Best Fruit Trees for a September Harvest

The end of summer isn’t a time to be sorry! While the warm temperatures are fleeting and cooler temperatures approaching, many fruit trees and plants are just now gearing up for the harvest month! Many of us are looking forward to the cool nights, hoodie weather and bonfires, the bonus of a new wave of delicious and healthy September fruits is the icing on the cake!

Fruit Trees Ripening in September!
Weather & Climate Variations
Double Duty Edible Landscape Plants!
Happy Fall Season Harvest!

The start of back-to-school season and what better way to encourage healthy eating and learning than packing some fresh produce in those lunch boxes! Why fresh produce from your own backyard of course!

September is also the start of fall, leaves are turning and in many northern hardiness zones, the chill has begun to creep into the night. Northern zones may even begin to see the first frosts. Leaves are changing and wildlife is scurrying to fatten up for the winter.

Whether you are looking to extend your orchard and fresh produce access into the fall, or looking for trees that feed and attract wildlife, here are the best fruit trees to plant for the month of September!

Fruit Trees Ripening in September!

Apple Trees

September is prime Apple month! The temperatures at night are cooling off and the fruit has developed fully! Apple picking, harvest festivals and Pick-Your-Own Apple orchards are all the rage this month!

Get ready for loads of juicy Apples ripening for many growing zones!

Blushing Delight/Golden Treat Columnar Urban Combo
Cameo
Chehalis
Crunch-A-Bunch
Empire - Finishing Their Season
Garden Delicious
Ghost
Golden Delicious
Golden Sentinel Columnar
Macoun
McIntosh and RubyMac McIntosh
Mutsu (AKA Crispin)
Pixie Crunch
Red Delicious
Red Jonathan
Scarlet Sentinel Columnar
Wealthy
Yellow Delicious
Zestar!

No room for a full-sized Apple tree and its pollinator? Try a 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree with early, mid and late season harvests in one high-style grafted tree!

Apricot Trees

While typically a late spring and early summer crops, a few varieties of Apricots continue to ripen and hang on the tree until September! Puget Gold Apricots may still be hanging on in some climates.

Autumn Glo
Puget Gold

Avocado Trees

Break out the toast, because Avocados in warm to hot US regions are getting ready to pick! Typically ripening once harvested, these nutrient-packed alligator pears are getting ready for your enjoyment!

Donnie
Fantastic
Hall
Hass
Joey
Lila
Little Cado Dwarf

Cherry Trees

Unfortunately, the Cherry season is over by now, but the Barbados Cherry tree is having its second crop in warm to hot climates in USDA zones 9-12!

But you’re in luck because the Candy Heart Pluerry (a plum and cherry hybrid) may still be ripening in some climates!

Citrus Trees

Many Citrus trees are ripe in the summer while others are typically winter fruit, there are still a few that are year-round crops and others ripen early in the autumn! Trees grown outdoors year-round are already dripping with fruit and a few begin ripening this month. It’s also time for northern growers to be bringing in their containerized and patio trees before the temps dip too low!

Ruby Red - begins ripening in some areas
Star Ruby Grapefruit are finishing up ripening
Improved Dwarf Meyer and Lisbon Lemons continue popping up
Ponderosa Lemons
Bearss/Persian Limes
Palestine Limes begin ripening
Thornless Mexican Lime
Calamondin & Variegated Calamondin
Kaffir Lime
Lemon Eureka

Coffee Plants

If you have the room, the climate, and the patience, you can grow your own morning cuppa! The Coffee tree fruits begin to ripen this month in warm growing zones!

Fig Trees

Mid-late season Figs, usually on their second (or breba) crop of the season are ripening all summer and into fall, often still ripening in September with a smaller crop of these luxurious fruits!

Black Jack - finishing their harvest
Black Mission
Brown Turkey
Chicago Hardy
Excel
Panache Tiger
Violette de Bordeaux in some climates

Jackfruit Trees

Another tree that if you have the room and the tropical climate, you’ll enjoy seeing these large, unique fruit ripening directly on the trunks of your Jackfruit tree! Hardy in USDA zones 9 and up, these trees sometimes produce fruit in cooler climates when kept in greenhouses and bright four-season porches.

