Fruit Trees for a Late October Harvest Season

For most of the country, the nights are cold or getting chilly, maybe even teasing us with freezing temperatures, causing us to run out and cover those last flowers or veggies in case of a freeze. The days may struggle to warm up enough for you to not need a jacket. Deciduous trees are coloring their leaves in anticipation of winter snow and the garden - for the most part - is winding down for the year.

But for many parts of the country and for many types of fruit trees, things are just getting started!

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

Whether you are looking to extend your harvest into the spookiest month of the year and keep the fresh food access well into the autumn, or you are looking for trees that feed and attract wildlife right up until the snow flies - Here are the best Fruit Trees at Nature Hills to plant for a harvest in the month of October!

Fruit Trees Ripening in October!

Apple Trees

October has many Apple trees that are still ripening or hanging on the tree just waiting for you to harvest them. In fact, that bit of chill in the air makes them take on new and improved flavors!

Arkansas Black
Braeburn
Fireside
Freedom & USDA Organic Freedom
Frostbite
Fuji & Red Fuji
Gibson Yellow Delicious
Golden Delicious
GoldRush
Granny Smith
Haralson - Finishing their season in October
King (AKA Tompkins King)
Melrose
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink Variety)
Red Delicious & Yellow Delicious - Finishing their season in October
Red Jonathan - Finishing their season in October
Rome Beauty
Sundowner
USDA Organic Enterprise
Winecrisp
Winesap
Winter Banana
Yellow Delicious

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!

Avocado Trees

Ripening once harvested, these nutrient-packed Alligator Pears are continuing to be ready for harvest in warm to hot US regions!

Bacon
Fantastic
Hall
Hass
Joey
Lila

Banana Trees

While not really a tree, Banana plants like the Red Banana and several other varieties ripen sporadically when planted in warm climates in the ground.

Citrus Trees

Many Citrus trees are typically winter fruit and ripen around the holidays, so their season is just gearing up! Plus, you will benefit from many year-round ripening Citrus. 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!

Chinese Grapefruit
Ruby Red Grapefruit
Improved Dwarf Meyer & Lisbon Lemons year-round
Ponderosa Lemon
Bearss/Persian Lime
Palestine Lime
Lisbon Lemon
Genoa Lemon
Thornless Mexican Lime
Calamondin & Variegated Calamondin
Kaffir Lime
Lemon Eureka
Page Mandarin
Sudachi Mandarin
Fukamoto Orange

Coffee Plants

Coffee tree fruits are ripening in warm growing zones! If you have the room, a temperate climate, and patience - you can grow your own morning cuppa!

Fig Trees

Late-season Figs, usually on their breba (or second) crop of the season, are ripening this fall in warmer climates. You’ll enjoy this smaller crop of these luxurious fruits if all goes well!

Chicago Hardy
Excel
Panache Tiger
Violette de Bordeaux in some climates

Guava Trees

Tropical Guava fruit trees grown in warm climates in the ground can begin to ripen at different times of the year. But the Pineapple Guava and White Asian Guava can be ripening in the month of October!

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 for you! Hardy in USDA zones as low as 5-6 through 9-10 and the Sugar Cane, GA 866, Shanxi Li (Pear Jujube), and Honey Jar Jujube all begin to ripen in October!

Nectarine Trees

These juicy smooth-skinned Peach relatives have a few stragglers that ripen late-season in many growing zones! Nature Hills carries the Pink Diamond Nectarine that can ripen in this late month of the year.

Nut Trees

Nearly all Nut trees are ripe and ready to harvest in October! So hurry and beat the squirrels to the harvest!

Almond trees
Hazelnuts (AKA Filberts)
Pecan trees
Walnut trees
Butternut trees
Chestnut trees

Olive Trees

In the hot, dry, and arid climates of the southern US, Olive trees are hanging heavy with fruit. If you are looking to pick green or black Olives, both are becoming ready to harvest. So start preparing for your Olive tree harvest!

Koroneiki
Leccino
Manzanillo
Pendolino

Passion Fruit Vines

Passionfruit or Passion Flower vines like the Possum Purple and the Sweet Sunrise are ripe this month! Harvest this leathery fruit with its tropical edible pulp now.

Pawpaw Trees

Big sweet tropical-looking - and tasting - members of the Custard Apple family. Pawpaw trees are North American natives that are ready for harvest in October for your late-season enjoyment!

Peaches Trees

Peaches are iconic summer fruits but some late arrivals in some growing zones include the Autumn Flame Peach tree. Extend the summer flavor explosion into the autumn!

Pear Trees

October means Pear season is in full swing! Several varieties begin to ripen this month and continue to hang on the tree through the late-season months of many growing zones! Gaining a lovely flavor after a touch of frost, not all Pears ripen on the tree. But Pears can be picked and ripened on the counter or in storage.

Bosc
Comice
D Anjou
Korean Giant Asian
Luscious
Magness European
Oriental Asian
Seckel
Shinseiki

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! October is prime harvest time for the native American Persimmon tree and the Asian Hachiya Persimmon tree! Check out the weeping Magic Fountain Weeping Persimmon for the best of both worlds!

Plum Trees

A few late-season Plum trees are still ripening this late in the season. Choose these smaller ornamentals for year-round interest, lovely spring blooms, and of course, those delectable sweet-tart fruits!

Emerald Beaut
Lavender Showers

Pomegranate Trees

Generally, Christmastime treats, Pomegranates are considered high antioxidant super fruits and a welcome brilliant red treat around the holidays! So prepare yourself for unique juicy jewel-filled luxury treats that are incredibly healthy! Not ripening once picked, be sure to pick Pomegranates at peak ripeness!

