Hi Folk!

I was just browsing on the internet searching for new fruit to grow here in zone 6b. I love eating Pistachios, and I just wanted to know how cold hardy they are. So I decided to do a little research, but I didnt find any valuable information. So I would have some questions for u guys.
I would like to know if its possible to grow them in zone 6b? The hardest winter we had was in 2012 when we had -22C on the ground level, but on 2 meter high it was about -20C. So I would like to know what temperatures can a Pistachio survive without any problem? So are there any hardy cultivar what can survive -18, -20 celsius?
Tne other problem here is the short growing season from April 1st we have about 180 frost free days, Is it enough to get ripe fruits from it?
And before I'll forget is it possible to graft it into a Cotinus Coggygria? Is it the relative of the pistachio and its growing widely here. It might prove the cold hardiness.

I bought pistachios trees recently.I plan on keeping them in pots and in my garage with Windows in the winter.I live in Philadelphia.7a

Ebay.they're growing but, not big yet.they sold to me $17.50 each but, you need a male and female tree.I got 3 with a free one.so, 4 altogether.I have a chance but, remember.they need to get big to produce nuts.so, big pots will be needed within a couple of years.

I think growing them in pots is not a good idea cause they need big space due to they have big size, and they need pollinator so u have to keep minimum 2 tree for fruit.

This may be true but, in 6b or 7a zone.they may not survive.they originate from syria .so, depending on the elevation they're from in syria .they could or couldn't survive.who wants to be the first to try to plant in our zone? I can just get a 30 gallons pot for each and try.

I grow a lot of fruit, some of it a bit unusual, but have never tried Pistachio, could be interesting to try, but i dont think they would survive outside in our winters. Jeremy, we met at Bass' meeting, I too am in NE Philly. 

good to know, ill check on ebay and thanks for the lesson. ill should probably do some research on them as i had no clue i would need 2 trees

Hi, it was nice to met you too.I have a galicia negra in 25 gallon pot that I'm looking to sell.I have 3 of them.if you're interested.I could send a photo and deliver to you.

We would need to keep it small and put it in the garage with Windows like my old olive trees.

https://www.onegreenworld.com/Pistachio/UzbekPistachioSeedling/4268/

One Green World's description:

"Surprisingly hardy, Pistachio trees grow wild throughout Central Asia where temperatures can follow below 0°F. Our Uzbekistan seedlings came from orchards where they are grown as large shrubs. An attracive shrub or broad spreading small to medium size tree, Pistachio features grayish-green foliage and prolific reddish husks inside which you will find the delicious nuts. Pistachio trees require a male and female to bear nuts. It will be several years before you will know the sex of these seedlings."

Latin Name: Pistacia vera

Site and Soil: Pistachio trees like full sun and well-drained soil.

Pollination Requirements: A male and female tree are required for nut production.

Hardiness: Our Uzbekistan seedlings should be hardy to minus 10°F.

Bearing Age: 5-8 years after planting

Size at Maturity: 10-12 feet in height

Bloom Time: April-May

Ripening Time: late fall

Yield:10-20 lbs.

Pests & Diseases: Our Pistachio trees have not been bothered by pests or diseases.

USDA Zone: 6 

Thank you for the info.very useful:)

 I do what I can :)

Thanks for the information, I spoke with a Hungarian guy who is trying to grafting Pistachios into Sumac, and he told me that there are many wild trees in Middle asia which are growing in cold conditions and in winter times they're sometimes getting more than -23C. I read on the net that they are also native to the mountains of Caucasus where the temperatures are often under -20C. This guy saw a tree here in Hungary in one of our arboretum where its growing happily without any problem more than 10 years. It is grafted into a Sumac.. So I think there is some hope to try it here.

Good info!    I think this will be a hard one. I have read they are not too hardie to cold weather, and do enjoy arid land. Best of luck with the grafting!