Jujube Tree

You may not have heard of the Jujube, or Chinese Date, tree, but these delicious warm climate trees have a load of ornamental and delicious features you are going to be happy to learn about! These trees are hardy in USDA zones as low as 5-6 through 9-10 and the Li Jujube begins to ripen this time of year!

Mango Trees

Typically a late summer fruit, the Keitt Mango tree has fruit that persists and ripens until September in warm regions!

Nectarine Trees

These juicy smooth-skinned Peach relatives are usually summer fruit, but a few are late-season Nectarine trees that ripen late in the season for the last taste of goodness in many growing zones!

Flamekist
Pink Diamond
Red Gold

Nut Trees

September is the official start of autumn and that means the start of the nut harvest! Several varieties of fruiting Nut trees begin ripening this month!

Almond trees - These flavorful fruits and healthy snacks can be harvested as soon as the hull has split open, you will see the shell inside, and the brown shell should be starting to split open, too. This crack indicates the almond kernel is ripe and ready for harvest. Look for the All-in-One-Almond and Hall's Hardy Almond starting to ripen this month.
Hazelnuts (AKA Filberts) in some climates are beginning to ripen and if you can beat the squirrels to them, you’ll enjoy making your own desserts and candies.
Pecan trees begin to ripen in September in many climates and continue through the early winter in growing zones with mild to no warm winters.
Walnut trees - like Black Walnuts are starting to ripen, but even after they fall from the tree, these fruits need to continue to ripen and cure a while before you can eat them.

Olive Trees

In the hot, dry, and arid Mediterranean climates of the southern US, Olive trees are beginning to hang heavy with fruit. If you are looking to pick green Olives, now is the time to start preparing for the start of the Olive tree harvest!

Pawpaw Trees

Big sweet tropical-looking and tasting members of the Custard Apple tree family. Pawpaw trees are North American natives and along with their many cultivars, they are beginning to ripen in September for your late-season enjoyment!

Peaches Trees

Like their smooth-skinned cousins, Peaches are iconic fruit for summer, but a few stragglers are ripening in the later months of the year! Keep the summer vibe going with these late-season Peach tree varieties!

Arctic Supreme
Autumn Flame
Bonfire
Carnival
Contender
Elberta
Flaming Fury
O’Henry

Pear Trees

September is the start of the Pear season! Several varieties begin to ripen this month and continue through the winter months of many growing zones. Not all ripening on the tree, Pears can be picked and ripened on the counter or in storage. Pear butter, spiced canned pears and juice-running-down-your-chin goodness awaits you!

Anjou and D Anjou
Bartlett
Bosc
Fan-Stil
Kieffer
Korean Giant Asian
Luscious
Oriental Asian
Seckel

Persimmon Trees

These American and Asian fruit trees are not as well known in some parts, but the fruit is highly sought after by those that are acquainted with them! September is the start of the native American Persimmon tree harvest and it continues through the fall! You are a lucky hiker or forager to find one of these natives growing in the wild! It’s also the start of the Asian Hachiya Persimmon tree harvest!

These trees are gorgeous all year and have unusual blossoms and branching structures for your enjoyment, so plant a few today!

Plump Plum Trees

Tasty gems with smooth skin and juicy sweetness! Several Plums are ripening this time of the season! Pick these smaller ornamental trees for year-round interest, lovely spring blooms, and of course, those delectable sweet-tart fruits that kids love!

Beach
Damson
Emerald Beauty
Honey Lightening
Lavender Showers
Native American
Stanley Prune
Toka

Pomegranate Trees

Generally thought of as a Christmastime treat, Pomegranates are considered high antioxidant super fruits and a welcome brilliant red treat around the holidays! September is the start of the Pomegranate harvest season in warmer climates, so prepare yourself for these unique juicy jewel-filled luxury treats!

Ambrosia
Desertnyi (Desert Pomegranate)
Gissarskii Rozovyi
Kazake
Parfianka
Purple Heart
Red Silk
Sweet
Wonderful

Not ripening off the tree, be sure to pick them at peak ripeness!

