Quick Answer: Best Fruits to grow in Minnesota
The best fruits to grow in Minnesota are pears, grapes, melons, apples, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, strawberries, and raspberries. The best seasons to grow fruits in Minnesota are spring and summer.
Looking to cultivate fruits in Minnesota? This guide is for you!
We’ll be exploring the top ten fruits to grow in the state, highlighting their benefits and sharing helpful tips for their care.
Let’s begin the journey!
Contents
Best Fruits to grow in Minnesota
Minnesota has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, which is well suited for growing a variety of fruits.
However, the soil in Minnesota can vary depending on the region. In general, the state has fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, but it can be heavy in clay in some areas.
It’s important to check the specific requirements of the fruit you plan to grow and to amend the soil accordingly before planting.
Here is a list of the top 10 fruits that are well-suited for Minnesota.
1. Pear
Pears, scientific name Pyrus communis, are deciduous fruit trees native to Europe and Asia. They typically take between 3-5 years to mature from seed. Pears are a popular fruit known for their sweet, juicy flesh and bell-shaped appearance.
Why Grow Pear?
Growing pear trees in Minnesota is a good idea because they are cold-hardy and can tolerate a range of weather conditions, including drought, high heat, and humidity. This makes them well-suited for gardens in Minnesota.
Some good varieties to consider planting include Golden Spice, Parker, Patten, Luscious, Gourmet, and Summer Crisp.
These varieties are known to do well in Minnesota and are recommended by horticulturists.
Pear trees do not require any special sprays to keep them healthy and pest-free.
With the help of cold climate fruit breeders at the University of Minnesota and other research stations, you can find the best-suited variety for your region which can grow well in USDA zone 3 and 4.
Maintenance and Care
To ensure that pear trees produce fruit, it is necessary to have two varieties planted, as they need to be cross-pollinated.
Additionally, pear trees need to be placed in an area where they receive full sunlight in order to yield a high amount of fruit.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the tree’s health, productivity, and appearance.
Lastly, it’s important to harvest the fruit at the right time, when it’s fully mature, and then let it ripen indoors before consuming.
One disease that can be a problem is fireblight. Also, keep an eye out for pests like pear psylla, aphids, and scale insects,
Here is a guide for growing pear trees:
2. Grape
Grapes, scientific name Vitis vinifera, are a type of fruit that grow in clusters on a vine.
They are native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, and are widely cultivated for their sweet and juicy fruit. Grapes are often used to make wine, juice, and raisins.
Why Grow Grapes?
Growing grapes in Minnesota can be a good idea because they are several cold-hardy grape varieties that are well-suited for Minnesota’s climate, such as the Frontenac, Marquette, and La Crescent.
Additionally, grapes can be grown in a variety of ways, such as in a backyard vineyard, as a landscape plant, or as part of a home fruit production system. Grapes are a versatile and low-maintenance fruit that can be used for many different purposes.
Maintenance and Care
Providing the vines with full sun, regular pruning to control the size and shape of the vine, training the vine to grow on a trellis or support system, proper irrigation and fertilization, monitoring for pests and diseases, and harvesting the grapes at the right time are important.
Be vigilant for pests and diseases like grape berry moth, powdery mildew, black rot and downy mildew, and address them promptly if found.
Here’s a guide to growing grapes:
3. Melon
Melons, from the genus Cucumis, are a type of fruit that belongs to the cucumber family. They are native to Africa and Asia and are known for their sweet and juicy flesh. Melons come in many varieties, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
Why Grow Melons?
Growing melons in Minnesota can be challenging due to the state’s short growing season and cool temperatures.
But with the use of technology such as high tunnels and greenhouses, it is possible to extend the growing season and create a suitable environment for melons to thrive.
Melons are a highly beneficial crop for individuals who enjoy gardening in Minnessota, as they are simple to cultivate, produce an ample yield, and can be grown in small gardens or patios.
Maintenance and Care
For optimal growth, melons should be planted in areas that receive ample sunlight and have fertile soil that drains well.
It is recommended to plant melon seeds in the weeks leading up to the final spring frost date.
Watermelon and honeydew are more susceptible to cold weather than cantaloupe.
Keep in mind that not all melons will mature simultaneously, so it is important to harvest them as they reach maturity.
Common diseases and pests that affect melon plants include powdery mildew, downy mildew, aphids, and vine borers.
Here’s a growing guide for watermelons:
4. Apple
Apples, scientific name Malus domestica, are a type of fruit that grows on deciduous trees. They are native to Central Asia and are widely cultivated throughout the world.
Apples are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They typically take around 3-5 years to mature from seed.
Why Grow Apples?
Growing apples in Minnesota can be challenging due to the short growing season and harsh winter.
However, by selecting the right varieties such as Beacon, Hazen, Mantet, Norland, etc. for summer and Centennial Crabapple, Chestnut Crabapple, Red Baron, Sweet Sixteen, etc. for fall and Haralson, Haralred and Macoun for winter, it is possible to grow delicious apples.
