When you think of desert climates like Tucson’s, you may not be imagining an environment that’s suitable for growing fruits or vegetables. However, there are many plants that can do extremely well in the Arizona heat and seamlessly integrate with your current landscaping. You can grow fruit in Tucson—here’s how.
Apples
Gordon, Anna, Beverly Hills, Golden Dorsett, and Ein Shemer apple trees tend to thrive in Arizona’s climate. Saplings or fully-grown specimens should be planted in the fall or spring, while bare roots should be planted in January or February before the heat sets in. You’ll be able to harvest the fruits of your labor anywhere from June through September—the exact time period will differ based on the variety of apple you have selected.
Strawberries
There’s nothing better than a bowl of fresh strawberries on a hot summer day. While this fruit can be finicky, there are several varieties that can grow in Arizona, including Camerosa, Tioga, Sequoia, and Chandler. Install your strawberry plants anywhere from September through January so that their roots have enough time to dig into the soil before the summer heat comes to call.
Citrus Fruits
Nearly all citrus fruits thrive in the Arizona desert. Kumquats, calamondins, lemons, oranges, and limes are all examples of the citrus fruit you could be harvesting in your backyard. Citrus can be planted from February through May or October through December, but never in the summer. Be sure to protect your citrus plants from frost for them to grow properly.
If you’re looking to incorporate fruit trees or plants into your landscaping, Complete Landscaping in Tucson, AZ can provide expert landscape design and installation services for homes and businesses. For more information on our outdoor services, call (520) 323-8918.