Thinking of planting fruit trees or berry bushes? Your chances of success have a lot to do with which fruits you choose to grow. Many garden centers in our area currently have fruit and berry plants for sale. Before you rush in to buy, take the time to plan ahead to ensure the money you spend is not wasted.
WHAT YOU CAN GROW
Many types of fruits and berries can be realistically grown in home landscapes in southeastern North Carolina. In order from easiest to most challenging, these include: blackberries, figs, rabbiteye blueberries, Asian persimmon, muscadine grapes, hardy kiwifruit, strawberries, pears, plums, apples, peaches and nectarines. If you are looking for plants that will serve two purposes, try loquat, pineapple guava, or pomegranate, all of which are commonly grown as ornamentals but will occasionally produce fruit as well.
Other fruits are less realistic. Cherries, bunch grapes, raspberries, and apricots are nearly impossible to keep alive for more than a few years because of our hot summers and erratic springs. Citrus trees are not hardy enough to survive the winter outside but can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during winter months. Bananas will grow in our area as an ornamental plant, but our growing season is too short to allow fruit production.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SPACE
Most fruit trees and berry plants do not take up a tremendous amount of space, but they do need to be planted in the right conditions. All fruits must be grown in well drained soil, and will quickly die if planted in areas where water ponds for any length of time. Sun is also essential. Most fruit plants need at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day, though more is better. In addition, all fruits except blueberries need to grow in soil that is not too acidic – for most a pH around 6.5 is ideal. If your pH is too low, you will need to work lime into the soil before planting. Have your pH tested before planting by bringing soil samples to your local Extension office.
