The Best Fruits to Grow in Central Texas

Central Texas offers a wide range of fruit-growing opportunities thanks to its long growing season, warm climate, and mild winters. However, success depends on choosing varieties that thrive in the region’s heat, occasional freezes, and variable chill hours. This guide highlights the most reliable and productive fruit trees, vines, and bushes for Central Texas backyards—especially those recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for Travis and Williamson Counties.

Understanding Chill Hours and Central Texas Climate

What Are Chill Hours?

Fruit trees that go dormant in winter—like apples, peaches, plums, and pears—rely on a specific number of chill hours to break dormancy and produce blooms in spring. Chill hours are the total number of hours between 32°F and 45°F that a plant experiences during its winter rest period. If a tree doesn’t get enough chill hours, it may have delayed or uneven blooming, poor fruit set, or no fruit at all.

In Central Texas, average chill hours range between 400 and 600, depending on elevation and exact location. For example, the Austin metro area often sees closer to 500 hours, while areas slightly north or west may see more. This is why low-chill varieties are so important here. When selecting fruit trees, always match the variety’s chill requirement to your area’s average to ensure reliable flowering and fruiting.

It's also worth noting that in unusually warm winters, even varieties with lower chill hour requirements may struggle to bloom properly—so planting a mix of types or including evergreen fruits like figs, citrus, or pomegranates can help diversify your harvest and reduce risk.

Microclimates and Site Selection

Microclimates—small pockets of different environmental conditions—play a big role in the success of backyard fruit production in Central Texas. Even within the same yard, one side of a home may be significantly warmer or more sheltered than another.

For the healthiest and most productive fruit plants:

Sunlight is key: Choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.
Air circulation: Avoid low spots or enclosed corners where cold air or humidity can settle—these areas are more prone to disease and freeze damage.
Soil drainage: Fruit trees do not like "wet feet." Heavy clay soils, common in the region, often need to be amended or mounded to ensure good drainage.
Protection from wind and cold: Place cold-sensitive trees (like citrus or bananas) near walls that retain and reflect heat, especially south- and southeast-facing ones. These locations offer added warmth in winter and help shield trees from cold north winds.
Container gardening: For the most tender fruits, like kumquats or Meyer lemons, growing in containers allows you to bring them indoors or into a greenhouse during hard freezes.

Choosing the right planting site and understanding how your yard behaves through the seasons will go a long way in setting your fruit trees up for long-term success.

Top Fruit Trees for Central Texas

Apples

Apples can be grown in Central Texas if you select varieties with low chill hour requirements and provide good drainage. While they typically prefer cooler climates, certain cultivars perform well here with a little care.

Best varieties: ‘Anna’ (400 hrs), ‘Mollie’s Delicious’ (450 hrs), ‘Pink Lady’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Gala’, ‘Mutsu’ (all around 600 hrs)
For a reliable harvest, plant at least two varieties with overlapping bloom times to ensure cross-pollination. ‘Anna’ and ‘Dorsett Golden’ are often paired together, but many of the listed varieties will cross-pollinate successfully.

Peaches

Peaches are one of the most rewarding fruits for Central Texas gardeners. They love the summer heat, but their success depends on proper variety selection, pruning, and thinning.

Recommended types: ‘Texstar’, ‘TexPrince’, ‘Harvester’, ‘La Feliciana’, ‘Dixiland’
Choose freestone varieties for easy pitting. Peaches need annual winter pruning to maintain shape and productivity, plus fruit thinning in spring to encourage large, juicy fruit. Most varieties require 450–750 chill hours.

Plums

Plums are well suited to Central Texas, particularly Japanese varieties, which are more tolerant of our climate. They are relatively easy to grow but usually require a pollinator partner.

Varieties that thrive: ‘Methley’ (self-fruitful), ‘Bruce’, ‘Santa Rosa’
Choose two compatible varieties for cross-pollination and more consistent yields.

Pears

Pears are more disease-resistant than apples and peaches, especially when you choose the right types. Asian pears offer crisp texture and sweetness, while European hybrids offer soft, juicy fruit.

Asian types: ‘Shinseiki’, ‘Hosui’, ‘Shinko’
European and hybrid types: ‘Fan-Stil’, ‘Moonglow’, ‘Kieffer’, ‘Orient’
When growing pears in Central Texas, it’s important to choose fire blight-resistant varieties, particularly for European types. Most pears also benefit from a second variety for improved pollination.

Persimmons

Persimmons are a low-maintenance, beautiful addition to any yard. They are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ornamental, with glossy foliage and vibrant orange fruit in fall.

