9 Heirloom Fruit Trees You Can Grow at Home, According to Experts These gorgeous fruit trees produce unique, old-school fruit coveted for its taste and history. Close Credit: Getty Images Growing fruit trees in your yard provides a delicious source of fresh produce while also enhancing the visual appeal of your property. These trees also create a welcoming habitat for local wildlife, attracting birds and beneficial insects that help support the surrounding ecosystem. Heirloom varieties hold historical significance as they have been passed down through generations via seed saving. These varieties are open-pollinated and usually 50 to several hundred years old, meaning they were created before modern agriculture and the patenting of plant varieties. Growing heirloom plants results in delicious flavor, adaptability to local climates, greater genetic diversity, and the ability to save seeds for future generations. Ahead, fruit tree experts share heirloom varieties that will elevate your garden and delight your taste buds. Emily Skrobis, database coordinator for Fedco Seeds and former manager of a heritage apple CSA Jen Ries, trees coordinator for Fedco Seeds 9 Fruit Trees You Can Grow Indoors, According to Horticulturists 01 of 09 Black Oxford Credit: Emily Skrobis This strikingly dark purple apple, resembling a plum, is gaining popularity among home gardeners, says Emily Skrobis, database coordinator for Fedco Seeds and former manager of a heritage apple CSA. This uniquely dark fruit has a well-balanced flavor, making it excellent for pies and cider. The tree produces delicate light pink blooms, and the fruit is best enjoyed from late December to March. Zones: 4 to 10Size: 12 to 16 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil Heirloom apples need a second variety for pollination. Any apple or crabapple blooming within a quarter mile will likely suffice. 02 of 09 Illinois Everbearing Mulberry Credit: Jacob Mentik One of the most popular mulberry varieties, Illinois Everbearing features large oval leaves, gray-brown bark, and sweet purple-black fruit. Birds love this tree, says Jen Ries from Fedco Trees. The fruit is delicious fresh or in sauces, pies, and smoothies, ripening from mid-July through late summer. It’s a self-fruitful grafted cultivar, so only one plant is needed to produce fruit. "It's common to see cedar waxwings foraging in the crown while we harvest below," she notes. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 15 to 35 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil 03 of 09 Dolgo Crabapple Credit: John Bunker This heirloom apple variety features light orange-pink buds and large, fragrant white flowers. The purple-red, teardrop-shaped fruit produces a ruby-red jelly and has gained popularity among cider makers for its sweet, acidic flavor. Reis mentions that it remains a top seller at Fedco due to a continued appreciation for its stunning white blossoms. The fruit is ideal for canning and pickling or turning into sauces and jellies. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 15 to 20 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil When planting heirloom apple seeds, space standard and semi-standard apples 20 to 25 feet apart, semi-dwarf apples 10 to 20 feet apart, dwarf apples 5 to 10 feet apart. 04 of 09 Seckel Pear Credit: Emily Skrobis If you're unsure of which pear tree to choose for your yard, this heirloom variety should be at the top of your list, according to Ries. The tree produces small, obovate, yellowish-brown pears that are russeted and have a slight red blush. It features light gray bark and beautiful white flowers. Often regarded as the best-tasting pears, they can be enjoyed fresh or used in cooking. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 15 to 20 feet tall but can grow up to 60 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil Heirloom apples need a second variety for pollination. Asian pears and European pears can cross-pollinate. 05 of 09 Aromatnaya Quince Credit: Getty Images Notable for its delightful fragrance, this aromatic tree features large, white to pink flowers with a citrusy scent and an orangey-pink hue. As the tree matures, its wood becomes impressively gnarled and twisted. The fruit is ideal for making jellies, ciders, stews, and marmalades. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 10 to 25 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil 06 of 09 Gray Pearmain Credit: Laura Sieger This apple features a delightful and unique pear flavor. The fruit is medium-sized, firm, juicy, and mildly tart. According to Skrobis, this heirloom variety keeps well in storage throughout winter. If you're looking for a smaller tree for your garden, dwarf varieties of the Gray Pearmain range in height from 10 to 20 feet. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 20 to 30 feet tall Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil 07 of 09 Blue Pearmain Credit: Emily Skrobis This medium to large apple has a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with subtle hints of pear. It can be stored until mid-winter. The tree itself is accented with beautiful blue blooms, making it a striking addition to any landscape. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 12 to 16 feet tallCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil 08 of 09 Golden Russet Credit: Getty Images This medium-sized russet apple, known as the "champagne of cider apples," is excellent for eating fresh and is scab-resistant, storing well until spring. The tree features willowy, curving branches. While some may find the rough skin of the fruit unappealing, those who try it often enjoy its unique flavor. Golden Russets are notably sprightly and reach peak flavor by late December. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 12 to 13, depending on the varietyCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil 09 of 09 Northern Spy Credit: U. J. Alexander / iStock / Getty Images Plus This esteemed heirloom apple tree grows upright with a lush, bushy canopy. Its large, juicy apples are tender and renowned for their exceptional flavor, making them perfect for classic apple pies. With excellent scab resistance, the fruit holds its shape well. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 13 to 20 feet tall Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile, organic-rich soil Explore more: Garden Sources decorvow is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Heirloom Vegetables in the Home Garden. University of Georgia Extension.