Weather & Climate Variations

Keep in mind that the weather patterns, a late or early spring, summer temps barging in early and variants within your growing zone and elevation, all can greatly alter the precise time your fruit trees flower and fruit ripens!

Harvest dates can vary depending upon where you are growing your plants since less sun can slow things down and the location in your yard can create micro-climates around the trees. There is a tremendous amount of variation in ripening dates between zone 4 and zone 9 which can, and will, significantly affect harvest times. Plus the amount of sun available may have some impact on ripening too. Choose the very best location for your tree before planting!

You can always check with your local County Agricultural Extension office for information on the best trees for your area!

Check out our When to Harvest Garden Blog which explains how you know your fruit is ripe and ready for picking!

Double Duty Edible Landscape Plants!

All of these lovely trees offer spring blooms, shade, and sometimes fall color and all increase your property value while filling your pantry with fresh fruit, preserves, delicious baked goods, and sauces for all your favorite recipes.

Be sure to include Aronia (Chokeberry) bushes, Goji berry, and a host of floricane and everbearing Raspberries and Blackberries! You may also enjoy blueberry varieties for a late-season harvest too, such as the Sapphire Cascade and Elliot. Include these shrubs to encourage pollinators to stay in your garden and pollinate your fruit trees, as well as amp up your fresh fruit access and variety!

The edible landscaping craze is sweeping the nation! Secure your family's food access and self-sustainability, and increase your fresh food variety availability, regardless of the size of your landscape, with easy-to-grow fruit trees from Nature Hills! These double-duty trees and plants are not just healthy food for your pantry but also ornamental flowering landscape additions that provide shade and curb appeal as well!

Don’t forget to pick up a suitable pollinator for your fruit tree if they need a pollination buddy! And check out high-density planting to save space!

Happy Fall Season Harvest!

Fall is also the perfect time to get trees and shrubs planted! No longer contending with the heat and dry spells of summer, fall and spring are prime planting seasons! It’s also time to think about pruning your trees and shrubs as they begin to go dormant, so read more about pruning fruit trees here!

Tasty treats for the cooler season await you when you plant one or more of these delicious fruit trees at Nature Hills Nursery! Hurry and order yours so you too can enjoy fruit from spring, summer and fall fruit and beyond and get them delivered to your doorstep!

As always, head over to NatureHills.com #ProPlantTips for care for garden info and ideas anytime! We’ll be glad to help you select the perfect fruit trees, plant them and care for them, plus so much more!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fruit trees reliably ripen by September across most growing zones?

Apple trees are the most reliable September fruiting trees across most growing zones, with varieties like Zestar!, McIntosh, Empire, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious all reaching peak ripeness as nights begin to cool. In northern hardiness zones where fall frosts arrive early, earlier-ripening apple varieties like Zestar! and McIntosh are your safest bet for a full harvest before cold sets in. A few late-season Apricot varieties, including Autumn Glo and Puget Gold, can also hang on into September in the right climates. Plan your orchard around two or more compatible apple varieties to ensure cross-pollination, or choose a grafted multi-variety tree like the 6-In-One Espalier Apple if space is limited.

How do you know when September-harvest fruit is ready to pick?

Ripeness cues vary by fruit, but a few reliable indicators apply across most September-harvesting varieties. Apples are ready when the skin color has fully developed, the flesh feels firm but gives slightly under pressure, and the fruit separates easily from the branch with a gentle twist. For Avocados, color change and a slight softness after a day or two off the tree signal readiness, since they ripen after harvest rather than on the tree. Check your trees daily as September progresses, since cooler nights accelerate ripening quickly, and early-zone gardeners should watch for first frost dates that could cut the harvest window short.

How far apart should you plant fruit trees to allow for full mature growth?

Spacing requirements vary depending on the type and rootstock of the fruit tree, but standard full-sized fruit trees generally need 15 to 25 feet between plantings to allow for proper canopy development and air circulation. Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties can be planted as close as 8 to 10 feet apart, making them ideal for smaller yards. Columnar varieties like the Scarlet Sentinel or Golden Sentinel can be spaced just 2 to 3 feet apart, perfect for tight urban spaces. Check the mature spread listed for your specific variety at naturehills.com and use that measurement as your minimum spacing guide before you dig.