Astringent types: ‘Eureka’, ‘Hachiya’, ‘Saijo’
Non-astringent types: ‘Fuyu’, ‘Ichikikei Jiro’.
- Non-astringent types can be eaten while firm and are great for fresh eating, while astringent types must soften fully to become sweet. All listed varieties are self-pollinating.

Figs

Figs are a classic Southern fruit that performs extremely well in Central Texas. They are heat-tolerant, adaptable to many soil types, and rarely bothered by pests.

Top varieties: ‘Celeste’, ‘Alma’, ‘LSU Purple’, ‘Texas Everbearing’ (also known as Brown Turkey)
Plant figs in full sun with good drainage, and consider light winter protection for younger trees. Figs do not need cross-pollination.

Pomegranates

Originally from arid regions, pomegranates are perfectly suited to Central Texas heat and drought. Their glossy foliage, red blooms, and juicy fruit make them both ornamental and edible.

Best choices: ‘Wonderful’, ‘Russian 18’, ‘Parfianka’, ‘Pink Satin’.
These varieties are known for cold tolerance, rich flavor, and productive yields. Pomegranates are self-fruitful, though multiple trees can improve yield slightly.

Jujubes

If you're looking for the ultimate low-maintenance fruit tree, jujubes are hard to beat. They thrive in poor soils, need very little water once established, and produce fruit even in tough conditions.

Top picks: ‘Li’, ‘Lang’, ‘Honey Jar’, ‘Shanxi Li’
Jujubes produce small, crisp fruits similar to dates or apples, and most varieties are self-pollinating. They’re a fantastic choice for new gardeners or those seeking drought resilience.

Citrus (with protection)

Citrus trees can flourish in Central Texas with some extra care—especially in containers that can be moved indoors during hard freezes. Choose varieties bred for cold hardiness and plant them in protected, sunny locations.

Best suited varieties:

Lemons: ‘Improved Meyer Lemon’ (sweet and cold-tolerant)
Mandarins/Satsumas: ‘Miho’, ‘Seto’, ‘Owari’, ‘Orange Frost’, ‘Arctic Frost’
Kumquats: ‘Nagami’, ‘Meiwa’Container-grown citrus will perform well on patios or porches as long as they receive 6–8 hours of sun, regular watering, and protection below 28°F. Many are self-fruitful.

Small Fruits and Berries That Thrive in Central Texas

Blackberries

Blackberries are one of the easiest and most rewarding fruits to grow in Central Texas. They’re heat-tolerant, adaptable to various soil types, and come in both thorny and thornless varieties to suit your preference.

Recommended varieties:

‘Natchez’ – Early ripening, thornless, large fruit with good flavor.
‘Arapaho’ – Thornless and erect; produces sweet berries early in the season.
‘Rosborough’ – A Texas favorite; thorny but exceptionally vigorous and productive.
‘Kiowa’ – Thorny and produces exceptionally large fruit over a long season.

Plant blackberries in full sun with well-drained soil and space them 3–4 feet apart. They typically produce fruit in their second year and benefit from annual pruning to remove old canes and encourage new growth. Trellising is optional but helpful for thornless and trailing types.

Grapes

Grapes are well adapted to Central Texas, particularly varieties that are resistant to common fungal diseases like Pierce’s Disease. With proper care, you can enjoy bountiful harvests of sweet or wine-worthy fruit.

Top varieties for the region:

‘Black Spanish’ (Le Noir) – Excellent disease resistance, ideal for wine and juice.
‘Champanel’ – Easy to grow, vigorous, and very disease resistant; great for juice.
‘Victoria Red’ – Table grape that produces large, sweet red fruit; good disease tolerance.
‘Blanc du Bois’ – White grape commonly used for winemaking; performs well in heat and humidity.

Grapes need a strong trellis system, full sun, and good airflow to minimize disease. Prune vines in winter to promote healthy growth and fruit production the following year.

Strawberries

Strawberries are grown as cool-season annuals in Central Texas. Fall planting (typically in October or early November) leads to harvests in early spring. Raised beds or containers are ideal for providing the good drainage strawberries require.

Best varieties for Central Texas:

‘Chandler’ – High-yielding with sweet, flavorful berries; well suited to our climate.
‘Camino Real’ – Known for its firmness and disease resistance; great for fresh eating or preserving.
‘Seascape’ – An everbearing variety that can produce multiple flushes of fruit with consistent care.

