16 Virginia Fruit Trees That Produce Bountiful Harvests

Growing fruit trees in Virginia can be the best activity to spend in the summer, mainly if they can produce a bountiful harvest. It will feel like all your effort to plant those Virginia fruit trees paid off. However, we understand that maintenance is an important thing to consider before planting the Virginia fruit trees.

Luckily, some of the best fruit trees grow and adapt well to the Virginia climate. Some of them are, for example, apple, apricot, cherry, fig, peach, pear, persimmon, and several edible berries. Due to this fact, you can easily grow them in your garden and enjoy the fruits in the summer through fall.

Besides those Virginia fruit trees mentioned, we have compiled other best fruit trees below. Let’s dive in!

1. Apple Trees

Suppose you are looking for Virginia fruit trees to grow in your backyard with abundant fruits. In that case, Apple trees will be your ultimate choice. This popular fruit tree will provide you with delicious red apples that help you fulfill your daily needs for vitamin A.

Its crunchy texture and edible skin make them easier and safe to eat raw. But don’t forget to wash them before eating.

virginia fruit trees
Apple Trees

As a cold-season fruit tree, it thrives in low temperatures. On the other hand, it needs full sun exposure. Therefore, choosing higher planting areas is crucial to ensure preferable weather conditions. In addition, apple trees need well-drained and fertile soil to grow. Protection from frosts is also necessary to prevent blossom damage.

2. Apricot Trees

At first glance, apricot fruits have a physical resemblance to peaches. And in fact, they belong to the stone fruits family, bearing fruit with vibrant orange to red skin color against jade green foliage. Due to its deciduous habit, it will lose the leaves in the fall to save water needs during the season.

Additionally, the fruits have a tart taste rather than sweet like peaches.

virginia fruit trees
Apricot Trees

Among the most popular fruit trees, the Apricot tree is the one that will need extra effort to grow. This fruit tree is prone to pests (mites, borers, aphids) and diseases (bacterial and virus). If you want to challenge yourself by planting an apricot tree, prepare a large area with total sun exposure to allow the tree growth.

3. Asian Pear Trees

Pyrus pyrifolia, or Asian Pear Tree, is one of the best fruit trees that grow in Virginia. The striking characteristic that makes Asian Pear Trees different from regular pear trees is the round shape of the fruit with small dots on the surface of the copper-colored skin. But the taste is no less sweet and juicy than pears in general.

You can harvest them anytime between August to October.

virginia fruit trees
Asian Pear Trees

Furthermore, the tree size, which only reaches 3-6 meters, makes it easy to maintain. And since it belongs to hardy Virginia fruit trees, they need cold temperatures in their early 40-70 days (around 45’C) and well-drained, medium-rich soil to thrive. Any temperature above this range can inhibit the blossoms production. It also requires summer heat to develop the pears.

4. Bartlett Pear Trees

It is one of the pear cultivars that is widely cultivated throughout the states and Canada. Unlike the previous one, Bartlett Pears have an elongated shape that is wide at the end and narrow at the end of the stem to a quarter to the middle.

The fruit flesh is fresh and rich in water with stone cells or grit, which is its trademark.

virginia fruit trees
Bartlett Pear Trees

Similar to other fruits mentioned, an area with full sun exposure is necessary to plant pear trees as it needs at least six hours of sun per day. They also favor deep, heavy, slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil to thrive. You can plant them in other soil types but may expect lesser fruit production.

In addition, it does not tolerate salt and is not drought-tolerant. 

5. Black Cherry Trees

Known as wild cherry, Prunus serotina or Black Cherry Trees usually grow in woodland, open woods, and canyons. From late spring to early summer, this fruit tree displays long clusters of tiny white flowers that wrap the branches beautifully for 2-3 weeks.

After that, they produce fruits around mid-April to late July.

virginia fruit trees
Black Cherry Trees

Most cherry trees start to bear fruits in their fifth to the tenth year of life. Considering their natural habitat, they favor deep, fertile, moist soils yet tolerate sandy and dry ones. Fortunately, these drought-tolerant Virginia fruit trees are not picky about the lighting levels.

They do well in total sun to partial shade but do not withstand full shade.

6. Cherry Trees

You must be familiar with the beauty of cherry tree flowers that bloom in spring. Its soft pink flowers captivate every eye that looks at it. In addition to the flowers, Cherry Trees are also famous for their red cherries, which have a sweet taste and hint of sourness.