Do September-bearing fruit trees need a second tree nearby for pollination?

Some September-bearing fruit trees, particularly apples, require a second compatible variety nearby for cross-pollination to produce a full crop. Many apple varieties need a pollinator within 50 feet to ensure proper fruit set, though a few selections like Garden Delicious are self-fertile. If space is limited, a 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree offers an elegant solution by combining early, mid, and late season varieties on a single grafted tree. Check the pollination requirements for your specific variety before planting, and contact Nature Hills for expert guidance on pairing the right trees for your growing zone.

Should you plant a bare-root or container-grown fruit tree for the fastest establishment?

Container-grown fruit trees generally establish faster because their root systems remain intact and undisturbed, allowing them to begin active growth almost immediately after planting. Bare-root trees, typically available and planted during dormancy in late winter to early spring, can catch up quickly once established but require more precise timing and care in those first weeks. For the best results, plant container-grown trees anytime during the growing season, keep them well-watered during the first year, and apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

How high above the soil line should the graft union sit after planting a fruit tree?

The graft union on a fruit tree should sit 2 to 4 inches above the soil line after planting. Burying the graft union can cause the scion wood to root, which negates the dwarfing or disease-resistant benefits of the rootstock. This is especially important in wetter climates and northern zones where soil heaving from freeze-thaw cycles can shift planting depth over time. When backfilling, firm the soil gently and check that the union remains visible above grade, then mulch around the base while keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself.

How long after planting will a fruit tree start producing a September harvest?

Most fruit trees begin producing a meaningful harvest within 3 to 5 years of planting, though dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties often bear fruit sooner, sometimes within 2 to 3 years. September-ripening varieties like Zestar!, McIntosh, and Empire apples are worth the wait, rewarding patient growers with reliable fall crops once established. To set yourself up for success, plant in well-drained soil with full sun, ensure proper pollinator pairing where required, and give young trees consistent water and fertilization during their first few seasons.

Which fruits naturally ripen in autumn and are worth growing in a home garden?

Several fruits naturally ripen in September and fall, making them excellent choices for extending your home harvest season. Apples are the standout crop for this period, with varieties like Zestar!, Macoun, McIntosh, Empire, and Golden Delicious reaching peak ripeness as nights cool down across northern hardiness zones. Apricots such as Autumn Glo and Puget Gold can hang on into September in some climates, and Avocados begin their harvest window in warm to hot regions during this same period. To maximize your fall harvest, consider planting a mix of early, mid, and late-season apple varieties, or try a grafted 6-in-1 Espalier Apple Tree if space is limited, and pair it with the appropriate pollinator for the best yields.

How do you thin fruit in summer to get larger and better-tasting September harvests?

Thinning fruit in early to mid-summer, typically June through July, is one of the most effective ways to improve fruit size and flavor by harvest time. For apples, remove excess fruitlets so remaining fruit are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart along each branch, keeping only the largest and healthiest specimen from each cluster. This redirects the tree's energy into fewer fruits, resulting in noticeably larger, sweeter apples by September. Start thinning shortly after the natural June drop and use clean pruning snips or simply twist and pull fruitlets by hand to avoid damaging the spur.

Can you plant fruit trees in spring and still expect a harvest by September of the same year?

Planting fruit trees in spring and harvesting fruit that same September is generally not realistic, as most newly planted trees need one to three years to establish their root systems and begin producing fruit reliably. Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties tend to bear fruit sooner than standard-sized trees, but even these benefit from skipping the first year's fruit to direct energy into healthy establishment. If you want to enjoy a September harvest as quickly as possible, consider purchasing a more mature container-grown tree from Nature Hills, which gives you a head start compared to bare-root stock. Focus on fast-bearing varieties like Zestar! or Pixie Crunch apples, plant in a sunny well-drained location, and follow proper fertilization practices to encourage your tree to reach fruiting age as soon as possible.

Fruit Trees to Plant for a September Harvest