly Red Giant
Peach: August Pride, Fair Time, Tasty Giant, Florida Prince, Compact Flavorette
Plum: Methley, Mariposa, Catalina, Beauty

Thanks again everyone!

Jennifer

If you really only get 2-300 hrs chilling some of your new tree list will not work. I found Earli Autumn severely lacking in quality. Tomcot needs more chilling. Lapins, Stella and Rainier all need more chilling.

I'd suggest Arctic Star nectarine over Fantasia or Jolly Red Giant. Nothing but rave reviews on Arctic Star. It's a top ten fruit for me, in other words about as good as anything.

You might consider some figs and persimmon. Both very low chilling and easy to grow. You'll like them if you give them a chance. I loved my Strawberry Verte figs this year but there are many good varieties. I prefer the astringent until soft persimmon but you might like the Fuyu types.

Well I think my chill is 200-400 it ranges year to year. I got this from the UC Davis website. Closest to me is UC Riverside. I knew that some of the trees had higher chilling requirements but I was/am willing to experiment a little.

I have read before that you like the Artic Star. Myself I do not prefer the whites but DH does so I think I will give that one a try.

Has anyone had any luck growing the higher chill varieties in a lower chill environment? Any preference to rootstocks?

I will be planting Figs also and maybe Persimmons. They are not my favorite things but friends and family love them.