They will be ready to collect in mid-spring to mid-summer.

virginia fruit trees
Black Cherry Trees

Since they do not like shallow and dry sites, deep, fertile, slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil is necessary to grow this fruit tree in your garden. Having small feeder roots, you can plant them near the fence or wall without worrying that they will damage the pavings. Avoid growing them under a taller shade tree as they need at least 6 hours of sun exposure per day.

7. Crab Apple Trees

What comes to your mind when you hear about the Crabapple Tree? Indeed you think that they are no different from regular apples. But actually, they are different in size. Crabapple Trees produce fruit with a diameter two inches smaller than ‘legit’ apples on the market.

Nonetheless, the texture and taste are relatively similar.

virginia fruit trees
Crab Apple Trees

If you are interested in planting Crabapple Trees, prepare a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily with wide space to allow their growth. They also require moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In addition, you can taste the sweetness and crispness of crabapple fruits from September to November.

8. Elderberry Trees

Sambucus canadensis has various common names, like American Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Black Elder, and many more. It is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub that produces elderberry blossoms which will later turn into tasty wild blackberries in the fruiting season.

Nonetheless, you must cook them first due to the small amount of cyanine that may be poisonous. They are usually processed into jellies, jams, and elderberry wine, while they are eaten raw by birds.

virginia fruit trees
Elderberry Trees

Despite belonging to edible wild plants for food, American Elderberry is also broadly used as a natural remedy by native Americans. Considering those amazing qualities, it is no doubt that this edible plant is popular to grow. This sun-loving shrub tolerates part shade and prefers rich, moist, and slightly acidic soil. It is also a drought-tolerant tree!

In addition, hard pruning is necessary to keep the best foliage. 

9. Fig Trees

Despite not being native to North America, the figure grows well in most states, including Virginia. This fruit belongs to the Moraceae family and features deep purple skin when ripening. Interestingly, it has been cultivated in ancient times as a fruit-producing plant and one of the most stunning ornamental trees.

virginia trees
Fig Tree

Regarding its growing conditions, fig trees prefer to grow in spring or early fall when the full sun is not too hot, thus avoiding scorching leaves. This fruit tree is also not fussy about the soil, as long as it is well-drained and rich in organic matter. You only need to prepare planting holes 20 feet away from other trees and buildings.

10. Gooseberry Trees

Ribes uva-crispa or Gooseberry has a grape-like shape. It’s just that they have a skin color of green, golden, to reddish green, depending on the cultivar. The flesh is quite juicy, apparent, and slightly cloudy, with seeds in the middle. Also, the taste is similar to a grape with tart and sour that follows after sweetness.

Serviceberry Tree
Green Gooseberry Trees

In case you want to grow Gooseberry, you must know their growing conditions. Despite not being fussy about the soil, it prefers moist, well-drained soil in a sunny site as the adequate light will help them produce sweeter berries. Besides the garden or backyard, Gooseberry can easily plant in medium to large containers with soil-based compost.

11. Mulberry Trees

People sometimes confuse mulberry and blackberry because they have similar colors and shapes. However, mulberries have more oval and larger shapes, while blackberries have round shapes. Additionally, the ripe color of mulberry is deeper red to purple.

On the other hand, blackberries tend to feature deep purple to black color when their berries are ripe.

Serviceberry Tree
Fresh Mulberry Tree

Before planting Mulberry Trees, prepare the soil in your garden. Any soil type is acceptable as long as deep, moist, and well-drained soil. Even though they prefer the sun, they still tolerate light shade. Moreover, the best time to grow Mulberry Trees is in spring. Stake the trees on the ground to prevent wind rocks.

12. Nectarine Trees

Nectarine trees are similar to apricot and peach, belonging to the stone fruits family. However, nectarine fruits do not have hairy skin, while fuzzy and velvety surfaces characterize peaches. Regarding the sensory properties, both fruits share the sweetness and delicate fragrant aroma when ripe.

They are also nutritious, making them one of the most popular Virginia fruit trees worth planting.

Serviceberry Tree
Sweet Nectarines On Tree

How to plant nectarine trees in Virginia? Make sure you have an area with sandy, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If you don’t, prepare a container with fertile sandy soil or potting mix. Since it loves full sun, a location with a minimum of 6 hours of sun exposure is preferable. You can also choose the south-facing area to ensure the lighting conditions for your nectarine trees.

