Fruit Trees That Grow In Arkansas

Let’s talk about the best fruit trees that grow in Arkansas! Arkansas is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the mountainous regions of the Ozarks to the dense forested land in the south, known as the Arkansas Timberlands. It offers a range of climates suitable for various fruit trees.

Fruit Trees That Grow In Arkansas

Here are 11 of the best fruit trees that thrive in Arkansas:

1. Apple Trees (Malus sp.)

Apple trees in Arkansas can vary in size, with most growing between 10 to 30 feet tall, depending on their specific variety. The width of these trees also varies, but they’re often as wide as tall.

For optimal growth, apple trees prefer well-draining loam soil. This soil type ensures the trees get the right nutrients without waterlogging. Apple trees thrive best in full sun, allowing them to produce quality fruits.

Maintenance plays a vital role in the health and yield of these trees. Pruning them annually is recommended to maintain their shape and enhance fruit production.

Arkansas Black is a standout among the various apple varieties cultivated in Arkansas. This variety is notable for its deep red, almost black color. It’s a winter apple variety with a sweet-tart flavor, making it ideal for cider. Over time, in storage, it sweetens and softens, becoming a fantastic eating apple by mid-winter.

In addition to Arkansas Black, other types suitable for the state include Winesap, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.

2. Peach Trees (Prunus sp.)

Peach trees in Arkansas typically grow around 15 to 25 feet tall, and they tend to grow as wide as tall. Peach trees thrive in well-draining, loamy soil. They can’t tolerate waterlogging, so will struggle in clay or heavy soil. Sandy soil will need to be improved for a peach tree to thrive. Plant them in full sun for the juiciest and most flavorful fruits.

Peach trees are best pruned every year. Pruning not only helps give the tree a structured shape but also boosts fruit production by removing dead or unnecessary branches.

Arkansas has several peach varieties that grow beautifully in its climate. Among them, the Redhaven and Elberta varieties are quite popular and are known for their delicious taste and consistent yields.

3. Pear Trees (Pyrus sp.)

Pear trees in Arkansas typically reach heights between 15 to 30 feet, though this can vary based on the specific variety. Their width generally aligns with their height, but some cultivars may spread wider.

For optimal growth, pear trees prefer well-draining loam soil. This ensures they receive adequate nutrients without the risk of root rot from waterlogged conditions. Full sun is vital for pear trees to yield great fruit production.

Maintenance is vital for pear trees’ health and fruit yield. Annual pruning is recommended, especially during their dormant season. This helps maintain the tree’s structure, removes dead or diseased branches, and promotes better fruit production.

Arkansas’s climate is great for several pear varieties. Some of the more common varieties suitable for the state include the Kieffer and Moonglow. These varieties are well-adapted to the Arkansas environment, producing consistent yields and flavorful fruits.

Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is also essential to ensure the health of your pear trees.

4. Plum Trees (Prunus sp.)

Want more fruit trees that grow in Arkansas? Well, we can’t go past plum trees!

Plum trees in Arkansas generally grow to heights of 15 to 25 feet, depending on the specific variety. Their widths are somewhat proportional to their heights, though certain cultivars may have a broader spread.

The soil best suited for plum trees is a well-draining loam, which balances moisture retention and drainage, ensuring the trees get essential nutrients without the risk of waterlogged conditions. For optimal fruit production, plum trees require full sun – at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Maintenance is critical for the well-being and productivity of your plum trees. Prune them annually, ideally during their dormant season. This helps shape the tree and maintain its structure. It also facilitates better fruit production by removing unproductive wood and promoting new growth.

Arkansas’s best plum tree varieties are the Stanley, Methley, and Ozark Premier. These varieties are well-suited to the state’s climate and are known for their consistent yields and great taste. As with most fruit trees in the region, watching for pests and diseases is crucial.

Don’t miss: When to plant fruit trees in Arkansas

5. American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

The American Persimmon is native to much of the eastern United States, including Arkansas. These trees typically range in height from 30 to 60 feet, although their width tends to be a bit narrower, often aligning closely with half of their height. Again, well-draining loam soil and full sun are crucial for the best fruit production.

