Texas’s profound geographic and climatic contrasts directly influence the wide array of fruits cultivated across the state. The state encompasses temperate zones in the north and subtropical conditions along the southern coast, creating distinct environments for fruit production. This variability means a fruit that thrives in one region may fail in another, primarily due to differing winter chilling requirements and frost risk. Cultivation ranges from traditional orchard crops requiring cold periods to tropical varieties that demand year-year warmth. Varied soil types, from the limestone-rich Hill Country to the sandy loam of the Rio Grande Valley, further define where specific crops can prosper.
Stone Fruits of Central and North Texas
Stone fruits, such as peaches, require a specific duration of cold temperatures, known as “chill hours,” to properly set fruit. This requirement makes them best suited for the temperate climates of Central and North Texas, particularly the Hill Country region around Fredericksburg. Chill hours are measured as the cumulative time between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Many traditional peach varieties require approximately 830 chill hours for a healthy crop, though this varies significantly by cultivar.
To mitigate the risk of insufficient winter cold or late-spring freezes, growers select specific varieties that align with the regional climate. In the warmer Hill Country, medium-chill varieties like ‘TexKing’ or ‘TexPrince’ are popular, requiring between 450 and 650 hours of cold. Farther north, higher-chill varieties such as ‘Harvester’ or ‘Redglobe’ (requiring 700 to 1,000 hours) are better suited where winters are more consistently cold. Plums also perform well in these temperate zones, often on the same rootstocks as peaches.
Apples and pears also rely on this temperate climate, though many successful varieties grown in Texas are low-chill types. Apple cultivars such as ‘Anna’ and ‘Dorsett Golden’ are successfully cultivated because they need less winter cold than many northern varieties. Pears, including the disease-resistant ‘Kieffer’ and ‘Orient’ varieties, are known for their hardiness and ability to produce fruit across various regions. The preferred soil for these stone fruits is typically a well-drained, sandy loam.
Subtropical and Citrus Crops
In stark contrast to the temperate regions, the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend provide the necessary frost-free conditions for subtropical and citrus crops. These fruits are sensitive to cold, with temperatures below 25°F causing severe damage or death to the trees. Texas ranks as the third-largest citrus producer in the United States, with commercial production concentrated in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
Grapefruit constitutes the majority of the state’s commercial citrus crop, accounting for approximately 70% of production acreage. The internationally recognized ‘Ruby Red’ and ‘Rio Red’ varieties, known for their deep red flesh and sweet flavor, are the commercial standards. Oranges make up the remaining 30% of the industry, with popular fresh-market varieties including the early-maturing ‘Marrs’ and ‘Navel’ and the late-season ‘Valencia’.
Other subtropical fruits are grown commercially on a smaller scale, taking advantage of the warm, humid climate. These include specialty citrus like limes, tangerines, and tangelos, which are less cold-hardy than oranges or grapefruit. Limited commercial production of Mexican avocado varieties and papaya also occurs in the warmest zones. The success of these crops depends on the region’s ability to maintain a mild, nearly tropical climate.
Adaptable and Native Fruit Varieties
Beyond the highly regionalized stone and citrus fruits, several varieties demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving across multiple Texas climate zones. Figs are a prime example, considered one of the easiest fruit trees to grow due to their hardiness and heat tolerance. The ‘Celeste’ fig is highly cold-hardy and can withstand brief freezes, while the ‘Texas Everbearing’ (often synonymous with ‘Brown Turkey’) is a reliable producer that is widely planted.
Pomegranates are another adaptable choice, showing resilience to both heat and drought conditions, which are common across the state. Varieties like ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Texas Pink’ are well-suited for Central and South Texas, tolerating temperatures down to about 18°F once established. Their ability to thrive in various soil types, including alkaline clays, makes them a practical option for many home gardeners. Melons, including watermelons and cantaloupes, are a significant summer crop that flourishes in the intense Texas heat.
Small fruits and berries also exhibit broad adaptability across the state’s varied climate. Blackberries and strawberries are widely cultivated and known for their hardiness and ability to produce fruit over a wide planting range. Native fruits, such as the Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) and the fruit of the Prickly Pear cactus, represent drought-tolerant options indigenous to the landscape. These native and adaptable fruits provide a reliable harvest where orchard crops may struggle.