Growing fruit trees is a rewarding activity for garden enthusiasts. In addition to their beauty and fragrance, fruit trees also provide delicious produce and attract beneficial pollinators. Before planting, it is important to research and choose fruit trees that are suitable for your space and USDA hardiness zone, especially if you live in a cold region.
In the past, it was challenging to find summer-bearing fruit trees like peaches and nectarines that could thrive in cold winter areas. However, there are now many hybrid and new cultivar options that are more cold-hardy. Apples and pears also come in various varieties, with some being more cold-tolerant than others. If you live in a location with harsh winters, this guide can assist you in selecting the most suitable hardy fruit trees for your area.
Many fruit trees require cross-pollination with similar trees that bloom at different times in order to bear fruit. This can be a bit complex as the different blooming times may correspond to different zones. It is important to choose a pollinator tree that is still cold hardy enough for your region, or consider getting self-pollinating trees if they are available.
Apple trees
Most commercially-available apple trees are grafted onto crabapple tree stock, which is winter hardy to USDA zone 4. Some apple varieties grow best in zone 6 or higher, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for your area. If you live in zone 4, there are many delicious varieties you can grow including Baldwin, Jonagold, Empire, Macintosh, Macoun, Northern Spy, Winecrisp, and Zestar. Some apple trees are even hardy to zone 3 and include Honeycrisp, Duchess of Oldenburg, Harcourt, Gravenstein, Wolf River, and Fireside. Many of these varieties are available for purchase from StarkBros Nursery.
Peach trees
Peaches are not only nutritious but also delicious. If freshly-picked and eaten when ripe in summer, they taste outstanding. While peaches are often associated with southern states, there are actually many varieties that grow well in colder areas. Peach trees may bear fruit anytime between July and September, depending on the variety. There are a large number of peach cultivars that are cold hardy to zone 5, including Elberta, Galaxy, Belle of Georgia, Contender, Crest Haven, Intrepid, Garnet Beauty, Redhaven, Reliance, Sentry, Desertgold, Hale Haven, and Suncrest.
Nectarine trees
Apricot trees
Apricots are small, orange fruits that are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are similar to peaches and plums in taste and texture. Apricot trees are typically grown in USDA zones 5-8, but there are some cold hardy varieties that can be grown in zone 4. These include Harlayne, Harglow, Hargrand, Harogem, Haroblush, and Harobed. These cold hardy apricot trees can withstand colder temperatures and still produce delicious fruit. Stark Bro's is a reputable online nursery that sells a variety of cold hardy apricot trees for home growers.
Cherry trees
Cherries are juicy, red fruits that are popular for eating fresh or using in desserts. They are typically grown in USDA zones 5-9, but there are some cold hardy cherry trees that can be grown in zone 4. These include Carmine Jewel, Crimson Passion, Romeo, Juliet, and Valentine. These cold hardy cherry trees are able to withstand colder temperatures and still produce abundant fruit. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply is a trusted online nursery that sells a variety of cold hardy cherry trees for home growers.
Apple trees
Apples are a classic fruit that come in a variety of flavors and textures. They are typically grown in USDA zones 4-9, but there are some cold hardy apple trees that can be grown in zone 3. These include Haralson, Honeygold, Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, and Zestar. These cold hardy apple trees are able to withstand colder temperatures and still produce tasty fruit. Stark Bro's is a reputable online nursery that sells a variety of cold hardy apple trees for home growers.
Cherry Trees
Although their blossoms are not as showy as those seen on ornamental cherry blossom trees, cherry trees produce tasty stone fruits in summer that are wonderful for snacking, baking, and preserves. Cherries come in sour or sweet varieties, and sour ones tend to ripen earlier than sweet types. They also come in a wide range of colors from yellow streaked with pink to deep red. The cherry tree cultivars hardy to USDA zone 5 include Sweetheart, Black Pearl, Bing, Lapins, Rainier, Montmorency, and Royal Ann. Online Orchards sells all of these cold-hardy cherry tree varieties.
