14 Types of Fruit Trees That Will Grow In Your Arizona Yard

Are you ready to discover the best fruit trees for your Arizona yard or property? This guide provides all you need to know for making the perfect choice, whether you’re in dynamic Phoenix, peaceful Tucson, or out in the desert. Let’s dive in, and pick the right trees to enrich your Arizona oasis.

What Fruit Trees Can You Grow in Your Arizona Yard?

Citrus Trees like Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Grapefruit, and Oranges are among the easiest and fastest to produce in Arizona’s climate.

Next, we have a variety of stone fruits and others that thrive well: Persimmon Trees (Fuyu), Apple Trees (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Anna), Asian Pear Trees (Hosui, 20th Century, Shinseiki), Apricot/Plum Trees (Blenheim, Gold Kist, Santa Rosa, Methley), and Peach/Nectarine Trees (Babcock Peach, Double Delight, Snow Queen). Adding diversity to the list are Jujube Trees (Li, Lang), Fig Trees (Brown Turkey, Black Mission, Kadota), and Grapes (Ruby Seedless, Flame Seedless).

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these fruit trees, understanding their specific needs and how they can flourish in your Arizona yard.

Citrus Trees (Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Grapefruit, Oranges)

Citrus trees are well-suited for growth in Arizona, particularly in the largely frost-free low deserts of the state. The Phoenix area, in particular, has a history of successful citrus cultivation 1. Citrus trees, including varieties such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and mandarins, thrive in Arizona’s climate. They are typically easy to cultivate, although they require more water than standard desert landscape plants. Key points for growing citrus trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Arizona is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 4, with some lower-level regions being Hardiness Zone 5 to 10. This makes it suitable for growing a variety of citrus trees.

Years to Produce: Citrus trees generally start producing fruit in 3-6 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Citrus trees prefer well-draining soil. They are adaptable but perform best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Water Requirements: Citrus trees need regular and deep watering, especially during the hot, dry months. They require more water than typical desert landscape plants but less frequent watering than other fruit trees.

Persimmon Trees (Fuyu)

Persimmon trees, known for their sweet, non-astringent fruit, are a versatile and hardy choice for Arizona’s diverse landscapes. From the low deserts to higher elevations, these trees adapt well across a range of climates.While they may take some time to start fruiting, their tolerance for various soil types and minimal fertilization needs make them a low-maintenance yet rewarding addition to any Arizona yard.

Key points for growing persimmon trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Oriental persimmons (Diospyros kaki) can be grown in Arizona from the deserts up to higher elevations where temperatures do not go below 10 degrees F. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Years to Produce: Persimmon trees may take 7 years to begin bearing fruit.

Ideal Soil Conditions: They tolerate a variety of soils but perform better in well-drained soil.

Water Requirements: Persimmon trees require little or no fertilization and should produce about one foot of leader growth per year when young. They need regular watering, especially in dry conditions.

Need a tree trimmed, pruned, or removed?

Apple Trees (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Anna)

Apple trees, including popular varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Anna, are well-suited for Arizona’s climate, particularly in higher elevation areas.

Key points for growing apple trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Apple trees thrive in USDA zones 5-8, making them suitable for the cooler, higher elevation areas of Arizona.

Years to Produce: These trees typically begin producing fruit within 2-4 years after planting.

Ideal Soil Conditions: They prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential, especially during the hot, dry summer months.

Asian Pear Trees (Hosui, 20th Century, Shinseiki)

Asian pear trees, including the Hosui, 20th Century, and Shinseiki varieties, are a delightful choice for Arizona gardens. These trees are known for producing crisp, juicy fruits that are a cross between apples and traditional pears in texture and taste.

Key points for growing asian pear trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone:Asian pear trees are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making them a good fit for many areas in Arizona. 2

Years to Produce:These trees can take between three to five years to begin producing fruit after propagation.

