Whether you live in a southern state like Virginia or parts of Arizona, gardeners in USDA hardiness zone 7 all experience low winter temperatures . With typical minimums between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions can be challenging for cold-sensitive plants. However, while tropical fruit trees will struggle here, many fruit tree varieties actually thrive in these conditions.
To learn more, we spoke with experts about everything to consider when growing fruit trees in zone 7, as well as some of the varieties they recommend.
Meet Our Expert
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Karen Caspary, horticulturist and volunteer coordinator with UT Gardens, Knoxville
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Caroline Ervin, landscape designer and owner of The Georgetown Garden Shop
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Matt Tutt, head gardener and food grower at Aguacateros
Related: How to Find Your Gardening Zone—Plus, the Best Plants to Grow in Your Region
01 of 07
Peach
Peach trees ( Prunus persica ) are a southern classic. “We choose a variety with high chilling hours,” says Karen Caspary, horticulturist and volunteer coordinator with UT Gardens, Knoxville. “These indicate how much of a dormancy period is required before the trees flower."
She recommends varieties like Contender, Carolina Gold, or Sweet Joe, all of which do well in full sun and loamy soil.
Related: How to Grow a Peach Tree from a Pit and Enjoy Juicy Fruit for Years
02 of 07
Serviceberry
The serviceberry ( Amelanchier ) is native to the eastern United States. It's a small tree that produces showy, white, fragrant flowers in spring.
“The flowers produce small, edible berries—resembling blueberries in size and shape—and are excellent in jams, jellies, and pies,” says Caroline Ervin, landscape designer and owner of The Georgetown Garden Shop.
A serviceberry tree will typically produce fruit within two or three years of planting. They have no serious diseases or pest issues and grow easily in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
“They fit well into a woodland setting, or along the bank of a stream or pond,” she says. “The rich fall colors of oranges, yellows, and reds are stunning in the garden.”
03 of 07
Persimmon
Persimmons ( Diospyros kaki ) come in several different varieties.
Firstly, there are Asian varieties. “Fuyu is the size of a large tomato and ready to eat when ripe," says Caspary. "Hachiya is about the size of a plum, and is often more astringent, becoming sweeter the longer it's left on the tree.”
American persimmons are also popular, Caspary adds. However, these trees are much taller and more difficult to harvest. They like full sun and loamy soil.
04 of 07
Mulberry
The mulberry tree ( Morus ) is quite hardy and can withstand a bit of frost once well established.
“You don't really notice the flowers on this tree,” says Matt Tutt, head gardener and food grower at Aguacateros. “It seems to go almost straight to fruit, but it does produce a lot of very juicy, dark red berries.”
Plant your mulberry in a spot with ample sunlight and ensure it gets plenty of water. After establishment, your mulberry will just need watering when it's very dry.
05 of 07
Fig
Figs ( Ficus carica ) are a popular choice because they can grow in rocky soils with little irrigation.
“They are prolific producers of ready-to-eat, sweet fruit that can also be made into preserves or recipes,” Caspary says. “Every five to seven years or so, our cold winters freeze them to the ground, and we don't get figs for a year or so. However, mature trees always come back reliably from the root.”
Caspary recommends one of the popular varieties, like Brown Turkey or Celeste.
Related: How to Grow a Fig Tree at Home for Endless Fresh Fruit—Indoors or Outside
06 of 07
Cherry
Cherry trees ( Prunus )—both ornamental and fruiting—grow well in zone 7.
If you want a fruiting tree, then consider a tart variety. “They have a much more reliable harvest because birds don't like the tart cherries as much,” Ervin says. “The flowers in late spring are typically white, turning to bright red clusters of berries in the summer."
It is self-pollinating; however, planting multiple trees allows for better cross-pollination and fruit production.
Cherry trees will produce fruit in three to five years of planting, notes Ervin. She recommends Montmorency for zone 7.
07 of 07
Pawpaw
Honorable mention goes to the pawpaw tree—the largest fruit tree native to North America.
“Most available pawpaws are seed-grown wild types that originate from their local regions, but cultivars can be obtained from various nurseries,” says Caspary.
She recommends Susquehanna and Sunflower in particular. You'll need two genetically distinct cultivars for pollination.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart
