When To Plant Fruit Trees In Missouri

Getting the timing right is the first step to a healthy, productive orchard. Knowing when to plant fruit trees in Missouri is crucial for giving your new trees the best possible start. This guide will walk you through the ideal seasons, specific timing for different trees, and the simple steps to ensure your planting success.

The best time to plant bare-root fruit trees in Missouri is during the dormant season, from late fall through early spring. For container-grown trees, you have a bit more flexibility, but the dormant period is still prefered. Let’s break down the two optimal planting windows.

The Prime Planting Windows

Missouri’s climate offers two excellent seasons for planting. Each has its own advantages that you can leverage.

Fall Planting (Late October to Early December)

Fall is often considered the ideal time for planting many fruit trees. The soil is still warm from the summer sun, which encourages root growth. The tree can establish its roots without the stress of supporting top growth or leaves.

Advantages: Roots establish over winter, giving the tree a head start for spring growth. You’ll often see more vigorous growth in the first year.
Considerations: Make sure to plant at least 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes hard. Apply a thick layer of mulch after planting to protect the roots from severe temperature swings.

Spring Planting (Late March to Early May)

Spring planting is the most common and equally successful method. The key is to plant as soon as the ground is workable—not too wet or frozen.

Advantages: The tree breaks dormancy in its new location, which can feel more natural for the gardener. You can avoid potential winter injury on young, tender trees in very cold areas.
Considerations: Be prepared to water consistently through the first summer, as the tree won’t have an extensive root system yet. Avoid planting too late in spring, as hot summer stress can set the tree back.

Tree Type and Specific Timing

While the general windows above apply, some trees have particular preferences based on their hardiness.

Apple & Pear Trees: Very hardy. Excellent candidates for fall planting, but spring is also perfect.
Peach, Nectarine, & Plum Trees: Slightly more tender. In northern Missouri, spring planting is often safer to avoid winter injury on young trees. In southern Missouri, fall planting is usually fine.
Cherry Trees: Both sweet and sour cherries are hardy. They do well with either fall or spring planting.
Fig & Persimmon: These are more sensitive to cold. In Missouri, spring planting is almost always recommended to give them a full season to establish before their first winter.

What to Avoid: The Worst Times to Plant

Just as important as knowing when to plant is knowing when not to. Avoid these times to prevent unnecessary stress on your tree.

Mid-Summer (June-August): Heat and drought stress make survival an uphill battle. Container trees can be planted then but require meticulous, daily watering.
Frozen Ground: You simply cannot plant if the soil is frozen solid.
Soggy, Waterlogged Soil: Planting in mud compacts the soil and can suffocate roots. If you dig a hole and it fills with water, wait for the ground to dry out a bit.

Your Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen your perfect time, follow these steps for a successful planting.

1. Choose the Right Tree for Your Location

Select a species and variety suited to Missouri’s Zone 5-6 climate. Check the chill hour requirement and ensure it matches your area. Always choose a disease-resistant variety when possible, like ‘Liberty’ apples or ‘Redhaven’ peaches.

2. Prepare the Planting Site

Fruit trees need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light per day. Ensure the site has well-drained soil. Avoid low spots where frost or water settles.

3. Dig the Perfect Hole

This step is critical. The hole should be two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root system. Planting too deep is a common fatal mistake.

For bare-root trees: Look for the soil line mark on the trunk.
For potted trees: The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the ground.

4. Plant and Backfill Correctly

Place the tree in the hole, spreading out bare roots gently.
Backfill with the native soil you removed. Do not amend it with rich compost or fertilizer in the hole, as this can discourage roots from venturing into the native soil.
Gently tamp the soil down to remove large air pockets.

5. Water, Mulch, and Support

Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips) in a wide circle around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. For dwarf trees or windy sites, stake the tree loosely for the first year for support.

First-Year Care After Planting

Your job isn’t done after the tree is in the ground. Consistent care in the first year sets the stage for a lifetime of fruit.

Watering: This is the most important task. Water deeply once a week unless rainfall is abundant. The goal is to keep the root zone moist but not soggy.
No Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizing at planting time or in the first year. Let the tree focus on root establishment.
Pruning: At planting, you can prune any broken branches. Otherwise, wait until the following dormant season to do any significant shaping.
Weed Control: Keep the area around the base free of grass and weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. Mulch helps alot with this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I plant fruit trees in Missouri in the summer?

It’s not recommended. The heat and potential for drought put immense stress on a new tree. If you must plant a container tree in summer, be prepared for very diligent, almost daily watering.

Is November too late to plant trees in Missouri?

Not at all. November is typically an excellent month for fall planting, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. The goal is to get the tree in several weeks before a hard freeze.

What month is best for apple trees?

For apple trees, late October through November (fall) or late March through April (spring) are both ideal. Apple trees are very hardy and adapt well to fall planting.

How late in spring can you plant fruit trees?

Aim to finish spring planting by early May. Planting in late spring or early summer exposes tender new growth to heat stress before the roots are established to support it.

Do I need to plant two fruit trees?

It depends on the type. Most apple, pear, sweet cherry, and Japanese plum trees require a second, different variety for cross-pollination. Peaches, sour cherries, and European plums are usually self-fruitful. Always check the variety’s requirements.

By aligning your planting with Missouri’s natural rhythms—either the calm settle of fall or the fresh start of spring—you give your fruit tree the foundation it needs. With the right timing and these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown harvests for years to come.