Apples are relatively low-maintenance and can grow in a range of soil conditions, they also do not necessarily need fertilizer and require little pruning.
It’s important to plant multiple apple varieties and to have a good pollinator like crabapples nearby.
Maintenance and Care
During the growing season, apple trees require at least 8 hours of daily sunlight. Two types are required for proper pollination, one of which may be a crabapple.
Some varieties are more sensitive than others to insect and disease damage. To maintain apple trees healthy and productive, prune them annually.
Some common diseases and pests that affect apples in Minnesota include apple scab, fire blight, codling moth, and aphids.
Here’s a growing guide for apple trees:
5. Peach
Peaches, scientific name Prunus persica, are a type of fruit that grows on deciduous trees.
They are native to China and are widely cultivated throughout the world. Peaches are known for their sweet and juicy flesh and fuzzy skin.
They typically mature in late spring to early summer.
Why Grow Peach?
Growing peaches in Minnesota can offer several benefits for those interested in expanding their backyard orchard.
For one, it can provide a unique and delicious addition to the fruits that can be grown in the state.
Some of the best options for Minnesota include Elberta, Majestic, Hardy, Red Haven, and Scarlet Prince.
These varieties are known for their ability to tolerate colder weather, and are able to produce fruit relatively quickly, often within 1 to 2 years after planting.
The self-fertility of peaches allows for a single tree to produce fruit, which can be a great space-saving solution for smaller orchards.
Maintenance and Care
To effectively cultivate peach trees, be sure to put them in well-draining soil that receives plenty sunlight.
It is essential to prune the trees annually to promote fruit output and preserve their shape.
Maintain consistent soil moisture by watering frequently and deeply. Utilize fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and fruit development.
Remember to harvest the peaches at their peak ripeness, since they will not continue to ripen once harvested.
Some common diseases and pests that may affect peach trees in Minnesota include peach leaf curl, brown rot, oriental fruit moth, plum curculio and aphids.
Here’s a guide to growing peach trees:
6. Apricot
Apricots, scientific name Prunus armeniaca, are a type of fruit that grows on deciduous trees.
They are native to China and are widely cultivated throughout the world. They typically mature in early to mid-summer.
Why Grow Apricot?
Growing apricots in Minnesota can be a rewarding experience as apricot trees produce beautiful blooms in early spring and delicious fruit in the summer.
The Moongold and Sungold apricot varieties are known to be hardy enough to withstand the Minnesota climate.
These two varieties are not self-fertilizing, so it’s important to plant two different varieties of apricot trees in order to produce fruit. Moongold apricots are slightly larger with a golden tone while Sungold apricots have a mild flavor and a red blush.
Additionally, the apricot variety Scout (Prunus mandshurica ‘Scout’) can also be grown in both southern and northern Minnesota.
Maintenance and Care
In order to maintain a healthy apricot tree, it’s important to provide it with proper irrigation and fertilization.
The tree should be watered regularly during dry periods, particularly during the fruit-setting stage.
Additionally, apricot trees should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, before the tree begins to bloom.
It’s also important to keep the tree pruned and remove any diseased or damaged branches.
Apricot trees are prone to certain pests and diseases such as apricot scab and peach leaf curl.
Here is a guide for growing apricot trees from seeds:
7. Cherry
Cherries, scientific name Prunus avium, are a type of fruit that grows on deciduous trees.
They are native to Europe and Asia and are widely cultivated throughout the world. They typically mature in late spring to early summer.
Why Grow Cherries?
Growing cherries in Minnesota can be a great way to produce a bountiful harvest of tasty fruit. There are three main species of cherries that can be grown in Minnesota: Nanking cherries, sand cherries, and pie or tart cherries.
The best varieties of Nanking cherries for Minnesota include Orient, Drilea, or seedlings sold as “Hansen Bush cherries.” For sand cherries, the best choices include Black Beauty, Brooks, or Sioux.
Pie cherry varieties that are good include Meteor, Northstar, and Mesabi. Only pie cherries are self-compatible, which means they do not require another cherry tree to pollinate them in order to produce fruit.
Cherries are known to produce one of the largest harvests of all fruits grown in Minnesota and they are also excellent cross pollinators which can help other fruit-bearing trees to do better
Maintenance and Care
It’s important to select a well-drained site and to protect the tree from extreme cold temperatures during the winter.
The tree should be watered regularly during dry periods, particularly during the fruit-setting stage.
Additionally, cherry trees should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, before the tree begins to bloom.
Proper pruning should also be done to remove any diseased or damaged branches, and to shape the tree for optimal fruit production.
Cherry trees are prone to certain pests and diseases such as Cherry leaf spot, Black knot, and Cherry fruit fly.
Here is a guide for growing cherry trees:
8. Plum
Plums, scientific name Prunus domestica, are a type of fruit that grows on deciduous trees. They are native to Europe and Asia and are widely cultivated throughout the world. They typically mature in late spring to early summ.
