Woodie’s Picks: Flowering Fruit Trees To Plant In Early Spring
As many gardeners begin planning and preparing for spring, early bloomers are likely at the top of mind. And what could be better than an early-blooming tree that produces bountiful juicy fruits? In an ever-changing planet where processed foods and genetically modified fruits and vegetables have become the norm, the urge to grow one’s own foods and cultivate a backyard homestead is rising.
Imagine a world where you walk into your backyard and gather ingredients for your next meal. Better yet, stop imagining it and start growing it! In this blog, we will highlight four fruiting favorites to plant in early spring so you can enjoy plentiful blooms and a fruitful harvest next fall!
When Is The Best Time To Plant Fruit Trees?
There are a handful of reasons why gardeners opt for early spring to get many of their plants in the ground, including fruit trees. Below are a few of the many reasons why early spring (February to Early May) is the best time to plant fruit trees.
Ideal Weather Conditions
The most apparent reason why gardeners love to plant in the spring is for the ideal weather conditions. With temperatures not too cold but not too hot, spending hours in the garden goes by quickly and is much more tolerable to the average person than such activities would be in summer and winter.
Beyond the temperatures, you and your plants can reap the benefits of extended hours of sunlight and more plentiful precipitation! You will save time and money on water and fertilizer by letting Mother Nature do the hard work for you!
Perfect Soil Conditions
Beyond ideal weather supporting both you and your plants, you can reap the benefits of ideal soil conditions in spring! The ground in spring is often considered the best for planting because of a combination of warmer temperatures, increased moisture from winter snowmelt, and improved soil structure due to the winter freeze-thaw cycle. Compared to other seasons, these conditions are optimal for seed germination and plant growth.
Ample Time For Establishment
A final benefit to planting in early spring is the extended time plants have to establish their root systems! By planting your fruit trees in April, your trees will have a good 6-7 months to establish themselves before the tree heads into dormancy for the winter!
Four Early Spring Flowering Fruit Trees
Now that you’re on board with early spring planting, it’s time to decide which fruit trees (if not all) you want to grace your landscape.
Elberta Peach Tree
First on our list of early spring flowering fruit trees is a real stand-out in the landscape: the Elberta Peach Tree! As early as April each year, the Elberta Peach Tree wows onlookers with an explosion of deep pink blooms that are both fragrant and prolific. Ideal conditions for growing the Elberta include full sun and well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are fast-growing trees that can reach heights between 12 and 15 feet.
This variety of peach trees is also known to be a heavy producer of fruits. You can look forward to a harvest of sweet, juicy yellow freestone peaches in the fall! As an added bonus, these trees also tend to boast early harvest dates, so you could be enjoying home-grown peaches as soon as August!
Granny Smith Apple Tree
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, imagine what you could do with a whole orchard! Or even just one tree…for now, will do the trick. As a long-time favorite for baking, the Granny Smith Apple Tree is always a hot seller! Ideal for growing zones 5-9, it thrives in full sun and consistently moist soils.
If you plant a Granny Smith Apple Tree, you can look forward to a plenitude of white blooms splashed with hot pink edges! You can then expect dozens of ready-to-pick green apples from October through November. People describe the taste of these fruits as tart and crisp with a citrusy flavor.
American Pawpaw Tree
A lesser-known fruiting tree that can be a fun and unique addition to landscapes is the North American Native Pawpaw Tree! The Pawpaw tree is gaining popularity across America for its impressive drought tolerance and ability to withstand the many hurdles that come with climate change. The unique fruiting specimens enjoy conditions of full sun and moist, well-draining but slightly acidic soils.
Pawpaw trees are said to be relatively low-maintenance and boast unique tulip-like blooms in early spring that add sophisticated elegance to any yard. Pawpaw Trees are said to be the largest native fruits in America. Pawpaws have a tropical taste, resembling a mixture of mango and banana.
Kieffer Pear Tree
No fruit orchard is complete without a pear tree! People love the Kieffer Pear Tree for its large juicy fruits, cold hardiness, and versatility in the landscape. As an added bonus, these hardy specimens are self-pollinating! For best results on growing your Kieffer Pear Tree, grow in full sun, apply a slow-release fertilizer, and water regularly.
In early spring, get greeted by delicate white flowers accompanied by dark, glossy green leaves. The pears the Kieffer Tree produces are large and have a golden yellow hue with a crimson blush tint. The fruit itself is crisp, juicy, and coarse in texture, making it ideal for canning, preserving, and making honey!
Shop Spring Trees Online
No matter what citrusy fun you’re craving, we guarantee we have a fruiting plant that will suit your tastebuds and begin your homesteading journey! Shop fruit trees online today and prepare for a spring full of blooms and a fall full of fruits!