Many people dream of having a thriving fruit tree in their backyard, but unfortunately, Arizona’s unique climate makes it challenging to find the right tree that will flourish.
Beyond the disappointment of a struggling tree, research shows that choosing the wrong fruit tree can lead to wasted time, money, and effort, as well as a lack of fresh, homegrown fruit.
Fortunately, experts have found that selecting fruit trees suited to Arizona’s climate can result in a successful and bountiful harvest, providing fresh and delicious fruit for years to come.
So today, I will share evidence-based tips on the best fruit trees to grow in Arizona, helping you choose the right tree and ensure a fruitful and rewarding gardening experience.
Best Fruit Tree to Grow in Arizona
Apples Tree
While apples may not top the list of fruits commonly grown in Arizona, certain varieties have shown success in the state’s climate through breeding and trial programs.
Apples thrive where summer daytime temperatures stay below 100°F, making central and northern Arizona locations most suitable. Two top-performing varieties are ‘Dorsett Golden’ and ‘Gala’:
‘Dorsett Golden’
- Originates from Australia and thrives in hot, dry climates
- Bears golden-yellow fruits in fall that are sweet and crisp
- Its compact size makes it suitable for small yards
‘Gala’
- Commercial variety also performs well with Arizona’s heat
- Produces bright red apples in late summer
- More precocious bearing than many other apple varieties
With full sun exposure and regular watering, both ‘Dorsett Golden’ and ‘Gala’ apples can grow vigorously and produce multiple crops annually in appropriate Arizona locations.
Citrus Tree
Citrus is arguably the easiest and most reliable fruit tree for the Arizona climate.
Oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons have long been staples of the state’s agriculture.
Two of the top citrus varieties for home gardens include:
Meyer Lemons
- Its smaller size makes it ideal for containers or limited space
- Bears abundance of fragrant, bright yellow fruit all winter
- More cold-tolerant than other lemons
Washington Navel Orange Tree
- Identified by its iconic “navel” around the stem
- Produces juicy, sweet oranges November through March
- Vigorous growth and high yields even in rocky soil
With their evergreen foliage and ability to thrive with minimal care, citrus trees truly shine as some of the best growing fruit trees for Arizona gardens. Their small stature also fits well into limited yard areas.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Lemon Tree Growth Stage and Care
Figs Tree
Figs are another heat-loving fruit that rewards Arizona growers with bountiful crops. Over 300 varieties exist, with some being better suited to certain regions than others.
Two of the top performers throughout the state include:
Brown Turkey
- Reliable producer of small purple figs in late summer
- Very productive and easy to grow
- It withstands heat and varies well
Celeste
- Bears large, teardrop-shaped green figs that ripen to dark purple
- Especially cold-hardy and drought-tolerant
- Excellent pollinator help increase yields
Like citrus, figs are quite tolerant of adverse conditions with few pest or disease issues. Their small stature makes them well-suited to compact yards and containers. Both ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Celeste’ figs are excellent options for most Arizona locations.
Read more: Desert King Fig Tree: A Fig Variety Built for Arid Environments
Pomegranates Tree
Originating in the Mediterranean, pomegranates have found an ideal second home in the hot, arid climate of Arizona.
Their deep red arils are a prized superfood, with pomegranates offering double the antioxidant power of most berries.
Two top Arizona varieties include:
Ruby
- Large, bulbous fruits ripening to a vibrant red color
- Heavy producer once established with a compact size
- Slightly earlier ripening than other varieties
Wonderful
- Prolific bearer known for its sweet, juicy arils
- Sturdy, rounded shape make fruits easy to harvest
- Thrives with minimal care in most Arizona soils
With winter chilling requirements low, pomegranates thrive with little irrigation once established. Their ornamental foliage and colorful fruits provide aesthetic appeal as well. Both ‘Ruby’ and ‘Wonderful’ fare exceptionally well throughout the Copper State.
Berries
While not trees, a few bramble berries can thrive when grown in Arizona with the right cultivar selection and care.
Two top-performing options include:
Blackberries
- ‘Arapaho’ cultivar bears large, sweet berries in summer with good heat tolerance.
- Has arching canes that produce fruit reliably in the state’s climate.
- Requires staking and partial shade in warmer zones.
Blueberries
- ‘Brightwell’ variety adapted for heat and chosen for its productive, flavored berries.
- Its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces.
- Benefits from acidic, organic-rich soil and consistent moisture.
While berries require more meticulous care, their high antioxidant content makes them a worthwhile addition.
‘Arapaho’ blackberries and ‘Brightwell’ blueberries have shown the greatest success throughout Arizona.
Regular pruning, mulching, and irrigation keep these brambles bearing in the desert southwest.
You might like: Did You Know? 20 Fascinating Facts About Blueberries
Choosing the Best Location for Fruit Trees in Arizona
When deciding where to plant fruit trees, certain factors directly impact long-term success in Arizona’s climate.
Careful consideration of sun exposure, soil properties, and protection elements sets plants up for optimum health and productivity.
Sunlight
Much like other plants, fruit trees need adequate sun to thrive. For most varieties, a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day proves essential.
