Grow Fruit Trees in Central Texas

It’s fruit tree planting time again. Such a rewarding experience! There is one caveat, however.

Fruit trees may be grown in Central Texas as long as their basic conditions are met.

What is required to grow fruit trees in Central Texas?

Sun is required for fruit trees to grow and produce fruit. Be sure to locate your trees where they will receive at least 8 hours of direct sun each day.

Water plays a critical role in helping fruit trees thrive and produce high-quality fruit. Once a tree becomes established, use soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots; as a result, the foliage stays dry, which in turn helps prevent disease. For this reason, avoid overhead watering and eliminate overspray from lawn sprinklers whenever possible.

As the tree grows, be sure to water all the way out to the drip line, and then expand the watering area each year to match the tree’s increasing size. In addition, apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch beneath the canopy works best; however, keep the mulch from touching the trunk to prevent damage and decay.

Soil is often the most limiting factor for growing fruit trees in Central Texas. Fruit trees need at least one foot of well-drained soil to grow and produce successfully. If your soil is thin, rocky, or heavy clay, you must add soil to create this depth. Build a raised bed at least one foot deep and about ten feet in diameter using untreated timbers, rock, or cinder blocks. Fill the bed with a high-quality landscape mix to ensure proper drainage and root development.

If you prefer not to build a bordered bed, mound the soil instead. Create a mound at least one foot high in the center and gradually taper it down to the existing ground level over a ten-foot diameter. This approach provides adequate soil depth and drainage without the need for a retaining structure.

What about pest and disease management?

Pest and Disease Management should be an ongoing affair. Check the trees often and have problems diagnosed by a professional. Spray trees with All Seasons Horticultural Oil in February to prevent insects and disease. Click HERE for our blog on Oil Products.

What additional information is helpful when choosing varieties of fruit trees?

Chilling Hours are the number of hours between 32° and 45°F that certain fruit trees require in order for their leaf and flower buds to emerge and grow in the spring. Try to choose trees that have a requirement of between 650-850 chilling hours for Central Texas. Trees with less chilling hours may bloom early and fruit may be lost to late freezes. These trees may produce fruit only 3 out of 7 years or so.

Pollinizers are required for many fruit trees to produce a decent crop of fruit. Some trees, such as peach trees, are “self-fruitful” and do not require a pollinizer. Pay attention to which varieties are recommended for cross-pollination. They should be planted within 50-100 feet of each other for bees to pollinate them.

Is spacing important?

Spacing is important, as good air circulation will cut down on disease and the trees will not be competing with each other. Most fruit trees will do well if they are spaced about 20 feet apart.

What about weed control and Fertilization?

Weed Control is often overlooked at the tree’s expense. Weeds harbor insects and compete with the tree for water and nutrients. String trimmer damage to trunks is not reversible, so keep the grass from growing right up to the trunk. Mulch will keep weeds at bay, just don’t let it touch the trunk.

Fertilize after the leaves have emerged in the spring with MicroLife 6-2-4 organic fertilizer. Spread it evenly under the canopy.

Now that you area armed with information on how to grow fruit trees in Central Texas, you can make your fruit tree selections wisely. To see our Fruit Tree Variety List by click HERE.