Producing fruit at 9,000 feet of elevation is a challenge. Low humidity, combined with intense sunlight, rapid and extreme weather changes, make for highly volatile growing conditions. At Knapp Ranch, we focus on cultivars that can withstand the elements and still produce fruit that is delicious, nutritious, and long-lasting. The orchard is located in the lower meadows of Knapp Ranch, an area of moderate temperature fluctuation and higher humidity. Knapp Ranch is dedicated to research and development, and we learn from this experimentation. We were interested in creating our own high altitude root stock that could successfully thrive in the high mountain valleys of the west, where last frosts, cold nights, and dry air challenge even the hardiest of fruit growers and cost the Colorado economy. We hope to potentially benefit Colorado fruit growers who lose crops, and consequently income, with our root stock.
