Best Fruits to Grow in Texas

Texas has vast and varied lands spread out almost 270 thousand square miles. From tropical southern valleys to lush forests in the east and dry desserts to the west. It is not hard to think Texas has the resources to grow a variety of fruits.  The question is which is the best fruits to grow in Texas?

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

1. Apples, July through November – Apples are a popular fruit in much of Texas and, with good a variety selection, can be grown in all areas.  Learn how to store apples to keep them fresh.
2. Berries, May through July – Black Berries Specifically: are among the easiest of all small fruit crops to grow in Texas. They produce well on 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.
3. 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 Handle.
4. Figs, June and July, second crop in fall – Figs are well adapted in most of Texas, but freeze damage often kills trees back partially.
5. Grapefruit, Oranges & Other Citrus, October through April – One of Texas’s most lucrative products is grown well in the southern Valleys.
6. Grapes, August through October – Texas is the oldest grape growing state and has the third highest grape industry for wines in the U.S.
7. Melons, (cantaloupes, watermelons, and more)!, May into winter you can see these fruits grown in the south very easily with a warmer climate.
8. Peaches, Plums, Pluots & Nectarines, June through Sept – These trees are great for back yard landscapers because they do need cross pollination.
9. Pears, August through November – Plant only blight-resistant varieties in Texas. Plant at least two pear varieties to ensure a good fruit set.
10. 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 is recognized by Texas A&M University

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 tress 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 you 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.

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By D Bird

Published on February 14th, 2018

Updated on September 7th, 2018

D Bird

I’ve been researching and sharing lawn care and gardening info since 2010.  I’m no expert, but my neighbors think I am