QA

Quick Answer: When To Plant Fruit Trees In Indiana

Planting in the late winter or early spring is generally the best time to get your new fruit trees in the ground. As long as the ground isn’t too frozen to dig a hole, you should be good to go. Bare root stock should be planted in winter, while raspberries and blueberries can be planted into spring.

Which fruit trees grow well in Indiana?

When it comes to growing fruit trees in Indiana, you have plenty of choices. We can grow apple, peach, cherry, mulberry, serviceberry, plum, pear, apricot, and even native persimmon trees here in Indiana. You may want to grow a few different fruit trees in your yard, but make sure you have the right amount of them.

When should you plant trees in Indiana?

We like to tell our Indianapolis clients that the best time to plant trees is generally in the late winter to early spring. Summer is a bad choice, because the weather is too hot and the actively growing trees are too susceptible to damage.

When should plant fruit trees?

Planting during winter is usually the best time for new fruit trees, but always avoid planting when the ground is frozen, or when bad weather is forecast. If your new trees are in containers, you can keep them in a cold garage until the weather improves.

When should peach trees be planted?

Plant in late winter or early spring. Plant a container-grown peach tree in early spring so it has the entire growing season to adjust to the environment before winter. Plant bare-root peach trees (dormant trees that are stored without soil on their roots) in late winter.

Will a peach tree grow in Indiana?

Peach production in Indiana is concentrated in the southwestern part of the state, with about half the total acres planted in that area. The 2 main risk factors for peach production in Indiana are winter freezes and spring frosts. Peaches are quite intolerant of “wet feet” and should be planted on well drained soils.

Can you grow nectarines in Indiana?

Indiana gardeners can easily plant and grow a bearing size apple tree that will frequently bear the first year. Nectarine fruit trees are actually a fuzzless peach, and for fresh eating, many Indiana gardeners prefer nectarines over peaches.

Can you plant trees in May in Indiana?

Bare-root plants should only be planted in late winter or early spring while the plants are still dormant. Avoid planting large trees in fall. They can be risky to transplant in any season, but are particularly so when foliage is present. Leave the large trees to spring, and get a professional to do the moving.

Can I plant a tree in the spring?

Planting Trees in Spring Planting in spring gives the tree a chance to grow all summer and get ready for winter. Soon after planting, leaves develop and they are able to make food for the plant all summer. Keep in mind that we only see what goes on above ground. When a tree is planted it needs to make new roots.

When should you not plant trees?

However, spring weather isn’t always cooperative when it comes to getting plants in the ground. Late snow or excessive rainfall can make the soil too wet and unstable to properly plant. If an extended rainy period is immediately followed by hot, dry summer weather, new trees and shrubs can suffer.

Do you need 2 peach trees to produce fruit?

Most types of peach trees are self-fertile, so planting one tree is all that’s needed for fruit production.

Can you plant different fruit trees next to each other?

It’s important to grow fruit-tree varieties that taste great and are productive, but you also have to know a little about pollination. Most fruit trees grow best with at least two different varieties planted. The varieties should bloom at roughly the same time in spring and have pollen that’s compatible.

How far apart do fruit trees need to be planted?

Most standard-sized fruit trees need approximately 20 feet by 20 feet of space to grow properly, though standard-sized apple and sweet cherry trees need around 35 by 35 feet of space. Citrus trees only require about 8 feet to grow properly.

Do you need two pear trees to produce fruit?

Plan to plant at least two varieties of pear trees, as they will need to be cross-pollinated to produce fruit. Make sure the varieties are compatible with each other. Space standard-size trees 20 to 25 feet apart.

Do you need two apple trees to produce fruit?

Answer: Pollination and fertilization are necessary for fruit development. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.

How long does it take an apple tree to bear fruit?

Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit. Some varieties are more susceptible to insect and disease damage than others. Prune annually to keep apple trees healthy and productive.

Can you grow a lemon tree in Indiana?

Citrus trees are not hardy in Indiana and should be grown in containers with drainage holes. The larger the pot, the larger the plant will grow! Citrus trees need sun if you want them to flower and bear fruit. Eight hours per day is ideal, although they will survive in lower light conditions.

Can you grow blueberries in Indiana?

Indiana has over 600 acres of highbush blueberries, ranking it 12th in the U.S. Most plantings are in the northern third of the state where soils are most conducive. Most blueberry plantings in northern Indiana are on sandy soils that are high in organic matter and naturally acid.

Will a fig tree grow in Indiana?

Choose the hardiest possible fig varieties to grow outside in Indiana. Indiana’s winter minimums drop as low as -20 degrees F although warmer winters with lows of only slightly below zero are common. Even hardy varieties such as brown turkey, blue celeste and Brunswick will need extra protection.