Your Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in Texas
Many kinds of fruit trees thrive during Texas’ more temperate months, but they can be difficult to maintain once the colder months roll in. Before you plant your next fruit tree, consider how it will fare during the winter, as certain varieties are more resilient than others.
Here are some of the hardiest fruit trees that stand strong during the winter months in various regions across Texas, so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year.
Pomegranate Trees
Ideal regions: Central and South Texas
One of the most resilient fruit trees for Texas winters, pomegranates can handle temperatures dipping into the low 20s, especially in Central and South Texas. Varieties like “Wonderful” and “Texas Pink” are well-known for their cold tolerance and ability to thrive even with less-than-ideal weather conditions. These trees love well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, so they perform well in cities like Austin and San Antonio, where winters tend to be mild, and the sun shines year-round. With their striking red fruit, pomegranates are as decorative as they are delicious.
Pear Trees
Ideal region: North Texas
North Texans, rejoice — pear trees are an excellent choice for withstanding the region’s chillier winters. Varieties such as “Kieffer” and “Orient” are especially well-suited for the colder climates in Dallas, Fort Worth, and their surrounding areas. Not only are these trees robust enough to endure freezing temperatures, but they’re also disease resistant, which is particularly beneficial in regions prone to fire blight. Though pear trees may take a few years to produce fruit, they’re a reliable, low-maintenance option for gardeners in North Texas.
Fig Trees
Ideal regions: South Texas and Gulf Coast
Though typically associated with warm climates, certain fig tree varieties, like “Texas Everbearing” and “Celeste,” are surprisingly cold hardy. These varieties can survive brief freezes and frosts, making them a solid choice for gardeners in South Texas. Houston and Corpus Christi, with their relatively mild winters, provide ideal growing conditions for figs. These trees produce sweet, honey-flavored fruit that ripens in the summer, making winter care worthwhile for homeowners looking for a piece of the Mediterranean in their backyard.
Persimmon Trees
Ideal region: East Texas
Persimmon trees are a great option for those in East Texas. Varieties like “Fuyu” and “American” are frost-tolerant and thrive in the region’s unique soil conditions. Persimmons can survive temperatures as low as 10 F, so they’re well-suited for cities like Tyler and Longview. Their rich, honeyed flavor and low maintenance requirements make persimmons a favorite among Texas growers.
Apple Trees
Ideal regions: Central and North Texas
Apple trees are especially well in Central and North Texas. Varieties like “Dorsett Golden” and “Anna” can handle colder conditions and thrive in cities like Fort Worth, Waco, and Lubbock. While apple trees typically require more care, including pruning and pest management, their resilience to colder weather makes them a rewarding choice for those willing to invest the effort.
Read up on how to protect your plants if a Texas-sized freeze is headed your way.
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