Desertnyi (Desert)
Gissarskii Rozovyi
Kazake
Parfianka
Pink Satin
Purple Heart
Tom's Red

Weather & Climate Variations

Keep in mind that the weather patterns, late or early springs, summer temperatures barging in early, and variants within your growing zone and elevation. All of which will greatly alter the precise time your fruit trees flower and the 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 microclimates 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!

Edible Landscape & Double Duty Plants!

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

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 Autumn Harvest Season!

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 soon as they go dormant, so read more about pruning fruit trees here!

Don't forget to wrap the trunks of young fruit trees with hardware cloth or metal screening to prevent rodent and deer damage to the trunks of these trees. Give your trees some regular water so their roots don’t go into the winter dry, and add a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch or arborist bark chips to insulate the root system against the chill.

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 correctly, and care for them, plus so much more!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plant fruit trees in the fall to get an October harvest sooner?

Planting fruit trees in fall is actually a great strategy, as cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress and allow roots to establish before winter dormancy. However, most fruit trees require several years to reach productive maturity, so a fall planting will not accelerate your first October harvest significantly. Your best approach is to select established, fast-maturing varieties like Haralson or Fuji Apple from Nature Hills, which are grown and shipped as more mature trees, giving you a head start on that autumn harvest timeline.

Which fruit trees are most likely to ripen by October in a variety of climates?

Apple trees are the most reliable option for an October harvest across a wide range of climates, with varieties like Fuji, Golden Delicious, GoldRush, Granny Smith, and Haralson all ripening that month. In warmer regions, Avocado trees also reach harvest readiness in October, while Citrus trees begin gearing up for their winter ripening season around this time. If space is limited, consider a 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree, which offers early, mid, and late season harvests in a single grafted tree. Browse Nature Hills for variety-specific details and zone compatibility to find the best October-ripening fruit tree for your location.

How long does it take an apple tree to bear fruit after planting?

Most apple trees begin bearing fruit within 2 to 5 years after planting, depending on whether you choose a dwarf, semi-dwarf, or standard-sized rootstock. Dwarf varieties typically produce in 2 to 3 years, semi-dwarf in 3 to 4 years, and standard trees can take 5 or more years. Keep in mind that most apple trees require a pollinator nearby to set fruit, so plan to plant at least two compatible varieties or choose a multi-graft option like the 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree. To get the fastest results, select a healthy container-grown tree from Nature Hills and plant it in a location with full sun and well-drained soil.

Does a Granny Smith apple tree need a pollinator to produce fruit?

Granny Smith apple trees are not self-fertile and require a compatible pollinator variety planted nearby to produce a good crop of fruit. For best results, plant another apple variety that blooms at the same time within 50 feet to ensure adequate cross-pollination by bees and other pollinators. If space is limited, consider a 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree from Nature Hills, which combines early, mid, and late season varieties in a single grafted tree and handles its own pollination needs beautifully.

How much sun do fruit trees need to produce a full crop by October?

Most fruit trees require a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a full, healthy crop, with 8 hours being the sweet spot for maximum fruit development and sugar content. Insufficient sun leads to reduced yields, poor fruit size, and lackluster flavor, so site selection is one of the most critical decisions you will make. To ensure your trees are ready to deliver an October harvest, plant them in the sunniest location on your property, away from shade cast by buildings or larger trees, and orient any espalier or trained forms against a south or west-facing wall to capture the most light throughout the growing season.

What soil conditions help fruit trees thrive and ripen fruit on time?

Fruit trees perform best in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, as overly compacted or waterlogged soil restricts root development and delays ripening. Before planting, amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost to improve drainage and nutrient retention. Test your soil pH each spring and adjust with lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it as needed. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth that supports healthy, on-time fruit development.

How often should you water a peach tree during the growing season?

Peach trees generally need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season, whether from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Young trees in their first two years require more consistent moisture to establish a strong root system, so water deeply two to three times per week during dry spells. In hotter climates or USDA Zones 7 and above during peak summer heat, check soil moisture at a depth of 2 inches and water whenever it feels dry. Use a slow, deep watering method at the drip line rather than near the trunk to encourage deep root development and reduce disease risk.

Can you grow pomegranates in colder climates and still get a fall harvest?

Pomegranates are best suited to warm climates and thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, where they reliably ripen fruit in fall, typically between September and November. In colder zones, harvests become unreliable or impossible outdoors, as pomegranates need long, hot summers to develop and sweeten their fruit properly. If you garden in a marginal zone like Zone 6, you can try growing a cold-hardy variety such as Salavatski in a large container and overwintering it indoors. Check Nature Hills for available pomegranate varieties suited to your zone and consider container growing as your best option if you experience hard freezes.

How long does it take a mango tree to produce fruit?

Mango trees grown from grafted nursery stock typically begin producing fruit in 3 to 5 years, while seed-grown trees can take 6 years or more. They thrive in USDA Zones 10 to 11 and require warm, frost-free conditions to fruit successfully. For the fastest results, choose a grafted variety from a reputable nursery and plant in a location with full sun and excellent drainage.

Which fruit trees ripen in October and grow well in northern or cooler regions?

Several apple varieties thrive in northern and cooler climates and ripen right in October, including Haralson, Frostbite, Freedom, Granny Smith, and GoldRush. These cold-hardy varieties are well-suited to northern growing zones and actually benefit from autumn's chill, which deepens and improves their flavor as temperatures drop. If space is limited, a 6-In-One Espalier Apple Tree offers early, mid, and late season harvests in a single compact, high-style grafted tree. Visit Nature Hills to browse these varieties and find the best match for your growing zone and garden size.

Fruit Trees to Plant for an October Harvest!