Fruit Trees That Grow in Nebraska

Spring is in the air in the Cornhusker State, and it’s time to think about planting some fruit trees for a bountiful harvest. Nebraska presents ideal growing conditions for many species of fruit trees. This post covers the most popular fruit trees that grow in Nebraska to plant on your property.

Fruit Trees That Grow in Nebraska

#1 Pear Trees

Pears are a great choice for your orchard. However, they’re susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that damages the fruit and may kill the tree. Plant cultivars like Luscious, Moonglow, Magness, and Harrow Sweet are fire blight resistant and grow best when cross-pollinated. Plant three or more pear trees together to maximize pollination benefits.

#2 Plum Trees

European cultivars do better in the Nebraskan climate than Japanese varieties, so the variety you choose matters. These fruit trees also require cross-pollination and are susceptible to developing black knot disease, which is challenging to control once established.

#3 Berry Trees

Elderberries and buffaloberries are native to Nebraska. While blueberries can be grown, these berry plants require more careful maintenance and soil modification. Plant blueberries away from larger trees to ensure they receive sufficient sunlight. Mulberry trees are another great choice for Nebraska orchards.

#4 Apricot Trees

Frost makes growing apricots more challenging in Nebraska because they bloom in early spring. Still, they provide a good windbreak for the garden and are self-pollinating. Apricot trees may experience brown rot disease, but in most cases, they remain healthy and produce fruit without problems.

#5 Apple Trees

Apple trees are the most popular and favorite fruit option for Nebraskan home gardens and orchards. Several varieties grow successfully, with ripening times that vary throughout the season. Look for cultivars resistant to diseases such as apple scab.

It’s best to plant two or more varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Enterprise, Liberty, and Freedom cultivars are strong choices, offering resistance to apple scab and cedar-apple rust.

#6 Tart Cherry Trees

Tart cherry varieties are the better choice to plant in Nebraska. They self-fruit and don’t require cross-pollination. The best cultivars include North Star, Montmorency, and Balaton. Bush cherry varieties include Crimson Passion, Carmine Jewel, Juliet and Romeo.

Tips for Selecting the Right Fruit Trees for Nebraska Landscapes

Keep these tips in mind when planning your orchard.

Location

The growth of your fruit trees depends on their access to sunlight. Each tree should receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the trees have enough space between them to prevent shading. Avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets. Avoid planting early-blooming fruit trees, such as apricots, on south-facing slopes where frost can damage buds.

Harvesting

The number of trees you plant directly affects how much fruit you harvest. On average, one apple tree can produce 150 to 200 pounds of apples. Be prepared with storage and canning equipment or consider selling the extra fruit locally. Avoid letting fruit rot on the ground since it attracts pests and diseases.

Pests and Diseases on Fruit Trees

Select disease-resistant cultivars whenever possible. Develop a proper insecticide and fungicide spray program to keep your trees healthy and prevent infestation. For apple trees, avoid planting near cedar trees within two miles or opt for resistant cultivars to protect against cedar-apple rust.

If you aim to grow high-quality fruit, you’ll need to spray the trees frequently during the growing season to avoid diseases and pests. If you’re planting resistant cultivars, you can omit the spray schedule.

Nebraska Tree Facts

When building your orchard, consider pairing native and hardy cultivars with disease-resistant varieties. Understanding what the growing zone in Omaha, Nebraska, is (USDA Zone 5b, with parts of eastern Nebraska in Zone 5a) will help determine which options thrive in your specific region. Also, remember, the Nebraska state tree is the Eastern Cottonwood, a native species celebrated for its resilience.

Learn more: Fruit Trees Care

Fruit Trees in Nebraska Make A Great Addition to Your Landscape

Fruit trees are a valuable addition to your property. While they require seasonal care such as pruning, spraying, and disease control, they consistently offer beauty, shade, and delicious harvests year after year.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What fruit trees grow best in Nebraska?

Apple, tart cherry, pear, plum, apricot, mulberry, elderberry, and buffalo berry trees do especially well in Nebraska’s climate.

What growing zone is Omaha, Nebraska?

Omaha is in USDA Zone 5b, with surrounding areas also in 5a, which guides which fruit trees will thrive.

What is Nebraska’s state tree?

The Nebraska state tree is the Eastern Cottonwood.

Do fruit trees in Nebraska need cross-pollination?

Many fruit trees, such as pears, plums, and apples, require cross-pollination for the best yield. Tart cherries and apricots, however, are self-pollinating.

What pests and diseases affect Nebraska fruit trees the most?

Common issues include cedar-apple rust, fire blight, brown rot, and black knot disease. Planting resistant varieties and following proper spray programs can reduce risks.

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