Where to Plant Fruit Trees

Site selection is critical to the success of fruit tree production. Fruit trees require full sun but will tolerate part shade; however, fruit quality will be diminished. Deep, sandy loam soils that drain well are best. For heavy soils, plant fruit trees in raised beds or on berms built up to improve drainage. For those with a limited garden area, small-sized fruit trees can be planted amongst ornamentals.  Eradicate weeds in the planting area the year before it is time to plant trees. Perennial weeds such as Bermuda grass and Johnson grass compete for nutrients and moisture with young fruit trees. Keep weeds at bay, especially the first few years, as trees become established.

Southern Fruit Tree Varieties

Choosing fruit trees for South Central states also takes some planning. Determine the kind of fruit you want and how many cultivars and quantities of each you will need. Many fruit tree flowers need pollen from a second cultivar of the type of fruit you are growing in order for pollination to occur. This is called cross-pollination. Some fruit cultivars are self-fertile, which means they produce the pollen on their own trees to set fruit. It’s also important in the South to be aware of chilling requirements for the fruit you would like to grow. Fruits need a certain number of cold winter hours between 32- and 45-degrees F. (0-7 C.) for sufficient dormancy. Choose disease-resistant varieties as well as heat tolerant. Southern fruit tree varieties for the South-Central states of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas that have been researched and tested for the home garden are listed below.

Oklahoma Fruit Tree Varieties

Apple

LodiMcLemoreGalaJonathanRed DeliciousLibertyFreedomArkansas BlackGolden DeliciousBraeburnFuji

Peach

CandorSentinelRedhavenRelianceRangerGlohavenNectarJayhavenCresthavenAutumngloOuachita GoldWhite HaleStarks EncoreFairtime

Nectarine

EarliBlazeRedchiefCavalierSungloRedGold

Plum

StanleyBluefrePresidentMethleyBruceOzark Premier

Cherry

Early RichmondKansas SweetMontmorencyNorthstarMeteorStella

Pear

MoonglowMaxineMagness

Persimmon

Early GoldenHachiyaFuyugakiTamopanTanenashi

Fig

RamseyBrown Turkey

Apples

Red DeliciousGolden DeliciousGala

Apricots

BryanHungarianMoorparkWilsonPeggy

Figs

Texas Everbearing (Brown Turkey)Celeste

Nectarines

ArmkingCrimson GoldRedgold

Peaches

SpringoldDerbyHarvesterDixielandRedskinFrankSummergoldCarymac

Pears

KiefferMoonglowWarrenAyersOrientLeConte

Plums

MorrisMethleyOzark PremierBruceAll-RedSanta Rosa

Fruit Trees for North Central Texas

Apple

Red DeliciousGolden DeliciousGala, HollandJerseymacMollie’s DeliciousFujiGranny Smith

Cherry

Montmorency

Fig

Texas EverbearingCeleste

Peach

BicentennialSentinelRangerHarvesterRedglobeMilamMajesticDenmanLoringBelle of GeorgiaDixielandRedskinJeffersonFrankFayetteOuachita GoldBonanza IIEarly Golden Glory

Pear

OrientMoonglowKiefferLeConteAyersGarberMaxineWarrenShinseiki20th CenturyHosui

Persimmon

EurekaHachiyaTanenashiTamopan

Plum

MorrisMethleyOzark PremierBruce

Arkansas Fruit Tree Varieties

In Arkansas, it’s recommended to grow apples and pears. Stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, and plums are more difficult because of their susceptibility to pests. Apple

Ginger GoldGalaWilliam’s PridePristineJonagoldSuncrispRed DeliciousEnterpriseGolden DeliciousArkansas BlackGranny SmithFujiPink Lady

Pear

ComiceHarrow DelightKieferMaxineMagnessMoonglowSeckelShinseiki20th Century Southern Fruit Tree Varieties Fruit Trees For South Central States - 45