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Fruit Trees in Southeast USA

Written by Peter Horn on .

Fruit Trees in Southeast USA You know which fruit tastes most delicious of all. The fruit you have grown by yourself in your backyard. Nothing could be more delicious than that fruit. Especially if you are living in Southeast USA, its mild, humid climate is so suitable to grow many fruit trees that you can easily grow your own fruit trees and enjoy your own home grown fruits. All you need is a little bit of know-how about the tree that can be grown, some time to plant it in your backyard. Yeah, it needs some technicalities to choose and plant fruit trees but believes me, it’s not that difficult that you are not taking action. Choosing the right fruit trees according to your climate is the key to your success. The southern climate allows most of the fruit trees to grow. Fruit trees not only give you production but also add an artistic and ornamental effect to your garden. So, let’s take a look at the climate of Southeast USA and the types of trees that can be grown there. The climate of Midwest USA: Most of the Southeast USA has a mild and humid climate. Winters are characterized by wet, warm, and mild conditions, while summers are hot and dry. Overall the climate of the Southeast US is mild warmer as compared to other regions of the US. . In summer, temperature ranges from 27 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. While in winter, the temperature ranges from 2 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. Foliage blooms into spring from March to July. So choose those fruit trees that can withstand the climate of the southeast USA and also give you much fruit production. But its climate and soil are suited to grow many types of fruit. It is best to choose the varieties that are diseases resistant also. Tips to Grow Fruit Trees:
  • Choose a location that receives a minimum of eight hours of full sunlight each day because fruit trees need that to survive and produce.
  • Be sure that the height is not limited by any structure such as buildings, bridges, or any other tree. It will restrict the trees from reaching their maximum size.
  • Choose the trees according to your climate, therefore know your regional climate first, and then decided the fruit trees to plant.
  • Prepare your soil and dig the hole in it before bringing the plant from the nursery.
  • Fruit trees can be of three types depending upon their sizes upon maturing:
    • Dwarf:They grow up to 8-10 ft and are less productive.
    • Semi-Dwarf:They can grow up to 10-15 ft and give more production than dwarf trees.
    • Standard:Their height can reach up to 20 ft and even more and are the most productive ones.
  • Search that if your trees are self-pollinating or not. In this case, if your trees are cross-pollinating, you will need two same types of trees to get fruits.
  • For most fruit trees, moist and well-drained soil is best.
  • Choose diseases and insect-resistant varieties so that you don’t have to spend much money on sprays.
  • Fruit trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight during their growing season. Therefore, select the spot which receives at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.
  • Choose well-drained soil for the plantation as standing water can cause and spread diseases.
Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Midwest USA: According to the climate of the Southeast US, here is the list of best fruit trees that can be grown in Southeast US.
  1. Citrus:
If you are craving to taste some sour fruit, I bet that nothing could be more delicious than citrus fruit. Having a large family, citrus fruits grow very best in the soil and climate of the southeast US. Citrus trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. The plant to plant distance should be 15 ft. If any sucker gets grown, remove it immediately. It will affect the nutrition of the main plant. Apply the fertilizers to the newly planted citrus trees until their growth starts in spring. They need annual Pruning if the foliage has spread too wide. It will also help the tree to produce healthy fruits. Most of the citrus fruit get mature during December-January and can be harvested.
  1. Figs:
The best things about growing fig tree are that you can not only eat its fruit but also use it leaves for culinary purposes due to their amazing taste. They prefer full sunlight and grow up to the height of 10-30 ft. They grow best in spacious trees because their canopy spread too wider. Due to excessive shade, their fruit can drop prematurely. Plant them during late fall or early spring. Most fogs varieties give you fruit after one year. The varieties that perform well in the southeast US are Celeste, Brown Turkey, Greenish, and Chicago.
  1. Pomegranate:
Pomegranates are very suited to the southeast climate. Their juicy and fleshy seeds are very delicious to eat and for making juice as well. They fruit each year during summer and grow up to 15 ft. Most of the varieties of fruit are pest and diseases free. They are prone to frost damage; therefore, harvest pomegranate after the first frost for the best flavor. They need pruning regularly, and unwanted suckers need to be removed. They are self-pollinating; therefore, you don’t need to plant another tree to get fruit production. The varieties that perform well are Angel Red, Pleniflora, Eversweet, Ambrosia.
  1. Red Mulberry:
If you want to grow fruits of the smallest size, you can go for the Red Mulberry tree. This fruit tree grows up to 30 ft tall and has heart-shaped leaves. Its small dark red fruits are very tasty to eat. Their flowers bloom in early spring and ripen in late spring. Fruit color ranges from red to dark purple. Once the fruit starts ripening, you will see a spread of dropped berries on the floor below the tree. This is one of those fruits which needs very little care and maintenance; so, if you are too busy in your life and also want to grow a fruit tree, then mulberry trees could be your choice.
  1. Apples:
Apple tree is one of those fruit trees that grow very well in most regions of the USA, including the mild climate of Southeast USA. They are sun-loving trees and are planted in spring. They prefer full sun and well-drained moist soil. They bloom in spring, and fruit production starts in the summer season. Most of its cultivars can withstand the cold climate of the Midwest. Among 6000 varieties of Apple, the varieties that grow best in the southeast are Gala, Ginger Gold, Empire, Golden Delicious, and Crispin. These varieties not only give you production but also add an ornamental look to your garden. Pruning needs to be done to maintain canopy size and good look. Conclusion: According to the mild, humid climate of the southeast US, Citrus, Figs, Pomegranate, Mulberry Apples are the best fruit trees that can be grown. You only need a little bit of care to get a good production. So what are you waiting for now! Go and fill your garden spaces with fruit trees.