73 Best Fruit Trees to grow in texas

The best fruit trees to grow in Texas! As you know, Texas is a big place with lots of different weather, which makes choosing a fruit tree challenging.

In the east, it’s wet and humid, which is great for fruit trees that like rain and cold winters. West Texas is much drier, so only certain trees that handle less water grow well there. Otherwise, you’d forever chase your tail trying to keep the water up.

Up north, it’s colder, so you need to choose fruit trees that appreciate the cooler weather. Some fruit trees love those chill hours! Down south, near the Gulf of Mexico, it’s warm like the tropics, perfect for fruit trees that love the heat.

Central Texas has those hot summers and generally mild winters, although you might get hit with some frost. It’s a great place to grow fruit trees, especially if you’re prepared to protect them from the occasional frost.

So, no matter where you are in Texas, from the rainy forests in the east to the sunny plains in the south, there’s a fruit tree that’s just right for your area.

Let’s take a look at the best fruit trees for east, south, west, north, and central Texas!

15 Best Fruit Trees for East Texas (Humid)

The Eastern regions of Texas present a unique climate for growing fruit trees. On the one hand, its humid and frequently rainy conditions offer the consistent moisture that many fruit trees thrive on.

On the downside, this humidity can be a challenge because it makes trees more susceptible to fungal diseases and pests. East Texas can also have some interesting temperature fluctuations, especially in late winter to early spring, which can jeopardize those young fruiting buds.

Given the humid and often rainy conditions of Texas’s East, here are 15 ideal fruit trees for those areas:

1. Peach: ‘Elberta’ and ‘Redhaven’ peaches love East Texas’s warm days. These varieties are juicy and become a local favorite when they ripen in summer.
2. Apple: ‘Anna’ and ‘Dorsett Golden’ apples mature well in East Texas. They provide crisp, refreshing bites, especially in homemade pies.
3. Plum: East Texas soil is friendly for ‘Methley’ and ‘Bruce’ plums. These plums are deliciously sweet, making them a top choice for snacking or desserts.
4. Pear: ‘Keiffer’ and ‘Orient’ pears enjoy the rich soils of East Texas. Their blend of sweetness and crunch has made them a local staple.
5. Fig: ‘Celeste’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ varieties root deeply in East Texas. Known for their sweet taste, they are a delightful addition to local dishes.
6. Japanese Persimmon: The ‘Fuyu’ variety, with its bright orange fruits, has become an eye-catcher in many East Texas gardens.
7. Blueberry: ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Woodard’ blueberries benefit from the well-drained soils here. Their tangy-sweet taste makes them a breakfast favorite.
8. Pomegranate: ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates add vibrant colors to local gardens. Bursting with juicy seeds, they’re a delicious snack on warm days.
9. Blackberry: ‘Kiowa’ and ‘Arapaho’ varieties are a hit among local berry pickers in East Texas, producing juicy berries perfect for summer days.
10. Muscadine Grape: East Texas’s long growing season suits ‘Carlos’ and ‘Noble’ grapes. They’re often the star of local wines or jellies.
11. Cherry: The ‘Stella’ cherry, with a bit of care, offers deliciously sweet fruits, making it worth the effort in local gardens.
12. Mulberry: The ‘Pakistan’ variety enjoys the East Texas sun and provides a sweet treat for both locals and birds.
13. Mayhaw: A true Southern gem, these trees are common near East Texas waterways. The tart fruits are a local favorite for jellies.
14. Pawpaw: This native tree flourishes in the local woods. Its tropical-tasting fruit is a hidden gem for those lucky enough to find it.
15. Satsuma Mandarin: ‘Owari’ satsumas thrive in East Texas, especially when protected from harsh winds. Their sweet, seedless fruits are a winter delight.