Ideal Soil Conditions:Asian pear trees prefer well-draining, loamy soil. They are adaptable to a range of soil types but thrive best in soil that provides good drainage.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential, especially during the initial growth phase. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from consistent moisture for optimal fruit production.

Apricot (Blenheim, Gold Kist)

Apricot trees, particularly the Blenheim and Gold Kist varieties, are excellently suited to Arizona’s climate. These trees are known for their incredibly sweet fruit, which benefits greatly from the state’s intense sunlight.

Key points for growing apricot trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: These trees can be grown throughout Arizona, adapting well to its varied climate zones.

Years to Produce: Typically, these trees start producing fruit within a few years after planting.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Well-draining soil is essential for these trees. They thrive in soil that retains moisture but allows excess water to drain away.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. However, it’s important to avoid over-watering.

Jujube Trees (Li, Lang)

Jujube trees, particularly the Li and Lang varieties, are a resilient choice for Arizona’s varied climate. These trees are known for their adaptability to temperature extremes and their ability to thrive in well-drained, sandy soils.

Key points for growing jujube trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Jujube trees are suitable for USDA zones 5-9, with average winter minimum temperatures between -5° F (zone 6) and -15° F (zone 5) being the likely hardiness limits. They have survived temperatures as low as -25° F 3 .

Years to Produce: Information on the specific years to produce fruit for these varieties is not readily available, but jujube trees typically bear fruit within 2-3 years after planting.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Jujube trees prefer well-drained, sandy soil and are not particular about soil pH. They do not tolerate heavy clay or poorly drained soils well 4

Water Requirements: Jujube trees are drought tolerant but require regular deep watering to establish a deep root system. They should be watered once or twice a week, depending on weather and soil drainage, with a slow trickle feed for 40 to 50 minutes 5

Fig Trees (Brown Turkey, Black Mission, Kadota)

The most successful fig tree varieties for Arizona include Brown Turkey, Black Mission, and Kadota.

Brown Turkey Fig Tree: This variety is among the most popular figs in the U.S., including Arizona. It has two annual fruit harvesting seasons and is self-pollinating, meaning you can plant just one tree. They grow best near a south or west-facing wall to absorb the heat they require 6.

Black Mission Fig Tree: The Black Mission fig tree is well-suited for Arizona’s climate due to its preference for full sun and hot environments. It’s a “low chill” variety, needing about 100 hours of low temperatures during the winter, making it a good fit for Arizona. These trees begin producing figs faster than most other varieties. 6

Kadota Fig Tree: Kadota figs, commonly found in grocery stores, thrive in Arizona’s climate. They have a greenish-yellow exterior and a brownish-red interior, ripening best with plenty of direct sunlight. These trees are pest-resistant and low-maintenance, requiring regular watering, especially during high heat periods 7.

Key points for growing fig trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Fig trees are suitable for Arizona’s climate, which includes USDA zones 7, 8, and 9.

Years to Produce: A fig tree can take more than 3 years to produce a viable crop.

Ideal Soil Conditions: They prefer well-draining soil, with sandy soils being ideal.

Water Requirements: In Arizona’s summer heat, fig trees need watering every 3 to 5 days, more often during extreme heat. They require deep watering to a depth of 3 feet each time.

Grapes (Ruby Seedless, Flame Seedless)

Ruby Seedless and Flame Seedles grape varieties are well-suited for Arizona’s climate. They thrive in the warm temperatures and can produce abundant fruit in the right conditions.

Key points for growing grapes in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Most of Arizona falls within USDA zones 5-10, which are suitable for growing these grapes.

Years to Produce: Grapevines can start producing fruit in their second or third year after planting.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Grapes prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. They can tolerate a range of soil types but thrive in loamy soil.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential, especially during the first few years of growth. Once established, grapevines are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from consistent moisture during the growing season.

Pomegranate Trees (Wonderful, A.C. Sweet, Desertnyi)

Pomegranate trees, particularly varieties like Wonderful, A.C. Sweet, and Desertnyi, are well-suited for Arizona’s climate. These trees are known for their beautiful, bright red fruits and are a popular choice for yards and home gardens.

