What Fruit Trees Grow In Mississippi

If you’re thinking about planting fruit trees in Mississippi, you’re in luck. The state’s long, hot summers and mild winters are perfect for many delicious varieties, so let’s look at what fruit trees grow in Mississippi and how to choose the best ones for your garden.

Getting started is easier than you might think. The key is matching the tree to your specific location and soil. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit for years to come.

Mississippi’s climate is primarily humid subtropical, which means hot, humid summers and generally short, mild winters. This creates a long growing season ideal for many fruit trees, but it also brings challenges like high humidity, which can promote fungal diseases. Choosing trees suited to this environment is your first step toward success.

Top Fruit Tree Choices for Mississippi Gardens

These trees have proven they can thrive in the southern heat and humidity.

Figs: Perhaps the easiest fruit tree to grow here. They are drought-tolerant once established and produce heavily. Varieties like ‘Celeste’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ are excellent choices.
Peaches: A classic southern fruit. You need low-chill varieties. Look for ‘Flordaking,’ ‘Flordacrest,’ or ‘Bicentennial.’ They require a sunny spot and well-drained soil.
Pears: Oriental pears like ‘Asian’ pear types and fire blight-resistant varieties like ‘Orient’ or ‘Kieffer’ do very well. They are more forgiving than some other trees.
Plums: Japanese plums (like ‘Methley’) and some native American plums are good picks. They need another variety nearby for cross-pollination to get fruit.
Muscadines: These native grapes are superstars in Mississippi. They are virtually pest-free and produce abundant fruit for eating, juice, or wine. ‘Carlos’ (bronze) and ‘Noble’ (black) are reliable.
Satsumas & Citrus: In the southernmost parts of the state (Zone 8b and south), cold-hardy satsuma mandarins like ‘Owari’ can be grown. They may need frost protection in colder winters.

Trees That Require More Care

You can grow these, but they often need more attention to pest and disease management.

Apples: Choose low-chill, disease-resistant varieties such as ‘Anna,’ ‘Dorsett Golden,’ or ‘Ein Shemer.’ Fire blight and cedar-apple rust are common issues.
Cherries: Tart cherries (like ‘Montmorency’) are more reliable than sweet cherries in the south. They still prefer the cooler parts of the state.
Pecans: A large, beautiful native tree, but it needs deep soil and space. It’s also susceptible to many pests and diseases, so it’s a commitment.

How to Plant Your Fruit Tree for Success

Proper planting gives your tree the best possible start. Follow these steps.

Timing is Everything: The best time to plant is during the dormant season, from late fall to early spring. This allows the tree to establish roots before the summer heat.
Pick the Perfect Spot: Fruit trees need at least 6-8 hours of full, direct sun each day. Avoid low spots where cold air or water settles.
Test and Prepare the Soil: Get a soil test from your county extension office. Most fruit trees prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). Amend the soil based on the test results.
Dig the Right Hole: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. Planting too deep is a common mistake that can harm the tree.
Plant and Water: Place the tree in the hole, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Create a slight berm around the edge to hold water.

Essential Care Tips After Planting

Your work isn’t done after planting. Consistent care in the first few years is crucial.

Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch (like pine straw or wood chips) in a circle around the tree. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season. The goal is to encourage deep root growth. After establishment, trees will be more drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing: Don’t fertilize at planting time. Wait until you see new growth, then use a balanced fertilizer according to label instructions. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good.

Managing Common Mississippi Pests and Diseases

The humid climate encourages certain problems. Prevention is your best strategy.

Fungal Diseases: Brown rot (on peaches/plums), scab (on apples/pears), and powdery mildew are common. Choose resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation by pruning, and clean up fallen fruit and leaves.
Insect Pests: Plum curculio, peach tree borers, and various scales can be issues. Monitor your trees regularly. Dormant oil sprays in late winter can help control overwintering insects and eggs.
Fire Blight: A bacterial disease affecting pears, apples, and others. Prune out infected branches well below the damage and disinfect your tools between cuts.

Pruning Basics for Health and Harvest

Pruning seems intimidating, but it’s necessary for healthy, productive trees.

When to Prune: Prune most fruit trees during their dormant season, in late winter. The exception is peaches and nectarines, which are best pruned when they are blooming in late winter/early spring.
The Goal: Create an open canopy that allows sunlight and air to reach all branches. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches first.
Shape Young Trees: In the first few years, focus on developing a strong scaffold structure. This makes the tree sturdier and easier to care for later on.

Harvesting Your Reward

Patience is key. Most fruit trees take 3-5 years to bear a significant crop. Fruit is usually ready in the summer or early fall. The best way to test is by taste—color and firmness are good indicators, but flavor is the final test.

FAQ: Fruit Trees in Southern Climates

What are the easiest fruit trees to grow for beginners in Mississippi?
Figs and muscadines are by far the easiest. They have few pest problems and are very adaptable to our soils and climate.

Can I grow citrus trees in Mississippi?
Yes, but primarily in the coastal and extreme southern counties (Zone 8b). Cold-hardy satsumas are your best bet. In colder areas, they can be grown in containers that are brought indoors during freezes.

How important is chill hours for fruit trees here?
It’s very important. Mississippi has relatively low winter chill hours (400-800 in most areas). Always select low-chill hour varieties (often labeled as “southern” varieties) for peaches, apples, and plums.

Do I need to plant two trees to get fruit?
It depends. Some trees, like figs and peaches, are self-fruitful. Others, like many plums, apples, and pears, require a different variety nearby for cross-pollination. Always check the tag or catalog description.

What’s the biggest mistake new growers make?
Planting too deep and choosing the wrong variety for our climate are the most common errors. Also, overwatering or over-fertilizing in the first year can harm the tree more than help it.

Starting a home orchard is a rewarding project. By selecting the right trees for our southern climate and providing basic care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your own fresh, homegrown fruit. Remember to start small, perhaps with just one or two trees you’re most excited about, and expand from there as you gain experience.