14 Best Fruit Trees for West Texas (Arid)

Texas’s western zones, known for their arid desert conditions, need fruit trees that can handle the heat and endure the drier environment. Here are 14 fruit trees that have been shown to perform well in these conditions:

1. Pomegranate: Thrives in dry climates. Its bright red fruits are both juicy and sweet.
2. Fig: Requires minimal water once established. Figs are sweet and come in various shades, from purple-black to yellow-green.
3. Almond: Grows well in arid regions. The nuts are a valuable crop.
4. Date Palm: Naturally suited to desert conditions. Produces sweet dates.
5. Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba): Often called “Chinese date,” this tree yields small, sweet fruits that dry well.
6. Mesquite (Prosopis spp.): While not a traditional fruit tree, its pods are edible and can be ground into flour.
7. Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana): A native tree producing small, black, sweet fruits.
8. Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata): This native shrub produces bright red berries, which can be made into jellies.
9. Pecan: Pecan trees can tap into underground water sources with deeper roots and produce a treasured nut.
10. Apricot: Prefers the drier climate and can produce flavorful, juicy fruits.
11. Guava: A subtropical tree that can thrive in warmer parts of West Texas.
12. Goldenball Leadtree (Leucaena retusa): Native to Texas, it provides edible seeds within its pods.
13. Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis): Apart from being an excellent shade tree, its pods can be used to make flour or fermented into drinks.
14. Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Not a tree in the traditional sense, but its fruits, known as “tunas”, are sweet and edible.

When selecting trees for West Texas, it’s crucial to consider water efficiency and its ability to handle extreme temperatures.

15 Best Fruit Trees for North Texas (Temperate)

Texas’s northern zones, with their cooler temperate conditions, can grow a variety of fruit trees that benefit from distinct chill hours and milder summers. Here are 15 fruit trees that thrive in North Texas:

1. Apple: Varieties such as ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Fuji‘ have adapted well to North Texas’s climate, producing crisp and juicy fruits.
2. Peach: ‘Redskin’ and ‘Ranger’ are just a few peach varieties that thrive in the region. Known for their juicy, sweet flesh.
3. Plum: Varieties like ‘Methley’ and ‘Morris’ produce juicy, sweet fruits and are well-suited for the northern climate.
4. Pear: ‘Kieffer’ and ‘Moonglow’ are resilient, producing juicy and sweet fruits with an excellent resistance to fire blight.
5. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Texas native varieties are drought-tolerant and produce sweet, pulpy fruits.
6. Blackberry: Varieties like ‘Kiowa’ and ‘Natchez’ are well-suited for the region, yielding juicy, sweet berries.
7. Cherry: ‘Bing’ and ‘Montmorency’ cherries can grow well in the cooler climates of North Texas.
8. Grape: The region’s climate is conducive for varieties like ‘Concord’ and ‘Thompson Seedless,’ commonly used for wines, jellies, and fresh consumption.
9. Blueberry: Varieties like ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Woodard’ can prosper with proper soil acidity.
10. Mulberry: These trees are easy to grow, producing long, juicy fruits.
11. Currant: These small shrubs produce clusters of berries, ideal for jellies and jams.
12. Pecan: A Texas staple, it thrives in the north, producing delicious nuts.
13. Fig: Even in cooler parts, varieties like ‘Texas Everbearing’ yield sweet fruits.
14. Raspberry: Varieties like ‘Heritage’ are suited for the cooler climates, offering sweet and tangy fruits.
15. Gooseberry: Thrives in cooler climates, producing tart berries perfect for pies and jellies.

16 Best Fruit Trees for South Texas (Sub to Full Tropical)

South Texas, characterized by its warm, subtropical climate, supports a variety of fruit trees that thrive in heat and enjoy the longer growing seasons. Here are the best fruit trees for South Texas:

1. Citrus Trees: South Texas is perfect for ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit, ‘Meyer’ lemon, and ‘Satsuma’ mandarins, with its mild winters.
2. Avocado: Varieties such as ‘Lila’ and ‘Joey’ are well-suited for the region’s warmer temperatures.
3. Papaya: With its frost-free environment, South Texas allows papayas to grow year-round, producing sweet, tropical fruit.
4. Mango: Varieties like ‘Haden’ and ‘Keo Savoy’ flourish in the warmth, yielding juicy, flavorful fruits.
5. Banana: While not trees in the traditional sense, banana plants thrive in the subtropical conditions of South Texas.
6. Fig: Varieties like ‘Celeste’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ produce sweet fruits in the region’s heat.
7. Guava: This tropical fruit tree loves the heat and produces aromatic, sweet fruits.
8. Loquat: Often called Japanese plum, it yields small, sweet, and tangy fruits.
9. Pomegranate: ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Granada’ are varieties that thrive in the region, offering juicy and tart seeds.
10. Persimmon (Diospyros spp.): Varieties like ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Tane-nashi’ do well in the warmth, producing sweet and pulpy fruits.
11. Olive: While not a fruit in the traditional sense, the warm climate allows for successful olive tree cultivation for oil and eating.
12. Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba): Also known as Chinese date, these trees produce sweet and crispy fruits.
13. Passionfruit: The vine produces aromatic, tropical fruits perfect for fresh consumption or juicing.
14. Date Palm: Date palms produce sweet, rich fruits in areas with minimal frost.
15. Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.): Also known as Dragon Fruit, these cactus-like plants yield a unique and tropical-tasting fruit. Find out which dragon fruit tastes the sweetest! And learn why pruning dragon fruit plants is a good idea.
16. Peach: Low-chill varieties like ‘FloridaCrest’ and ‘TropicSnow’ suit South Texas’s milder winters.

South Texas’s warm and generally mild winters offer a great opportunity for cultivating a mix of both tropical and subtropical fruit trees, taking full advantage of the region’s prolonged growing season.

13 Best Fruit trees for central texas (Humid Sub-Tropical)

Central Texas might have its share of weather ups and downs, but it has a lot to offer when it comes to growing fruit trees. From the warm sunny days to the occasional chill, this region’s climate can support a variety of fruit trees that thrive and bear tasty treats.

Here are some top picks suited for Central Texas.

1. Peach: These trees love the Central Texas sun. They produce juicy, sweet fruits perfect for summer pies or eating fresh. The area is actually famous for its flavorful peaches, and with the right care, these trees can produce bountiful harvests annually.
2. Fig: This tree is a real champ for the region. It is easy to grow and thrives in the heat, giving sweet, soft fruits.
3. Pomegranate: A solid choice for those looking for something drought-resistant. Pomegranate trees offer beautiful, bright red fruits filled with juicy seeds that are both sweet and tangy.
4. Plum: While they need a touch of chill, plums adapt well to Central Texas. The trees produce fruits ranging from sweet to tart, making them versatile for eating fresh and making jellies.
5. Apple: While not all apple varieties suit Central Texas, ‘Anna’ and ‘Dorsett Golden’ are top picks. These trees yield crisp and sweet apples, ideal for both pies and raw eating. Don’t miss our big list of apple varieties and their tastes!
6. Pear: Both Asian and European pear varieties find a home here. The trees are steady producers of juicy, sweet fruits that are excellent for eating raw or adding to salads.
7. Persimmon: These trees are eye-catching, bearing vivid orange fruits. When fully ripe, persimmons are incredibly sweet, almost honey-like, and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.
8. Jujube: Known as the Chinese date, this drought-tolerant tree gives small fruits that taste similar to dates. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and can be eaten fresh or dried.
9. Loquat: An evergreen tree that offers fruits with a unique taste. Loquats are juicy, slightly tangy, with a hint of tropical flavor, making them a delightful snack or addition to fruit salads.
10. Satsuma Mandarin: A standout in the citrus family, this tree produces sweet oranges that are easy to peel. They’re cold-hardy for the region and offer a burst of citrus flavor.
11. Blackberry: While technically a shrub, it’s worth mentioning. Blackberries are sweet with a touch of tartness and grow well in Central Texas. They’re perfect for fresh eating, jams, or adding to desserts.
12. Olive: These trees are a bit unconventional in the fruit list but thrive in Central Texas. Olives are typically processed to extract their oil, which is a staple in many kitchens.
13. Mulberry: Fast-growing and hardy, these trees produce elongated, juicy fruits. Mulberries are sweet, slightly tart, and can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or even in baked goods.

In the end, Texas sure does have its quirks when it comes to weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a backyard full of tasty fruits!

From peaches that love our sun to apples that don’t mind the occasional Texas-sized rain shower, there’s a fruit tree just waiting to put roots down in your Texan soil. So, grab a shovel, pick your favorite, and let’s get planting, Texas!