Key points for growing pomegranate trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Pomegranate trees thrive in USDA zones 7-10, making them suitable for many areas in Arizona.

Years to Produce: Pomegranate trees typically start producing fruit in 1-3 years.

Ideal Soil Conditions: They prefer alkaline soil with a pH up to 7.5. Adding a small amount of limestone or garden lime to the soil can be beneficial.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential, especially during the initial growth phase and in dry conditions.

Peaches

Peach trees are a popular choice for Arizona yards and gardens, offering a variety of types suited to the state’s climate.Popular varieties include Desert Gold, Donut, Tropic Beauty, Santa Barbara, Red Baron, Bonita, and Kaweah, each offering unique flavors and growth characteristics.

Key points for growing peach trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: 5-9, ideal for Arizona’s varying climates.

Years to Produce: Begin bearing fruit in 2-4 years.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Water Requirements: Regular watering, especially during fruit development.

Nectarines

Nectarine trees are an excellent fit for Arizona’s warm climate, especially in regions with low-chill requirements. Their stunning spring blossoms and attractive summer fruit make them a visually appealing addition to any landscape.

Key points for growing nectarine trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Suitable for Arizona’s climate, particularly in areas with low-chill requirements.

Years to Produce: Information not specified, but planting is recommended in spring after the last frost.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Adaptable to Arizona’s soil conditions, with a preference for well-draining soil.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential, especially in the initial growth phase and during dry periods.

Plums

In Arizona, several varieties of plum trees are a popular choice due to their hardiness and ability to thrive in the state’s climate. Some of these include:

Santa Rosa Plum: This variety is well-known for its juicy, sweet fruit with a slightly tangy skin. It’s a self-pollinating variety, making it a great choice for gardens where space for multiple trees is limited.

Burgundy Plum: Known for its deep red, almost burgundy-colored skin and flesh, this plum variety offers a sweet flavor and is also self-fertile.

Satsuma Plum: This variety is cherished for its sweet, red flesh and good resistance to heat, making it a suitable choice for Arizona’s warmer regions.

Beauty Plum: A popular early-season variety, the Beauty plum has red skin and yellow flesh, known for its delicious, sweet flavor.

Methley Plum: This is another self-pollinating variety that does well in Arizona. It produces juicy, sweet fruit that’s great for fresh eating.

Key points for growing plum trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Thrives in Arizona’s sunny climate, especially in areas with mild winters.

Years to Produce: Typically starts bearing fruit within a few years. Plant in spring for best results.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Loves Arizona’s native soil, but happiest in well-draining ground.

Water Requirements: Needs a good drink regularly, especially when young and during dry spells.

Apricots

Apricots are a delightful addition to any Arizona yard, offering both beauty and delicious fruit.

Key points for growing apricot trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Apricots flourish in Arizona’s warm zones, enjoying the ample sunshine.

Years to Produce: Expect fruit in about 3-5 years, a bit of patience pays off with sweet rewards.

Ideal Soil Conditions: Adapts well to local soil; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Water Requirements: Regular watering is key, especially in the hotter months and during the tree’s early years.

Pears

Popular pear varieties for Arizona include Anjou, Bartlett, and Baldwin. Anjou pears are known for their large, sweet fruits and can be stored for up to six months, making them a great choice for extended enjoyment. Bartlett pears, also known as ‘Williams’ in Europe, are famous for their buttery, smooth texture and are ideal for fresh eating and canning. Baldwin pears are appreciated for their attractive, oblong fruit and sweet, semi-firm flesh, suitable for various culinary uses.

Key points for growing pear trees in Arizona:

Planting Zone: Pears generally thrive in USDA zones 5 to 9, making them suitable for many areas in Arizona.

Years to Produce: Pear trees typically start bearing fruit 4 to 6 years after planting.