Why Grow Plum?
Growing plums in Minnesota can be a great way to add variety to your fruit trees and make use of the hardy varieties that can tolerate the state’s harsh climate.
Some of the best varieties for Minnesota include Alderman, Underwood, Superior, La Crescent, and Pipestone.
These varieties are known for their hardiness and ability to produce a bountiful crop of plums despite the cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, plums are relatively resistant to diseases and pests. They may be grown in confined settings and are easy to harvest and prepare.
Maintenance and Care
It is important to choose a well-drained site, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5, for planting.
The trees should be pruned every year to remove deadwood and promote new growth.
Additionally, it is important to fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and water it regularly.
Plum trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as plum curculio, Japanese beetles, and black knot fungus.
Here’s a growing guide for plums:
9. Strawberries
Strawberries, scientific name Fragaria × ananassa, are a type of fruit that grows on perennial plants.
They are native to Europe and North America, and are widely cultivated throughout the world. They typically mature in late spring to early summer.
Why Grow Strawberries?
Growing strawberries in Minnesota can be an excellent option as the state has a suitable climate for strawberry cultivation.
There are several varieties of strawberry that are well-suited for Minnesota’s cool climate, including Allstar, Honeyoye, and Jewel.
strawberry plants are relatively cheap and low maintenance.
They are easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of ways, in raised beds, containers, or in the ground.
They also don’t take up much space, making them a great choice for small gardens
Maintenance and Care
It is important to choose a site with well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Strawberries prefer a soil pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. It is also important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your area and the time of year you want to harvest.
It is also important to keep the soil moist and fertilize the strawberry plants with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Additionally, it is important to remove any old leaves, flowers, and fruit as soon as they appear to promote new growth.
Strawberries are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as strawberry root weevils, slugs, and powdery mildew.
Here’s a guide to growing strawberries:
10. Raspberry
Raspberries, scientific name Rubus idaeus, are a type of fruit that grows on perennial plants.
They are native to Europe and North America and are widely cultivated throughout the world. They typically mature in mid to late summer.
Why Grow Raspberries?
Raspberries are a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soil conditions, making them a great choice for backyard gardening.
They are low maintenance, frost-resistant, and can be grown in containers.
They also produce high-quality, nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of recipes.
In Minnesota, raspberries are a popular and high-value crop due to the state’s climate and soil conditions.
They are also a great choice for home gardeners as they are easy to maintain and care for.
Maintenance and Care
To cultivate raspberries, plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage.
Give them enough space by spacing them at least 3 feet apart. Support the canes using a trellis or stake.
Maintain moisture and suppress weeds by applying mulch. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly.
Prune old canes every year to encourage new growth and larger fruit.
In Minnesota, common diseases and pests affecting raspberry plants include spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew, and raspberry cane blight.
Here is a guide for growing raspberries:
What is the easiest growing fruit in Minnesota?
Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are among the easiest fruits to grow in Minnesota. Among fruit trees, apple and cherry trees are considered some of the easiest to grow in Minnesota.
What is the best time to grow fruits in Minnesota?
The best stime to grow fruits are typically the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm enough to support the growth of most fruits.
However, some fruits, like apples and pears, are best planted in the fall so they can establish their root systems before the ground freezes.
FAQs
Minnesota is known for its apples, particularly the Honeycrisp™ apple. It was officially adopted as the state fruit in 2006 and it was developed by the University of Minnesota apple breeding program in the 1960s by crossing Macoun and Honeygold apples.
Some fruits that are native to Minnesota include wild strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, plums, apples, crabapples, chokecherries, elderberries, cranberries, gooseberries and serviceberries.
Fruit trees should be watered on a regular basis, depending on the weather and soil conditions. In general, fruit trees should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season.
Quick Recap: Top Fruits to Grow In Minnesota
| Fruits | Why grow? |
|---|---|
| Pear | 1. Cold-hardy 2. Low-maintenance 3. ornamental |
| Grape | 1. Easy to grow 2. Plentiful producers 3. Hardy |
| Melon | 1. Large harvest in a small space 2. Easy to grow |
| Apple | 1. Easy to grow 2. Low maintenance 3. Good yield for many years |
| Peach | 1. Wide varieties 2. Plentiful producers 3. Can grow in small spaces |
| Apricot | 1. Suitable for small garden 2. Resilient and low maintenace 3. Self-fruitful, ornamental |
| Cherry | 1. Well-suited to the climate 2. Ornamental and good for the environment 3. Can grow in small spaces |
| Plum | 1. Good yield 2. Perfect for small gardens 3. Hardy |
| Strawberry | 1. Resilient 2. Easy to grow and affordable |
| Raspberry | 1. Easy and quick to grow 2. Do well in containers |
Bottomline
I hope that this article served as a bountiful source of information in choosing the best fruits to grow in Minnesota.
If you have any further inquiries or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Also, consider spreading the word to your Minnesota-based gardening community, friends and family.