7 Fruit Trees That Thrive in Cold Climates, According to Fruit Growers

Hazen Apple Tree

Developed in North Dakota for cold climates, the hazen apple tree is an annual producer that bears fruit early in life. This deciduous, semi-dwarf tree features forest green leaves that turn yellow in the fall, producing showy clusters of white flowers with a pink overtone in the spring. David Fried, owner of Elmore Roots, says you can expect large crops of crispy, dark red apples each year from this naturally small tree. He advises growing the Hazen apple tree in full sun for the best flavor and color. Additionally, it's essential to plant a different apple tree variety nearby to ensure successful pollination.

• Zones: 3 to 5
• Size: 8 feet tall x 10 to 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Bali Cherry Tree

Delicious, tart red cherries cover the Bali cherry tree in early July, says Fried, noting that the fruit tastes like cherry pie without the added sugar. This tree features smooth, dark red bark and dark green leaves. The fruit is excellent when eaten fresh if you enjoy a tart flavor profile, or you can freeze it to make pies and sauces.

• Zones: 3 to 5
• Size: 10 to 12 feet tall x 10 to 12 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Mulberry Tree

The mulberry tree is a cold-hardy species that produces a large quantity of fruit, is easy to grow, and is self-pollinating. According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree's fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns. "The fruit is delicious eaten fresh, made into sauces or jams, or dried like raisins," he says.

With its dark green leaves, tan twigs, and golden bark, the mulberry tree enhances the character of its surrounding landscape. Although it thrives in full sun, it can grow well in partial shade. Dwarf varieties are excellent for those with limited space, growing 8 to 10 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide

• Zones: 3 to 6
• Size: 10 to 50 feet tall x 10 to 40 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Nova Pear Tree

The Nova pear tree, discovered growing wild north of the Adirondack Mountains in a frigid climate, is known for being disease-resistant, low-maintenance, and self-fertile. Unlike other pear trees that require two different varieties to produce fruit, the Nova pear tree does not have this limitation. It produces large, round, juicy, yellow fruit with a silky texture. 

The tree showcases beautiful white flowers in the spring and has an attractive, spreading growth habit. Although the tree can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet, Fried says it can be kept shorter through pruning.

• Zones: 3 to 5
• Size: 15 to 20 feet tall x up to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Apricot Tree

This tree makes a gorgeous addition to any landscape. “It has bountiful blossoms in the spring that make the air sweetly fragrant,” says Garrett Sorber, co-owner of Radical Roots Nursery, noting the white petals and pink sepals are spectacular and provide some of the earliest forage for pollinators. “New growth is a vibrant red that contrasts nicely with the older wood on the tree,” he says.

Due to this tree's heavy and abundant fruit production, it's important to thin the fruit once it reaches the size of a thumb. This will lead to larger fruit, promote annual bearing, and help minimize the spread of disease. Apricots are excellent for fresh eating, making preserves and jams, creating fruit leather, and drying. "This tree is often underutilized in northern and cold climates, but it can thrive if planted on the appropriate rootstock for the specific soil type," Sorber says.

• Zones: 4 to 9, with some varieties developed for zone 10
• Size: Up to 25 feet tall x 25 feet wide. (Most cultivated varieties will be between 12 and 18 feet tall and 15 feet wide.)
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil, but the sandier, the better.

Alderman Plum Tree

Originating in Minnesota, this disease-resistant tree can produce fruit in its first year and withstand extreme cold. It features oval-shaped leaves in a vibrant forest green and produces fragrant white to pale pink flowers in the spring. After flowering, the tree yields red, juicy, and firm fruit.

Fried says that this tree doesn’t get very tall, making it a great addition to smaller yards. "The plums are so good fresh right off the tree, in sauce or jam, or as dried fruit similar to an apricot, and are the closest thing to mangos we can grow in our colder climate with their rich juiciness," says Fried. Another variety or two of Japanese-American plums are needed for pollination.

• Zones: 3 to 5
• Size: 10 feet tall x 15 feet wide
  
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter; plant in a low-wind location

Pie Cherry Tree

Known for being perfect in pies, this cold-hardy tree is an excellent choice for people with limited outdoor space. The blossoms on the pie cherry tree are fragrant, beautiful, and attractive to pollinators, says Sorber. Little fruit thinning is required, and it is one of the earliest crops to mature in spring. “Their bright red fruit makes a wonderful juxtaposition to the deep green of the leaves,” says Sorber. 

This tree encounters few diseases, and most issues are resolved by increasing airflow. The only downside is that you’ll have to share the fruits with the birds or protect the tree with bird netting, says Sorber. The fruit is ideal for baking in pies, canning, drying, and eating fresh. 

• Zones: 4 to 7 
• Size: 12 feet tall x 5 to 10 feet wide 
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter