Washington’s rainy western side versus dry eastern side creates two completely different fruit tree growing environments within one state. If you’re searching for the best fruit trees to grow in washington, you need to match your choice to your specific region. The western side near Seattle gets over 40 inches of rain yearly, while eastern areas like Yakima see less than 10 inches. This guide breaks down the top picks for both climates, so you can plant with confidence and enjoy fresh fruit from your own backyard.
Fruit trees thrive here because Washington has rich soil and long summer days. But not every tree suits every spot. Some need cool, damp springs, while others crave hot, dry summers. Let’s walk through the best options, from apples to figs, with clear steps for planting and care.
Best Fruit Trees To Grow In Washington
This heading covers the core of your decision. The state’s diversity means you can grow a wide range of fruits, but you need to pick wisely. Below, we break down the top choices by region and type.
Apples: The State’s Signature Fruit
Washington is famous for apples, and for good reason. They grow well in both eastern and western Washington. In the west, choose disease-resistant varieties like Liberty or Enterprise to handle the wet springs. In the east, classic Honeycrisp and Fuji thrive in the heat.
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Space trees 15-20 feet apart for standard sizes.
- Prune in late winter to shape the canopy.
- Thin fruit in early summer for bigger apples.
Apples need a pollinator partner, so plant two different varieties that bloom at the same time. Crabapple trees also work as pollinators. For small yards, consider dwarf trees on M.9 rootstock, which stay under 10 feet tall.
Pears: Low-Maintenance And Reliable
Pears are a top pick for beginners. They tolerate wetter soil than apples and resist many pests. Bartlett and Bosc are excellent for eastern Washington, while Conference and Comice do well in the west.
- Choose a site with good air circulation to prevent fire blight.
- Plant in early spring after the last frost.
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
- Harvest when the fruit changes color but is still firm.
Pears ripen off the tree, so pick them slightly underripe and let them sit at room temperature. This prevents mealy texture. Most pears need a second variety for cross-pollination, but some like ‘Seckel’ are partially self-fertile.
Cherries: Sweet Success In Eastern Washington
Sweet cherries love the hot, dry summers of eastern Washington. Bing, Rainier, and Lapins are top choices. They need deep soil and regular irrigation. Sour cherries, like Montmorency, are more forgiving and grow in western areas too.
- Plant in a spot protected from strong winds.
- Use a trellis or stake for young trees.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Net the tree to protect fruit from birds.
Cherry trees can grow large, up to 30 feet for standards. Dwarf rootstocks like Gisela 5 keep them manageable. Most sweet cherries need a pollinator, but ‘Stella’ is self-fertile. Sour cherries are usually self-pollinating.
Plums: Versatile For Both Sides
Plums adapt well to Washington’s varied climates. European plums, like ‘Italian’ and ‘Stanley’, handle western rain better. Japanese plums, such as ‘Santa Rosa’ and ‘Shiro’, prefer eastern heat. Both produce heavy crops with minimal fuss.
Plant plums in a sunny spot with fertile soil. They need about 20 feet of space for standard trees. Prune in summer to reduce disease risk. Thin fruit to prevent branches from breaking under weight. Plums are self-fertile in most cases, but planting two varieties boosts yield.
Figs: A Surprising Choice For Western Washington
Figs are not just for warm climates. Hardy varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Desert King’ survive in western Washington with winter protection. They need a south-facing wall to reflect heat and shelter from cold winds.
- Plant in a container or against a warm wall.
- Wrap the tree in burlap during freezing winters.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogged roots.
- Prune in late winter to remove dead wood.
Figs produce two crops a year in mild areas: a small breba crop in early summer and a main crop in fall. They are self-pollinating, so you only need one tree. In eastern Washington, figs need extra irrigation but can thrive with protection from intense heat.
Peaches And Nectarines: Warmth Lovers For Eastern Washington
Peaches and nectarines need hot summers to sweeten their fruit. Eastern Washington’s climate is perfect. Varieties like ‘Redhaven’, ‘Elberta’, and ‘Hale Haven’ are reliable. Nectarines like ‘Fantasia’ and ‘Honey Kist’ also do well.
- Plant in a frost pocket-free area to avoid late spring damage.
- Prune heavily each year to encourage new growth.
- Thin fruit to one peach every 6 inches along the branch.
- Apply dormant oil in winter to control scale insects.
Peach trees are short-lived, about 15-20 years, but they produce heavily. They are self-fertile, so one tree is enough. In western Washington, try ‘Frost’ or ‘Contender’ varieties that tolerate cooler summers.
Apricots: Early Bloomers Need Care
Apricots bloom early, making them risky for western Washington’s frosty springs. They grow best in eastern Washington where springs are warmer. ‘Moorpark’, ‘Tilton’, and ‘Goldcot’ are good choices. Plant them on a north-facing slope to delay blooming slightly.
- Choose a site with good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply during fruit development.
- Thin fruit to improve size and flavor.
- Harvest when the fruit gives slightly to pressure.
Apricots are self-fertile, so you only need one tree. They need about 600-900 chill hours (hours below 45°F) to break dormancy. In western Washington, look for low-chill varieties like ‘Goldcot’ that need fewer chill hours.
Quince: An Underrated Gem
Quince is a hardy fruit tree that thrives in western Washington’s damp climate. It produces aromatic, pear-shaped fruit that is too hard to eat raw but makes excellent jams and jellies. ‘Smyrna’ and ‘Pineapple’ are popular varieties.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Prune in winter to maintain shape.
- Harvest in late fall after the first light frost.
Quince is self-fertile and grows well in heavy clay soil. It is resistant to many pests and diseases. The fruit stores well for months in a cool, dark place. Use it in cooking or as a rootstock for pears.
Persimmons: A Unique Addition
Persimmons are gaining popularity in Washington. The astringent ‘Hachiya’ and non-astringent ‘Fuyu’ both grow in eastern Washington. In western areas, try ‘Saijo’ or ‘Jiro’ which tolerate cooler summers. They need full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring after the soil warms.
- Water deeply during the first two years.
- Prune lightly to shape the tree.
- Harvest after the leaves drop in fall.
Persimmons are self-fertile, but some varieties benefit from cross-pollination. They have few pest problems. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or baked. In cold areas, protect the tree with a windbreak.
Mulberries: Fast-Growing And Productive
Mulberries are easy to grow and produce abundant fruit. They thrive in both eastern and western Washington. ‘Illinois Everbearing’ and ‘Dwarf Black’ are good choices. The fruit is sweet and can be used in pies, jams, or eaten fresh.
- Plant in a spot with plenty of space, as trees can grow large.
- Water regularly during the first year.
- Prune in winter to control size.
- Harvest by shaking the tree over a tarp.
Mulberries are self-fertile and grow quickly. They tolerate poor soil and drought once established. The fruit stains easily, so harvest carefully. Birds love them, so netting may be needed.
Site Preparation And Planting Tips
Before you plant, test your soil pH. Most fruit trees prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. In western Washington, soil tends to be acidic, so add lime if needed. In eastern Washington, soil may be alkaline, so add sulfur or compost.
Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid low areas where frost settles. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Place the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering And Mulching
New trees need regular watering. In western Washington, natural rainfall may be enough after the first year. In eastern Washington, you will need to irrigate weekly during summer. Use drip irrigation to conserve water and prevent leaf diseases.
Mulch around the base with wood chips or straw. Keep mulch 2-3 inches deep and away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Fertilizing
Fruit trees need balanced nutrition. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Use a 10-10-10 formula or an organic option like composted manure. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush growth and fewer fruits.
In sandy eastern Washington soils, add extra nitrogen. In clay western soils, focus on phosphorus and potassium. Do a soil test every 2-3 years to adjust your feeding.
Pruning And Training
Prune fruit trees in late winter while they are dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Open the center of the tree to allow light and air circulation. For young trees, focus on shaping the main branches.
Train trees to a central leader or open center shape. Central leader works for apples and pears. Open center is better for peaches and plums. Use stakes or trellises for dwarf trees to support heavy fruit loads.
Pest And Disease Management
Washington’s climate brings specific challenges. In western Washington, fungal diseases like apple scab and powdery mildew are common. Choose resistant varieties and apply fungicides if needed. In eastern Washington, codling moth and aphids are bigger issues.
- Monitor regularly for signs of pests or disease.
- Use insecticidal soap for aphids and mites.
- Apply dormant oil in winter to smother overwintering pests.
- Remove fallen fruit to reduce pest habitat.
Birds can be a major problem, especially for cherries and berries. Use netting or reflective tape to deter them. Deer may browse on young trees, so consider fencing or repellents.
Harvesting And Storage
Harvest fruit at the right time for best flavor. Apples and pears are ready when they come off the branch easily with a twist. Cherries should be firm and fully colored. Peaches give slightly to pressure when ripe.
Store fruit in a cool, dark place. Apples keep for months in a root cellar. Pears ripen off the tree, so check daily. Cherries and peaches are best eaten fresh or preserved quickly. Freeze, can, or dry excess fruit for winter use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit trees grow best in western Washington?
Apples, pears, plums, and figs are top choices for western Washington. They tolerate the wet springs and mild summers. Choose disease-resistant varieties for best results.
Can you grow citrus trees in Washington?
Citrus trees are not hardy outdoors in Washington. They need warm winters and hot summers. You can grow them in containers and bring them indoors during winter, but they rarely produce fruit without a greenhouse.
How many chill hours do fruit trees need in Washington?
Chill hours vary by region. Western Washington gets 800-1,200 chill hours, while eastern Washington gets 1,200-1,500. Choose varieties that match your area’s chill hours for proper fruit set.
What is the easiest fruit tree to grow in Washington?
Pears are often the easiest. They tolerate wet soil, resist many pests, and require minimal pruning. European varieties like ‘Bartlett’ are reliable for both sides of the state.
Do I need two fruit trees for pollination?
Many fruit trees need cross-pollination from a different variety. Apples, pears, and sweet cherries usually require a partner. Peaches, nectarines, and sour cherries are self-fertile. Check the specific variety before planting.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Fruit Trees
Selecting the best fruit trees to grow in washington comes down to matching the tree to your local climate. Western Washington favors apples, pears, plums, and figs. Eastern Washington excels with cherries, peaches, apricots, and nectarines. Both sides can grow mulberries and persimmons with proper care.
Start with one or two trees that fit your space and taste. Plant them correctly, water consistently, and prune yearly. You will enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit for years to come. Washington’s diverse conditions offer a fruit tree for every gardener, so pick your favorites and get planting.