There is something very satisfying about going out into your own yard and picking a fresh, ripe piece of fruit right off the tree, isn't there? Here at Nature Hills, we hear stories all the time from our friends in Florida and California about the pleasure they get from having fresh fruit from their Clementines, Kumquats, and Lemons!
Our Georgia friends write in about their Peaches and Nectarines. And don't get us started on the Apple lovers out there!
Fruit trees are a wonderful indulgence and, for the most part, easy to grow. They can tolerate less-than-perfect soils, and once established, many can weather a short drought or two. Some can even survive a bitter Northern winter without a second thought.
One thing they all must have, though, is the right amount of sunlight! You might not have a dead tree if they get too much shade, but you certainly won't get the fruit you want.
Fruit Tree Sun Recommendations
Light is essential when growing plants outdoors or when bringing plants indoors for winter protection. For outdoors, select a location with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight, preferably morning sun.
Indoors, choose the brightest location possible! Many Citrus plants will need grow lights for success.
Here are quick guidelines for planting your own orchard:
Fruit Plants That Need 8+ Hours of Sun
- Apples & Pears
- Figs (protect trunks in hot climates)
- Cherries
Fruit Plants That Need 6+ Hours of Sun
- Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Kumquats, Grapefruits, Tangerines)
- Bananas
- Peaches & Nectarines
- Plums, Apricots, Apriums, Plumcots & Pluots
- Avocados, Olives, Persimmons, Pomegranates, Guava, Nut Trees
- Fruiting Shrubs (Blueberries, Elderberries, Gooseberries, Currants, etc.)
- Fruiting Vines (Kiwi, Grapes, Passionfruit, Honeyberry, Goji, etc.)
Partial Shade or Shade-Tolerant Fruiting Plants
Less sun for fruiting plants generally means less fruit. But certain understory trees and shrubs still have a decent harvest. Some include:
- Fruit Trees: Pawpaw, Mulberries, Juneberry
- Fruit Vines: Muscadine Grapes, Hardy Kiwi
- Fruiting Plants: Rhubarb, Alpine Strawberries
- Fruit bushes like: Gooseberry, Some Blueberries, Raspberries, Currants, Huckleberry, Chokeberry
- and Elderberries ('York' & 'Adams')
So, How Much Sun is Full Sun?
Full Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most fruit trees need this for flowers and fruit.
Full to Partial Sun: 4–5 hours direct sun + bright/dappled light. Yields may be smaller, but plants will survive.
Partial Shade: Only 4 or fewer hours of direct sunlight daily. Rare for fruit trees, but a handful of plants can tolerate it.
The Danger of Too Much Shade
Too much shade means fewer flowers, less fruit, leggy growth, weak branches, and a greater risk of pests and disease. Morning sun is especially important to dry leaves and prevent fungal issues.
How Much Sun Do You Have?
Observe your yard, does it get morning, afternoon, or all-day sun? Trim nearby trees and shrubs if needed to let in more light. Remember: more sun = more flowers = more fruit!
So head over to NatureHills.com, once you know your sun exposure, we'll help you find the perfect fruiting trees and shrubs for your space!
Happy Planting!
