Planting fruit trees in early spring can be a rewarding experience, providing a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious fruit. With the right varieties and proper care, you can enjoy a fruitful yield for years to come.
There’s something special about picking fresh fruit from your own tree. If you’re interested in cultivating fruit trees in your garden, there are several varieties that can be planted in early spring, allowing you to get a head start on the growing season. Many cold-climate fruit trees are available in the spring as bare-root plants. A bare-root fruit tree is a young, deciduous tree sold without soil around its roots when it is dormant.
Certain fruit trees thrive when planted in early spring, as this helps their root systems establish before summer heat, produces stronger growth, and makes them more resilient to winter conditions. Early spring planting also takes advantage of frequent rainfall, which reduces the need for watering. Here, fruit tree experts share resilient varieties that flourish when planted in the spring, along with useful care tips to help your newly planted fruit tree thrive in its environment.
Meet Our Experts
- David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots, a fruit tree nursery in Vermont
- Maureen Goronson, owner of Goronson Farm in Scarborough, Maine
Pear Trees
Pear trees (Pyrus) are an excellent choice for early spring planting, says David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots. “Planting pears in early spring will help them to establish their root systems before the heat of summer when they will need to stay hydrated,” says Fried. Hardy varieties like Bartlett, Kieffer, Orient, and Seckel are good choices for planting when the soil can be worked and isn’t frozen.
Plum Trees
Plum trees (Prunus domestica) flourish when planted in early spring when they are still dormant. This timing helps to minimize transplant shock and allows the roots to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in. Fried highlights that these trees thrive in the northern Vermont climate with minimal care.
Apple Trees
Apple trees (Malus domestica) are a wonderful addition to any garden, whether enjoyed fresh or in pies. In colder regions (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7), early spring is ideal for planting, as it aligns with the apple tree’s growth cycle.
Peach Trees
Peach trees (Prunus persica) add aesthetic appeal to gardens and produce juicy, sweet fruit two to four years after planting, depending on the variety. Early spring is an ideal time to plant this tree, as it is cold-hardy and self-fertile.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees (Prunus avium) are renowned for their stunning, fragrant blossoms, which can be white or pink in color during spring, lush green leaves, and sweet or tart fruit. If you love cherries, early spring is the ideal time to plant a cherry tree.
For more information on planting and caring for fruit trees, visit Martha Stewart and Elmore Roots.
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