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

When to plant fruit trees in Arkansas? When you’re planting fruit trees in Arkansas, you’ll need to consider both the state’s diverse climate and the specific needs of the fruit trees in question. In this article, we’ll look at some general guidelines to keep in mind so you can find the perfect time for planting.
General Guidelines for When to Plant Fruit Trees In Arkansas
Here are some general guidelines for the perfect planting time. We’ll dive deeper into the topic below.
- Bare-root trees: Late winter to early spring is the ideal time to plant bare-root fruit trees. This time frame allows the tree to establish roots before the intense summer heat.
- Container-grown trees: These can be planted in early spring or early fall. While spring remains a popular choice, fall planting gives trees an advantage by allowing them to establish roots during the cooler months before the growing season begins.
- Don’t plant fruit trees when the soil is waterlogged or frozen.
- Consider the last frost date in your specific region of Arkansas. Trees should ideally be planted several weeks before the last expected frost.
- It’s essential to prep the soil before planting. Ensure that the ground is tilled, free from weeds, and amended with organic material if needed.
- Most fruit trees prefer well-draining soil. Arkansas soil can vary significantly from one region to another, so adjust the soil composition accordingly. In clay-heavy areas, you might need to amend the soil with compost or plant your fruit trees on hills or mounds.
- After planting, water your fruit trees thoroughly. Young trees need consistent moisture, but avoid over-watering later on to avoid root rot and other diseases.
Plant Timing for Specific Fruit Trees

The right time for when to plant fruit trees in Arkansas can make all the difference to your growing success. Here are the recommended times to plant specific fruit trees, including apples, plums, peaches, and grapes. I’ve also included some great varieties for Arkansas.
Apples
- Recommended varieties: ‘Arkansas Black,’ ‘Enterprise,’ ‘GoldRush’
- Best time to plant: Late winter, just before the onset of the spring growing season.
- Check out our list of fruit trees starting with a!
Peaches
- Recommended varieties: ‘Redhaven,’ ‘Surecrop,’ ‘Intrepid’
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring, before the buds break open and new growth starts.
Pears
- Recommended varieties: ‘Kieffer,’ ‘Moonglow’
- Best time to plant: Late winter, when the tree is still dormant, but the risk of the harshest frosts has passed.
Plums
- Recommended varieties: ‘Methley,’ ‘Bruce’
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring. This is right before the new growth season but after the worst of winter’s cold.
Figs
- Recommended varieties: ‘Celeste,’ ‘Brown Turkey’
- Best time to plant: Early spring, when the risk of frost is minimal, or early fall, which allows them to establish roots before winter.
Persimmons
- Recommended varieties: ‘Early Golden,’ ‘John Rick’
- Best time to plant: Early spring, after the last frost, or early fall.
Blueberries
- Recommended varieties: ‘Ozarkblue,’ ‘Summit’
- Best time to plant: Late fall or late winter, a few weeks before the last frost date, to ensure they settle in before the heat of summer.
Nectarines
- Recommended varieties: ‘Sunhaven,’ ‘Surecrop,’ ‘Fantasia’
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring, before the buds break open and new growth starts.
Blackberries
- Recommended varieties: ‘Osage,’ ‘Ouachita,’ ‘Natchez’
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring, when the soil is workable and before new growth begins.
Grapes
- Recommended varieties: ‘Cynthiana’ (‘aka Norton’), ‘Reliance,’ ‘Venus’
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring, before the new growth season starts.
Pawpaws
- Recommended varieties: ‘Arkansas Banana,’ ‘Sunflower‘
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring.
Raspberries
- Recommended varieties: ‘Heritage,’ ‘Dorman Red’):
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.
Cherries
- Recommended varieties: Starkrimson Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium ‘Starkrimson’), Bing Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium ‘Bing’)
- Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring.
So, when you’re looking at when to plant fruit trees in Arkansas, consider each tree’s specific needs and your region’s climate. Check with your local nurseries or extension services for the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific location. They can be a fantastic help to your growing efforts!