The Best Fruit Trees for Beginners
As a homeowner, it feels like a rite of passage to have a fruit tree in your yard. However, as most things go, not every option works for everyone’s needs. Some fruit trees bring challenges as pests are attracted to certain species more than others and can be predisposed to various diseases.Today, we’re going to walk through some options that are more simple to care for, while still giving you amazing fruit payoff. Let’s get started —
rules of thumb
When to plant: Try to plant them during the spring so they have ample time to root and establish themselves throughout the entirety of a season.
Sunlight: Most will require full sun in order to bear fruit properly.
Soil: An important detail is to ensure that the soil levels don’t hit any extremes; regulation is key.
citrus trees
Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Tangerines, Grapefruit
We had to start off with citrus because we really believe they’re some of the best fruit trees out there (and might we add, beautiful additions to any landscapes!). Citrus trees are warriors; they’re drought-tolerant, free of diseases, and have the ability to self-pollinate—which means they don’t require a second tree to cross-pollinate in order to bear fruit of their own. If you’re looking for something more unique and easy to grow in a smaller pot, try growing a Kumquat tree instead! *Citrus grows in USDA zones 8-11
apple trees
Golden Delicious, Fuji, Liberty
It’s a myth that apple trees are difficult to grow. With the proper care and species, you’ll be picking apples from your backyard in no time. Apple Trees are self-pollinating, drought-tolerant and don’t require a ton of maintenance/fertilizer. They are extremely adaptable to differing weather and soil conditions, making them a great beginner fruit tree. Try your hand at the Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Liberty Apple Trees.
fig trees
Brown Turkey, Celeste, Chicago Hardy
Believe it or not, Fig Trees may be the easiest AND fastest to grow from this entire list. Not only are they tolerant of heat and drought like citrus, they also can handle colder climates! Additionally, they also self-pollinate (which expedites their growing process), they’re free of diseases, and they grow great in pots (in the case that you have less space). Try these Fig species: Brown Turkey (produces the most fruit), Celeste, and Chicago Hardy (great for colder weather).
Pear Trees
Sand and Kieffer
Many overlook the ease of a Pear Tree. Despite being prone to “fire blight”, which causes stems to die, they are pretty simple to maintain and will grow lots of fruit. “Sand Pears” (also known as a type of apple-shaped Asian Pear) are amongst some of the most hardy species of fruits. If you’re looking to grow a common European species that’d you’d typically find at a grocery store such as a Kieffer Pear, you can easily grow those yourself too. Thankfully, the popular Kieffer species is not susceptible to fire blight and will give you a rewarding harvest. Tip: Pears have a dormant winter season called “chill hours” that are important to take note of. Read more about it here.
Peach Trees
White Lady and Reliance
Stone fruits, characterized by having a big seeded pit, are typically more challenging to grow. If you have gotten the hang of some of the beginner trees listed above and you wanted to challenge yourself to a more advanced option, then we suggest trying to grow a stone fruit tree such as peaches (plums can be a good option too). Peaches grow in USDA zones 5-9, which means that they can grow in a variety of climates. They are drought-tolerant and can handle different soil conditions. They can be in full sun but are also okay with some shade. Unlike the other fruit trees listed, they do require a more specific watering routine and also need consistent pruning in order to bear healthy fruit. A couple of types that are great for beginners are White Lady and Reliance Peach Trees. Tip: Did you know that Peach Trees not only produce fruit, but also beautiful blooms during the springtime?
