The demand for locally grown fruit trees is red hot these days. It seems like everyone wants to enjoy the incredible taste, health benefits, and experience of growing their favorite fruit varieties right at home. After all, there is nothing so satisfying as eating a piece of homegrown fruit, still warm from the sun.
Modern plant hybridizers have been inspired to create new selections, while growers are revisiting older varieties that might be more widely adaptable for today’s gardens. These improvements mean more options for fruit trees in warm climates and success for gardeners in lower chill areas.
Here is a rundown of some of the best varieties for Zones 9 and 10 fruit trees. But first, let’s talk about what "Low Chill Hours" mean for your garden.
- Chill Requirements Definition
- Zones 9b and 10a - Two of the Most Diverse USDA Climate Zones
- Exciting New Research on Apple Trees in Zones 9 and 10
- Fabulous Low-Chill Fruit Trees
Chill Requirements Definition
In simple terms, chill requirements are the approximate number of cold hours (below 45 degrees and above 32) that accumulate between the start of fall and late January. There are a number of different models that can be used to determine the amount of chill accumulation for your area every year.
To become familiar, check with your local Ag Extension Service to determine the average chill hours for your area.
The lower chill fruit tree varieties will set fruit with less than 500 hours of accumulated chill hours or units. Today, most low-chill fruit tree selections are in the 250 to 500 chill hour range.
They include almost every fruit type and harvest time. This means you can enjoy fresh fruit all season long in the lower chill climates of USDA Zones 9b and 10a.
Zones 9b and 10a - Two of the Most Diverse USDA Climate Zones
With greater urbanization and changing climate conditions, the need for low-chill fruit trees is becoming more necessary! The Nature Hills team of fruit tree specialists has researched the best fruit trees for hot climates and humid regions, selecting varieties that are better suited to this demand.
Some areas within these Zones are challenged by lower summer temperatures, fluctuating spring weather conditions, and fog. These factors can affect the ripening and sweetness of your fruit. Always select locations that receive a full day’s worth of sun in Zone 9b and 10a, and be sure your planting site also has good air circulation.
Exciting New Research on Apple Trees in Zones 9 and 10
Apple trees have long been considered a cold-weather fruit. But this old idea is now being tested, and the results are exciting for gardeners in Zone 9 and Zone 10.
Check out our Low Chill Apple video produced at the University of California, Irvine’s South Coast Research Station. You'll see exciting research on Apple trees for Zones 9b, 10a, and 10b.
Surprisingly, many Apple tree varieties are very low chill. Some are proving to be better suited to Zones 9b and 10 than to the hotter, less humid parts of Zone 9a.
For instance, in Zones 9b, 10a, and 10b, Honeycrisp and Cox Orange Pippin do not drop fruit during summer heat spikes. These varieties thrive with the higher moisture content typical of coastal and humid areas.
Notable Apple varieties for warm climates:
- Arkansas Black Apple – Outstanding heirloom selection, great keeper
- Cox Orange Pippin – Considered one of the finest apples in the world
- Honeycrisp – Popular high chill type that grows well in humidity
- Fuji – Longtime home garden favorite
- McIntosh – One of the most popular heirloom apples grown
Classic tried-and-true low chill Apples like Anna, Dorsett Golden, and Gala remain excellent selections. But now, gardeners can enjoy an even wider range of Apple trees for Zone 9 and Zone 10.
Fabulous Low-Chill Fruit Trees
Apricots
Apricots have some wonderful low-chill selections.
- Blenheim Apricot – Can take 4 to 5 years to fruit in low chill climates, but is worth the wait!
Aprium Trees
New Interspecific Hybrids like Apriums (Plum x Apricot) are both delicious and productive, thriving in low chill climates.
Top Aprium selections from Nature Hills:
- Flavor Delight Aprium – Adaptable, self-fruitful, full of flavor
- Cot-N-Candy Aprium – White-fleshed, very sweet, and productive
Cherry Trees
Cherries have never been considered low chill until recent Zaiger Hybrid introductions. Nature Hills now offers the first self-fruitful low-chill cherry:
- Royal Crimson Cherry – Fabulous flavor, only 200 to 300 chill hours
Nectarines and Peach Trees
Many Peach and Nectarine varieties also perform beautifully in lower chill zones:
- Double Delight Nectarine – Yellow-fleshed, double pink flowers in spring
- Snow Queen Nectarine – White-fleshed and incredibly sweet
- Red Baron Peach – Yellow-fleshed with striking dark-red blooms
- Donut Peach – Flat, white-fleshed fruit with superb taste
- Santa Barbara Peach – Reliable producer for low chill climates
Pear Trees
Pears like the Southern Bartlett Pear are also excellent for Zones 9 and 10, offering great flavor, dependable fruit set, and fire blight resistance.
Plum Trees
Plums are some of the easiest fruit trees for beginners. Top varieties include:
- Santa Rosa Plum – The best known low chill Plum
- Burgundy Plum – Famous for flavor and productivity
- Methley Plum – Dependable and delicious
Plueries and Pluot Trees
Exciting hybrids like Plueries (Plum x Cherry) and Pluots (Plum x Apricot) are excellent for low chill gardens:
- Candy Heart Pluerry – Performs well in low chill areas
- Sweet Treat Pluerry – Outstanding flavor, easy pollination
- Dapple Dandy Pluot – Mid-season, very productive
- Flavor Grenade Pluot – Late season, intensifies in sweetness on the tree
- Splash Pluot – Sweet, colorful fruit with grape-like sugar levels
Fruitful Hot-Climate Orchards!
With so many improved selections of low-chill fruit trees now available, gardeners in Zones 9 and 10 can enjoy a thriving home orchard filled with Apples, Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Plums, and exciting hybrids.
By choosing varieties suited for warm climates and lower chill hours, you can harvest flavorful fruit year after year. Nature Hills Nursery makes it easy to start growing today! Bringing orchard-fresh flavor right to your backyard.
Happy Planting!
