Cherry pie, peach cobbler, and apple crisp, just a few of the delicious rewards that come from growing your own fruit. It’s easy to picture fresh fruit picked right from your backyard, but successfully growing fruit trees in Nebraska takes a bit of planning. Choosing the right location and the right tree can make all the difference.
When it comes to fruit trees, the saying “location, location, location” truly applies. Fruit trees need full sun, at least eight hours each day, to grow and produce well. They also need enough space so they are not shaded by buildings or other trees.
It’s important to avoid low-lying areas, often called frost pockets, where cold air can settle. These areas increase the risk of frost damage, especially in the spring. South-facing slopes may seem like a good option, but they can warm up too quickly, causing trees like apricots to bloom early and become vulnerable to late frosts.
Once you’ve selected the right site, choosing the right cultivar is just as important. Look for trees that are well-suited to Nebraska’s climate and offer good disease resistance, productivity, and fruit quality. Your personal taste preferences also matter, after all, you want to enjoy the harvest.
Keep in mind that all fruit trees can be affected by insects and diseases. Some apple and peach varieties require a regular spray program to produce high-quality fruit. If your goal is fruit similar to what you see in the grocery store, be prepared for routine applications of products that control both insects and diseases. However, if you’re willing to accept a few blemishes or select disease-resistant varieties, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate spraying.
Apples are one of the most common fruit trees grown in Nebraska, but they are often affected by diseases such as cedar-apple rust and apple scab. One management option is to remove nearby cedar trees, although that isn’t always practical. Fungicide treatments can also be used, but the easiest solution when planting new trees is to select resistant varieties. Cultivars such as Freedom, Liberty, and Enterprise offer resistance to both diseases. Also remember that many apple trees are not self-fruitful and require a second variety nearby for proper pollination.
Peaches are another popular choice, but they can be challenging to grow in Nebraska. Peach trees tend to have a shorter lifespan, often close to eight years, and may take a few seasons before producing fruit. They are also susceptible to pests, diseases, and late spring frosts. If you’d like to try growing peaches, varieties like Redhaven, Reliance, and Madison are commonly recommended.
Cherry lovers have better luck with tart, or pie, cherries than with sweet varieties. Tart cherries such as North Star, Balaton, and Montmorency are more reliable in Nebraska’s climate. Sweet cherries, like the popular Bing type, often struggle to survive long-term.
Apricots can be especially tricky. They bloom very early, often before the risk of frost has passed. As a result, the flowers are frequently damaged by cold temperatures, and fruit production can be inconsistent. In many years, apricot trees may not produce fruit at all. If you’re willing to take the chance, Harglow is one variety to consider.
Growing fruit trees in Nebraska is certainly possible, but success starts with good decisions. By selecting the right location and choosing well-adapted cultivars, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit—and maybe even that cherry pie or apple crisp—right from your own backyard.
Elizabeth Exstrom is a Horticulture Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For research-based gardening information, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.exstrom@unl.edu, visit huskerhort.com, or follow HuskerHort on Facebook and Twitter.