Persimmon trees in Arkansas require minimal pruning compared to other fruit trees. However, occasional pruning during their dormant season can help, as well as removing any dead or unproductive wood.

Given the native status of Diospyros virginiana in Arkansas, it is well-adapted to the state’s climate, making it relatively low-maintenance and resistant to local pests and diseases.

Read more: Guide to When to Plant Fruit Trees In Arkansas [Inc. Specific Varieties]

One of the notable aspects of the American Persimmon is its fruit. The fruit only becomes edible after the first frost, when it transitions from astringent to sweet. Cultivars like Meader and John Rick have been developed to produce larger, seedless fruits with improved flavor.

If you’re interested in growing persimmons in Arkansas, consider both the wild type and improved cultivars, depending on your specific goals and taste preferences.

6. Blackberry Trees (Rubus sp.)

Blackberries, though technically not trees but rather brambly shrubs, are a significant fruit crop in Arkansas.

These shrubs typically reach 3 to 6 feet, though they can sometimes reach up to 10 feet depending on the variety and growing conditions. Their widths often stretch out similar distances, given the thicket-like nature of blackberry growth. They grow best in well-draining loam soil in full sun.

Blackberries benefit from annual pruning. Pruning helps manage the bramble’s growth, removes dead or non-fruiting canes, and makes harvesting easier. It’s also essential to maintain the plant’s health and promote better fruit yields.

The University of Arkansas has been at the forefront of blackberry research and development. It has developed a series of high-yielding and disease-resistant blackberry varieties tailored for Arkansas‘s unique growing conditions. These varieties have not only boosted the productivity of local growers but have also reduced the challenges posed by common pests and diseases.

Examples include the Natchez, Ouachita, and Osage blackberries, all of which have become popular among growers in the region due to their consistent yields, fruit quality, and resilience.

7. Blueberries (Vaccinium sp.)

Blueberries are a popular fruit crop in Arkansas and grow on shrubs rather than trees. These shrubs generally achieve heights of 4 to 12 feet. For ideal growth and berry production, blueberries require acidic, well-draining soil. A pH range of 4.5 to 5.5 is optimal. Blueberries flourish in full sun.

Regular pruning, especially during the dormant season, helps remove older stems, allowing for newer, more productive growth, and ensures an open canopy for sunlight penetration and air circulation. Mulching around the base of the shrubs can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add organic matter.

While many blueberry varieties can be grown successfully in Arkansas, choosing those well-adapted to the region’s climate and potential pest pressures is essential. The rabbiteye blueberry varieties, for instance, are particularly well-suited for Arkansas, with cultivars such as Tifblue and Climax performing well. Other great varieties are Ozark Blue and Summit.

Conducting a soil test before planting is best to ensure optimal soil acidity. If not, you can make the necessary adjustments with soil amendments like sulfur.

8. Arkansas Banana (Asimina triloba)

The Arkansas Banana or Pawpaw, Asimina triloba, is a unique fruit-bearing tree native to the eastern United States, including Arkansas. Typically, these trees reach heights around 15 to 30 feet.

It’s colloquially called the ‘Arkansas banana’ due to the fruit’s banana-like texture and flavor, including hints of mango and melon. And it’s creamy!

Beyond Arkansas, the pawpaw is also known in other parts of the U.S. simply as the ‘American banana.’ Locals have enjoyed the fruit for generations, and its sweet, custardy nature makes it a popular treat when in season.

Ideal growing conditions for the Arkansas banana involve well-draining soil that retains moisture, especially since they are often found in the understory of forests, indicating a preference for rich, organic soils. While they can tolerate (and naturally grow) in partial shade, these trees produce the best fruit in full sun, meaning they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Maintenance of pawpaw trees is pretty straightforward. While they don’t require heavy pruning, it’s beneficial to occasionally trim the trees during their dormant season, which creates a strong branching structure as they mature.

