To make the most of your investment, planting fruit trees at the right time is crucial for their growth and productivity. The best time to plant fruit trees often depends on the USDA hardiness zone and the specific state or region you’re in. It can also depend on the type of fruit tree.

In this quick read and easy access article, we cover general guidelines for all of that.

Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees

When to Plant Fruit Trees by USDA Hardiness Zones

1. Zones 3-4 (e.g., Northern Midwest, Northern New England)
   • Spring (after the last frost) is the best time. The ground is thawing, and trees have time to establish roots before the cold sets in again.
2. Zones 5-6 (e.g., Midwest, Mid-Atlantic)
   • Early spring or fall. In spring, wait until after the last frost. In fall, plant at least 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost to allow trees to establish roots.
3. Zones 7-8 (e.g., Southern Midwest, Southeast, Pacific Northwest)
   • Fall is ideal because it allows the tree to establish roots throughout the winter without the stress of summer heat. However, early spring is also suitable.
4. Zones 9-10 (e.g., Florida, Southern California, Southwest)
   • Late winter to early spring is the best time. Avoid planting in the heat of summer.
5. Zone 11 (e.g., Hawaii, parts of Southern California)
   • Trees can be planted year-round, but it’s best to avoid the hottest months.

You can find more information on USDA Hardiness Zones here.

When to Plant Fruit Trees by State

• Alabama: Early spring or fall.
• Alaska: Late spring after the last frost (due to the cold climate, options are limited, and greenhouses may be necessary).
• Arizona: Late winter to early spring or fall for cooler areas.
• Arkansas: Early spring or late fall.
• California: Late winter to early spring; avoid summer, especially in hotter areas.
• Colorado: Early spring after the last frost or early fall.
• Connecticut: Early spring after the last frost.
• Delaware: Early spring or early fall.
• Florida: Late winter to early spring; avoid summer.
• Georgia: Early spring or fall.
• Hawaii: Any time, but preferably during the rainy season for natural irrigation.
• Idaho: Early spring after the last frost or early fall.
• Illinois: Early spring or fall.
• Indiana: Early spring or fall.
• Iowa: Early spring after the last frost.
• Kansas: Early spring or fall.
• Kentucky: Early spring or early fall.
• Louisiana: Early spring or fall.
• Maine: Late spring after the last frost.
• Maryland: Early spring or early fall.
• Massachusetts: Early spring after the last frost.
• Michigan: Early spring after the last frost or early fall.
• Minnesota: Late spring after the last frost.
• Mississippi: Early spring or fall.
• Missouri: Early spring or fall.
• Montana: Late spring after the last frost due to the colder climate.
• Nebraska: Early spring or fall.
• Nevada: Early spring or late fall; avoid summer in hotter areas.
• New Hampshire: Late spring after the last frost.
• New Jersey: Early spring or early fall.
• New Mexico: Late winter to early spring or early fall.
• New York: Early spring after the last frost.
• North Carolina: Early spring or fall.
• North Dakota: Late spring after the last frost due to the colder climate.
• Ohio: Early spring or fall.
• Oklahoma: Early spring or fall.
• Oregon: Early spring or fall.
• Pennsylvania: Early spring or early fall.
• Rhode Island: Early spring after the last frost.
• South Carolina: Early spring or fall.
• South Dakota: Late spring after the last frost due to the colder climate.
• Tennessee: Early spring or fall.
• Texas: Early spring or fall, depending on the region.
• Utah: Early spring after the last frost or early fall.
• Vermont: Late spring after the last frost.
• Virginia: Early spring or early fall.
• Washington: Early spring or fall.
• West Virginia: Early spring or early fall.
• Wisconsin: Late spring after the last frost due to the colder climate.
• Wyoming: Late spring after the last frost or early fall, depending on the specific location.

It’s important to consider the specific fruit tree variety and its requirements. Some trees, like apple or pear, are more cold-hardy, while others, like citrus, are more sensitive to frost. Always consult local nurseries or agricultural extensions for the best advice tailored to your specific area and tree variety.

Here’s an interactive map for frost dates.

When to Plant Fruit Trees by Type

Here’s a more detailed breakdown for some popular fruit trees:

1. Apple Trees (Malus domestica)
   • Suitable for Zones 3-8.
   • Best planted in early spring after the last frost or in the fall, depending on the zone.
2. Avocado Trees (Persea americana)
   • Prefer warmer climates, Zones 9-11.
   • Plant in early spring.
     See also, avocado leaves benefits
3. Cherry Trees (Prunus avium & Prunus cerasus)
   • Zones 4-7 for sweet cherries and 4-9 for sour cherries.
   • Plant in early spring.
4. Citrus Trees (Citrus spp.)
   • These include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
   • They prefer warmer climates, Zones 9-11.
   • Late winter to early spring is the best planting time.
     See also, Trifoliate Orange tree
5. Fig Trees (Ficus carica)
   • Suitable for Zones 7-10.
   • Plant in early spring.
     See also, fig leaves tea benefits and how to grow fig trees.
6. Olive Trees (Olea europaea)
   • Suitable for Zones 8-10.
   • Plant in early spring.
7. Peach Trees (Prunus persica)
   • Prefer warmer climates, Zones 5-9.
   • Best planted in early spring.
8. Pear Trees (Pyrus)
   • Similar to apples in terms of cold hardiness.
   • Suitable for Zones 4-9.
   • Plant in early spring or fall.
9. Fuyu Persimmon Trees (Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’)
   • Suitable for Zones 7-10. Can also do well in Zone 6 with proper winter care.
   • Planting is best in early spring after the last frost, but in warmer climates, fall planting is also acceptable.
     See also, our article on Fuyu Persimmons. They’re our favorites to grow!
10. Pomegranate Trees (Punica granatum)
    • Prefer Zones 7-10.
    • Plant in late winter or early spring.
11. Plum Trees (Prunus domestica)
    • Suitable for Zones 5-9.
    • Plant in early spring.

You may also be interested in our article on how to plant a tree, or this one on the easiest fruit trees to grow.

In Summary

The best time to plant fruit trees can also vary based on the local micro climates, the specific variety of tree, and other factors.

These are general guidelines, or your overall planning purposes. Within these categories, there are multiple varieties with slightly different requirements. For instance, some apple varieties are more cold-hardy than others.

The nursery where you purchase your plants can provide the best timing for the specific variety of plant. Beyond that, it’s always a good idea to consult with a local nursery or agricultural extension service for the most accurate planting advice for your local climate and soil conditions.

Good luck and wishing you healthy trees and abundant fruit harvests❣️🙏🏼🍎