Use straw mulch or black plastic to help suppress weeds and retain moisture, and protect plants from winter frosts with row covers if needed. Strawberries need consistent watering and benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied a few weeks after planting.

Bonus Fruit Picks for Central Texas Gardens

Loquats

Loquats are an underused gem in Central Texas gardens. These small, evergreen trees produce fragrant white flowers in late fall to early winter, followed by clusters of soft, golden fruit in early spring. The fruit has a flavor reminiscent of apricots and citrus, and it’s excellent for fresh eating, jams, and jellies.

Recommended varieties:

‘Moy Grande’ – Known for its large fruit and good flavor; developed in Texas.
‘Golden Red’ – Vigorous grower with juicy, sweet-tart fruit.
‘Champagne’ – Produces high-quality fruit with creamy texture and mild sweetness.

Loquats are cold-sensitive during flowering, so a hard freeze in late winter may damage blooms and reduce fruit set. Plant them in a protected microclimate, such as near a south-facing wall, and consider covering young trees during cold snaps. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and once established, are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Olives

Olives are a great choice for Central Texas gardeners who want a Mediterranean vibe and an ultra-tough plant. These small evergreen trees are prized for both their silvery foliage and, in the right conditions, their fruit. While olives are not always the most productive in this area, they can bear fruit reliably with the right variety and care.

Hardy varieties for Central Texas:

‘Arbequina’ – Self-fertile, compact, and cold-tolerant; ideal for oil and table use.
‘Mission’ – Larger tree with good fruit quality; somewhat more cold-sensitive but well established in Texas landscapes.

Olives must be planted in extremely well-drained soil—they do not tolerate wet roots. Raised beds or sloped planting areas are ideal. Choose a site with full sun and good air flow, and protect trees from hard freezes, especially when young. While ‘Arbequina’ is self-fruitful, planting a second variety may improve yields.

Because fruiting can be inconsistent in years with late freezes or prolonged wet weather, many Central Texas gardeners grow olives as ornamental trees—and enjoy any fruit as a bonus.

Final Tips for Success

Site Preparation and Soil Health

Before planting any fruit tree or berry bush, start with a soil test to understand your soil's pH, nutrient levels, and drainage capacity. Most fruiting plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Central Texas soils often lean toward alkaline, especially in areas with limestone bedrock—so you may need to amend with sulfur or use raised beds to optimize growing conditions.

Good drainage is crucial. Fruit trees do not tolerate “wet feet,” which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy clay or tends to stay soggy after rain, plant trees on mounds or raised beds to improve water movement. Incorporate compost or well-aged organic matter to enhance soil texture and fertility, but avoid using too much manure, which can cause nutrient imbalances over time.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering is essential during the first two to three years after planting, while your trees are establishing deep root systems. Water slowly and deeply—aim for the root zone, not just the surface. A general rule is to water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, especially during dry stretches or peak summer heat.

Once established, most fruit trees are moderately drought-tolerant, but they will produce better yields with occasional deep watering during dry periods.

When it comes to fertilizing, more is not better. Over-fertilizing—especially with nitrogen—can lead to vigorous leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees in early spring, and follow up with light applications in summer if needed. Organic options like composted poultry manure or slow-release blends are gentle and effective.

Maintenance and Pollination

A little seasonal care goes a long way. Many fruit trees—especially peaches, plums, and apples—need annual winter pruning to improve air circulation, encourage strong branch structure, and stimulate new growth. After the fruit sets in spring, thinning the fruit (removing small or excess fruitlets) helps the remaining fruits grow larger and healthier.

Understanding pollination is key to getting fruit. Some varieties, like figs, persimmons, and citrus, are self-fruitful and can produce independently. Others, like many apples, plums, and pears, require a compatible pollinator—usually a second tree of a different variety with similar bloom time—to ensure good fruit set. Be sure to check the pollination needs of each variety before planting.

By preparing the soil well, watering consistently, and choosing the right plant partners, you’ll ensure a delicious, homegrown harvest year after year.

Happy Gardening!

Sources:

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Fruit and Nut Varieties for Travis County https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/fruits-and-nuts-for-austin/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Fruit & Nut Resources https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Backyard Fruit and Nut Production Tips (Travis County) https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/fruits-and-nuts-for-austin/backyard-fruit-and-nut-production-tips/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Fruit & Nut Tree Guide (Williamson County) https://williamson.agrilife.org/files/2020/06/Fruit-and-Nut-Tree-Guide.pdf
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Fruit & Nut Variety Recommendations https://austin.agrilife.org/files/2015/07/Fruit-Nut-Varieties-12.pdf