Cherries can be grown in Texas, but it is difficult and highly dependent on selecting the correct variety and planting location. Most commercial sweet cherry varieties, such as ‘Bing’ or ‘Rainier’, are unsuitable for the state’s climate. Success requires overcoming two primary barriers: insufficient winter cold and intense summer heat coupled with high humidity. Growing cherries in Texas is generally restricted to dedicated home gardeners and demands careful attention to species-specific needs.
The Critical Role of Chill Hours
The fundamental challenge is meeting the cherry tree’s chilling requirement for winter dormancy. Cherries require a specific number of “chill hours,” defined as the cumulative hours when the temperature remains between 32°F and 45°F, to properly set fruit. Without adequate chilling, the tree will experience delayed or nonexistent bud break, resulting in low yield. Standard sweet cherry varieties typically demand 800 to 1,200 chill hours, a requirement only consistently met in the northernmost parts of the Texas Panhandle.
The mild, highly variable winter weather across the rest of the state presents a significant obstacle. Central Texas often averages around 700 chill hours, but this total fluctuates yearly. A secondary problem arises from Texas’s hot, humid summers, which promote fungal diseases. Traditional cherry trees struggle with high heat and moisture, making them susceptible to issues like Brown Rot and Powdery Mildew.
Which Cherry Varieties Can Tolerate Texas Heat?
Successfully growing cherries relies on selecting specialized, low-chill cultivars that break dormancy with minimal cold exposure. Low-chill sweet cherries, such as ‘Minnie Royal’ and ‘Royal Lee’, require only 200 to 300 chill hours, making them viable options for Central and South Texas. These cultivars must be cross-pollinated, but their low requirement allows them to flower even after a mild winter. Other varieties, like the self-fertile ‘Stella’ or ‘Lapins’, require 350 to 500 hours, extending their suitability into North Texas.
Tart cherries, primarily used for baking, offer limited options. Cultivars like ‘Montmorency’ and ‘North Star’ are more disease-resistant than sweet cherries but require 500 to 900 chill hours. These are best reserved for the northern parts of the state where winter cold is reliable. For a practical alternative, the Nanking cherry is a bush species that is heat- and drought-tolerant. It provides a tart, cherry-like fruit that thrives in conditions where true cherries fail.
Regional Growing Success and Localized Climate Factors
The highest likelihood of success occurs in the High Plains and West Texas. These regions, including areas around Amarillo and Lubbock, experience cooler, drier winters that naturally accumulate more than 1,000 chill hours. The lower humidity also reduces fungal disease pressure. Commercial attempts here focus on matching high-chill varieties to the cooler microclimates. Conversely, East and South Texas face low chill hours, high summer heat, and excessive humidity, making cultivation extremely challenging.
Local soil conditions must also be addressed, as much of Texas soil is alkaline with a high pH. Cherry trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Planting them in alkaline soil often leads to iron deficiency, known as chlorosis, which stunts growth and reduces fruit production. Gardeners must amend the soil heavily or choose rootstocks, such as Mazzard, known for better tolerance. Managing the extremes of Texas weather requires deep, consistent watering during the summer heat and the application of thick mulch to keep the root zone cool and retain moisture.