South or west-facing portions of the yard receive optimal sunlight levels year-round in both temperature and intensity.
East or north exposures—while suitable for more shade-tolerant options—generally do not maximize fruit production.
Soil
Soil type greatly influences both plant establishment and yield potential. Well-draining, fertile soils suit fruit trees best.
Most Arizona landscapes feature sandy or clay-based soils that are deficient in organic matter content.
Generous amendments of compost or aged manure into the planting bed improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient levels.
Avoiding low-lying spots prone to flooding likewise fosters root health.
Protection
For citrus and other more delicate varieties, windy microclimates pose issues.
Consider planting on the southern or western side of homes where structures provide a visual barrier to drying winter winds.
Shelter from monsoon moisture also benefits orchards. Overhead irrigation that fully soaks soil without saturating foliage prevents fungal problems.
Orientation
Fruit tree positioning relative to the yard and house elements facilitates efficient sun exposure, watering access, and pest monitoring. Some best practices include:
- Arranging multiple trees in straight rows running north/south maximizes light distribution across all plants throughout the day.
- Allowing 8–10 feet between trees at maturity with adequate spacing for movement, pruning, and canopy growth.
- Planting within 25 feet of a year-round water source simplifies irrigation needs. Drip lines lay efficiently in rows.
- Positioning higher canopies like apples to the north or west of lower citrus avoids late afternoon shading during peak heat months.
- Leaving 3-5 feet of minimum clearance from structures allows room for equipment access without physical interference over the tree’s lifespan.
Proper orientation arrangements minimize stressors and maximize benefits for consistently productive fruit trees suited to each property’s dimensions and usage areas.
Elevation
Microclimate differences across a typical yard prove significant for temperature-sensitive plants. Generally:
- Higher elevations tend to be cooler, with fewer days for chilling requirements.
- Lower ground holds warmer air, bringing earlier blossoms and maturity.
These factors influence which tree and fruit combinations succeed best for Arizona growers. Consider placement in tandem with the chosen variety traits.
Caring for Fruit Trees to Maximize Yields in Arizona
While fruit trees suited to the climate thrive with minimal inputs, some routine care practices optimize their health and productivity in Arizona’s conditions.
Proper watering, fertilizing, pest management, pruning, and harvest techniques enable long-term success.
Watering
Despite low rainfall, fruit trees evolved coping mechanisms for arid environments when they were established.
Newly planted stock requires regular water to develop deep, expansive root systems. Aim to:
- Water tree bases 1-2 times per month through summer during establishment (years 1-3).
- Deeply soak the entire root zone at each watering using a drip or soaker hose system.
- Established trees only need water every 4–6 weeks during the summer monsoon months.
Proper irrigation prevents moisture and nutrient stress while training deep drought resilience.
Fertilizing
While citrus, apples, and pears respond best, balanced fertilizer annually boosts all fruit trees’ health in Arizona. Options include:
- Slow-release granules spread in the early spring and fall.
- Organic compost or manure-top dressings that enrich soil naturally.
- Liquid or water-soluble formulas for quick green-up if plants show deficiencies.
Light, irregular applications prevent nutrient burn in arid climates.
Pest and Disease Management
With warm winters and dry summers, pest pressures differ in Arizona. Common issues include:
- Scales: Mealybugs and soft scales siphon sap, weakening trees if untreated. Horticultural oil sprays in dormancy help control.
- Aphids and colonies form rapidly, stunting new growth. Insecticidal soaps provide organic control with multiple applications.
- Citrus rust mites: microscopic pests cause leaf stippling under magnifier. Miticides are needed at the first sign.
- Fungal diseases such as anthracnose and scab infect drought-stressed fruit. Preventative spraying of copper-based fungicides offered in winter protects trees.
Monitoring for early symptoms and treating issues aggressively leads to healthier, more productive trees. Selective treatments target specific pests.
Pruning
Strategic pruning establishes robust structure early and maximizes yields long-term. Young trees need training to develop strong frameworks. Bearing trees benefit from:
- Sanitation pruning to remove diseased wood and dead/broken branches
- Thinning out overcrowded areas for better sun and air penetration
- Raising lower canopies off the ground over time
- Citrus generally needs minimal pruning beyond sanitation cuts.
Light, regular pruning maintains size and form suited to each property.
Harvesting
Knowing when fruits fully ripen signals that the prime picking period has arrived. Some indicators include:
- Citrus peels color and separates easily from flesh. Internal segments become juicy.
- Apples detach from branches with a gentle upward lift. Skins harden and deepen in color.
- Figs feel tender and give slightly when pressed. Skin or slits rupture open at the blossom end.
- Berries darken and plump with a subtle fragrance release. They detach easily from canes.
Ideally, harvest early in the morning after the dew dries for the best flavor, nutrients and storage potential.
Gently placing fruits in buckets avoids bruising. Refrigerate most picks within 1-2 days for peak freshness.
Freezing or canning preserves some crops’ seasons. Citrus can even be harvested off-season when greenery declines, then ripened indoors.
With care and attention, Arizona backyards offer seasonal giftings of fresh produce!