Asimina triloba produces large, custard-like, aromatic, flavorful fruits, often described as a mix between banana and mango. Given their native status, pawpaws are well-adapted to Arkansas’s climate and soil conditions, making them relatively low-maintenance for local growers. They have few natural pests, with deer often avoiding the tree and its fruit.

If you’re interested in introducing pawpaws to your garden or orchard in Arkansas, note that these trees often do best when multiple trees are planted to ensure cross-pollination and, subsequently, a better fruit yield.

9. Nectarine Trees (Prunus sp.)

Nectarine trees thrive in several regions, including parts of Arkansas. Typically, these trees can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet. Nectarines prefer well-draining loam and full sun.

Pruning is crucial, especially during the dormant season. Thinning the fruits in the early stages of development is another essential practice, ensuring that the remaining fruits grow larger and receive adequate nutrients.

Due to the state’s varying climate zones, Nectarines in Arkansas can be somewhat challenging. Proper variety selection is crucial. Cold-hardy and disease-resistant varieties are preferable, given the potential for late frosts and prevalent diseases like peach leaf curl and brown rot.

Ensuring good airflow, selecting the right planting site, and regularly monitoring for pests and diseases are all integral to successful nectarine cultivation.

The most promising nectarine varieties for Arkansas would be the ones generally recommended for southern states, including Arctic Star, Sunglo, Fantasia, Flavortop, and Double Delight.

Keep an eye out for potential pests and diseases like peach tree borers, brown rot, and bacterial spot!

10. Fig Trees (Ficus sp.)

Fig trees in Arkansas typically reach 10 to 30 feet, depending on specific growing conditions. Well-draining loam soil is ideal for fig trees, as it balances moisture and nutrients, which are critical for healthy growth. To encourage the best fruit production, fig trees benefit from full sun – at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Fig trees require occasional pruning, especially during their dormant season. Given that Arkansas experiences cooler temperatures in the winter than traditional fig-growing regions, it’s crucial to select cold-hardy fig varieties and to consider protective measures during cold snaps.

While figs are not native to Arkansas, they can thrive in the state with the proper care. For instance, the Brown Turkey and Celeste varieties have shown to be particularly well-suited to Arkansas’s climate, being more cold-tolerant and able to produce reliable yields.

Fig trees in Arkansas can benefit from a protected location, like a southern-facing wall, to shield them from potential frost damage during colder months. As with any fruit tree, watch for pests and diseases.

11. Cherry Trees (Prunus sp.)

Arkansas cherry trees grow to around 20 to 30 feet, although this can vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. As with our other fruit trees that grow in Arkansas, the optimal soil for cherry trees is a well-draining loam, which provides a balanced environment of moisture and nutrients – essential for your cherry tree’s growth.

To ensure the best fruit production, cherry trees, like many fruit-bearing trees, require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Annual pruning during the tree’s dormant season is recommended.

Growing cherries in Arkansas can be challenging because of the state’s climate and potential diseases. However, the University of Arkansas has developed several cherry varieties tailored specifically for the state’s unique growing conditions. These varieties are more heat-tolerant and disease-resistant, making them more suitable for the Arkansas environment than traditional cherry varieties.

What is the state fruit of Arkansas?

Arkansas’ state fruit is the South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato. It was designated as both the state fruit and the state vegetable in 1987.

Arkansas’s climate, with its warm days and cooler nights, coupled with its fertile soil, makes it an optimal location for tomato cultivation. The South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato, in particular, is cherished for its juicy texture, vibrant color, and unparalleled taste. Grown predominantly in the state’s southern regions, this tomato stands out from others with its sweet yet tangy flavor profile.

Tomatoes play a substantial role in Arkansas’s economy and community events. For instance, the annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival is a testament to the tomato’s significance in the state’s culture. Celebrated since the 1950s, this event brings together communities with parades, music, and, of course, the star of the show – the pink tomato.

For Arkansans, the South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato is not just a delicious treat to enjoy during summer. It symbolizes the state’s commitment to agriculture, community togetherness, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the land’s bounty.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on what fruit trees grow in Arkansas! Happy gardening!