13. Peach Trees

The reddish-orange skin makes peaches often mistaken for apples. Though if you take a closer look, they are different. Compared to an apple, the skin of a peach is velvety and has a round shape that slightly resembles a heart. The scent is even more fragrant and delicate, while the apple doesn’t smell like before you peel off the skin.

Serviceberry Tree
Peach Trees

However, both fruits share similarities in terms of growing requirements. Peach trees require direct full sun for at least eight hours to produce fruits. It also prefers fertile, well-drained soil. The tree will show its best performance in a climate with hot summer and mild winter. Hence, it is one of the best fruits to grow in Virginia.

14. Persimmon Trees

A famous fruit tree in Korea, the persimmon trees, are also one of the fruit-bearing trees that are included in the category of best fruit trees to grow in Virginia. They produce striking orange fruits with a sweet taste like honey, soft texture, and an appetizing aroma.

Besides being eaten fresh, you can cook candied persimmon, which is famous in ginseng.

Serviceberry Tree
The Persimmon Fruit Trees

Due to their deep root systems, they require a deeper planting hole compared to other Virginia fruit trees. They also prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in a location full of sun or light shade. Furthermore, you can harvest their tasty fruits between September and November in autumn.

15. Plum Trees

Because of its sweet taste and slightly sour touch, plum juice has recently become popular. Suppose you are a fan of plum juice and want to make your own; you better grow plum trees in your garden. This stone fruit is hardy compared to its fellow stone family, so don’t worry about its maintenance.

Serviceberry Tree
Plum Trees

They need an area of full sun with deep, fertile, well-draining soil to grow well. Despite loving good drainage, it tolerates wet soil better than other stone fruits. However, waterlogging is not acceptable since it can trigger root rot. Also, avoid a location with strong winds if you don’t want to lose your precious plum fruits.

16. Serviceberry Trees

Amelanchier canadensis or serviceberry belongs to tall shrubs and small trees based on its growing habit. It can even reach up to 30 feet tall. This attractive tree has fragrant white flowers which grow early, followed by young bronze leaves with tiny soft hairs. As it grows older, serviceberry produces reddish-purple edible berries ready for harvest in late summer to fall.

Serviceberry Tree
Serviceberry Tree

In case you want to plant this tree, prepare dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil conditions. You do not have to worry about lighting levels as it can live under the sun, part shade, and shade. Due to its wonderful features, it is prone to pests and diseases even though it is not life-threatening to the plant.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What fruit is native to Virginia?

Lowbush Blueberry is a low-growing shrub native to Northern Virginia. It produces small edible berries with candy-sweet, strong blueberry flavor. Besides Virginia, this fruit-bearing shrub is also native to Northeastern states in the U.S.

Can you grow a peach tree in Virginia?

Despite not being a native to Virginia, the peach tree is one of the popular Virginia fruit trees you can grow in the garden. They are ready to harvest in the summer, particularly in late June through August. However, you will need to wait for young peach trees for up to two years before they bear fruit.

What fruit grows well in Virginia?

Several Virginia fruit trees grow well in the state, for example, persimmon, cherry, plum, peach, apple, pear, and some berries. In addition, most fruit trees that grow in Virginia have excellent adaptation to cold temperatures. Thus, you don’t have to worry about their maintenance.

Do apricots grow in Virginia?

Apricots grow in Virginia, especially in the summer. This fruit tree tolerates the heat, and humidity Virginia offers during the season. Despite the hot weather, it will produce fruit for you to enjoy.

Unfortunately, the apricot tree is one of the most challenging Virginia fruit trees to grow since it is susceptible to pests and diseases. But, it is worth the effort once the tree starts blooming and produces fruits.

Do pomegranate trees grow in Virginia?

Pomegranate trees are not commonly grown in Virginia due to the cold climate. They generally thrive in states with dry zones, such as California and Arizona. You can also find these hardy trees in Texas, Louisiana, Utah, Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama.

However, one pomegranate cultivar can cope with Virginia’s cold and humid weather well, the Punica granatum ‘Judai Zakuro.’ It has a green color with a pink touch on the skin. The taste is less sweet than the regular pomegranate.

Can you grow tropical fruit in Virginia?

Due to the cold climate, you may wonder whether Virginia is the right state to plant tropical fruits or not. Surprisingly, you can grow some tropical fruits in Virginia!

Some tropical fruits that may thrive in Virginia’s climate are dragon fruits, longan, wax jambu, guava, mango, and sapodillas. Nonetheless, you must pay extra attention to the temperatures, structure, soil, and water to ensure they thrive.

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