Best Fruits to Grow in Texas
Red Apples
Black Berries
Cherries
Figs
Grapefruits and Pomelo
Grapes
Water Melon
Cantaloupe
Pluots
Plums
Peaches
Pomegranate
Pears
Did you know that Texas covers nearly 270 thousand square miles?
Our beautiful, expansive state is home to a massive variety of vegetation, from desert shrubs and succulents, to myriad different flowers and grasses, and even a broad variety of fruit trees.
The tropical southern valleys, lush forests in the east, and humid central Hill Country all create a perfect environment for various fruits to flourish in those particular climates. . The question is, which are the best fruits to grow in Texas, and where?
Seasonal Texas Fruits
Texas is best known for its juicy, ruby red grapefruit. Ruby Reds are available every late winter and spring. Additionally lots of other fruits are easily grown and available throughout the year. See the list below for few of the most popular and tasty fruits and berries, that are grown.
Top Ten
- Apples: July through November – Apples are a popular fruit in much of Texas, and with good a variety to select from, you can find one that grows well in your area. Learn how to store apples to keep them fresh.
- Berries: May through July – Black Berries specifically are among the easiest of all small fruit crops to grow in Texas. They produce well in a wide variety of soils as long as drainage is good. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can be grown in Texas as well, but need special attention.
- Cherries: June and July – A handful of cherry tree varieties are native to Texas, and grow particularly well in colder weather like in the Texas Panhandle.
- Figs: June and July, second crop in fall – Figs are well adapted in most of Texas, but freeze damage is a potential concern to look out for.
- Grapefruit, Oranges & Other Citrus: October through April – One of Texas’s most lucrative products is grown well in the southern Valleys.
- Grapes: August through October – Texas is the oldest grape growing state and has the third highest grape industry for wines in the U.S.
- Melons, (cantaloupes, watermelons, and more)!, May through winter, you can see these fruits grown in the south very easily with a warmer climate.
- Peaches, Plums, Pluots & Nectarines: June through Sept – These trees are great for backyard landscapers designing larger projects, because they do need cross pollination.
- Pears: August through November – Plant only blight-resistant varieties in Texas. Plant at least two pear varieties to ensure a good fruit set.
- Pomegranates: October into December. – Pomegranates, attractive as bushy shrubs or small trees, are reasonably well-adapted.
These are just a few of the fruits you can grow. See a complete list of Texas fruits that are recognized by Texas A&M University
Help Your Fruit Trees Grow
Use an organic fertilizer tailored for fruit trees, like this one from Jobe’s Organics. Good to use for new and established trees.
Organic fertilizers like this will improve your soil conditions and help to resist diseases and drought during the growing season.
Research Before You Buy
Some fruits will do well when it freezes, but some fruits can be wiped out completely. Many local nurseries will promote beautiful fruit plants and trees but not all fruits and nuts are adapted to all parts of Texas. In some cases these trees are not adapted at all.
Many of the reasons for poor growth is the varying temperature and related problems to humidity and disease. Check with your local nursery and do a little research into your soil types, water conditions and weather patterns. Some fruits will do well when it freezes, but some fruits can be wiped out completely.
TLC Landscapes can help with seasonal planting in the North Texas area, just contact us for any help you may need.
I’ve been researching and sharing lawn care and gardening info since 2010. I’m no expert, but my neighbors think I am
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