Nebraska’s climate provides a unique environment for growing a variety of fruit trees. From apples and pears to cherries and peaches, here are some of the best fruit trees to grow in Nebraska and tips for ensuring a bountiful harvest!
The best fruit trees to grow in Nebraska
Apples: A staple 🍏🌳
Apples are among the most popular fruit trees to grow in Nebraska, thanks to their adaptability and wide range of varieties. Hardy apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Jonathan and Red Delicious, thrive in Nebraska's climate. When planting apple trees, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. It's also important to plant at least two different apple varieties to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. Regular pruning and thinning of fruit clusters can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Pears: Juicy and delicious 🍐🌳
Pears are another excellent choice for Nebraska gardeners. Varieties like Bartlett, Anjou and Kieffer are well-suited to the state's climate. Pear trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. As with apple trees, planting two different pear varieties will enhance pollination and fruit production. Prune pear trees annually to maintain an open canopy and remove any dead or diseased wood. Harvest pears when they are mature but still firm, allowing them to ripen off the tree for the best flavor.
Cherries: Tart and sweet 🍒🌳
Both tart and sweet cherry trees can be successfully grown in Nebraska. Tart cherry varieties like Montmorency and North Star are particularly hardy and can withstand the state's cold winters. Sweet cherry varieties such as Bing and Rainier also perform well with proper care. Plant cherry trees in full sun with well-drained soil and ensure they have adequate space for good air circulation. Protecting cherry trees from birds with netting can help ensure a bountiful harvest of juicy cherries in late spring to early summer.
Peaches: A taste of summer 🍑🌳
While peaches can be a bit more challenging to grow in Nebraska due to their sensitivity to late frosts, certain varieties like Reliance and Contender are more cold-hardy and suitable for the region. Peaches thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Proper site selection is crucial to protect peach trees from late spring frosts that can damage blossoms. Prune peach trees annually to encourage new growth and remove any dead or diseased wood. Thin the fruit when it is about the size of a nickel to ensure larger, more flavorful peaches.
Plums: Versatile and flavorful 🍇🌳
Plum trees are another excellent addition to Nebraska gardens. Varieties like Stanley (European) and Methley (Japanese) are well-suited to the state's climate. Plums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. As with other fruit trees, planting multiple varieties will enhance pollination and fruit set. Regular pruning helps maintain tree shape and health while thinning the fruit ensures better quality and size. Harvest plums when they are fully ripe for the best flavor.
Cultivate success
By selecting the right varieties and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown fruit year after year. Whether you're planting apples, pears, cherries, peaches or plums, the key to success lies in picking the best fruit trees to grow in Nebraska, choosing the right location, ensuring proper pollination and maintaining regular care through pruning, thinning and protection from pests and diseases!
Come shop at the Gretna Farmers Market this season and enjoy fresh fruit from local growers!
