Did you know that September is the best month for planting fruit trees? Most gardeners wait until spring for planting and deal with stressed seedlings. However, experienced planters know that the cool weather helps trees form good root systems before they need to be tested by summer heat.
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Check PriceThese unique fruits aren't just survivors, but also performers. Each one gives a taste that you won't find at the grocery store. They have special offerings for the more adventurous growers, offering varying compact figs, ideal for patio growing, as well as unexpected thriving exotic lychees.
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1. Little Miss Figgy Fig – Champion of the Containers
At just 4-6 feet tall, this is perfect for most patios and small spaces. It’s also great in growing zones 5-10 and will yield sweet purple figs twice a year. It overwinters well in containers so you can winter it as you please. If you want summer fruit, plant it now.
2. Nectarine 'Hardired' – The Cold Fighter
Hardired Nectarines have great cold tolerance. Most nectarines have difficulties with northern climates but not for 'Hardired' nectarines. These trees can reach heights up to 10-12 feet and thrive in zones 5-8. These trees will produce beautiful red skinned fruit. If you plant these trees in September, they will have great cold tolerance.
3. Everbærende Morbær – Tiltrækker forskellige former for dyreliv
This tree grows in hardiness zones 4 to 10 and gets up to 15 feet in height. From June to August, it produces sweet berries. Starting in year two, you can enjoy fruit harvests throughout the summer. They’re loved by kids, birds, and everyone in between!
4. Persimmon 'Fuyu' – The Celebrity of The Late Season
With a height of 12-15 feet, this beauty's fruiting season occurs late in the season and produces sweet and crispy persimmons. While other fruiting trees are done for the season, this tree is a true trooper. Hardy in zones 7-11, Fuyu can produce when the rest are done!
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5. Kumquat 'Fukushu' – Bisa Dimakan dan Dekoratif
This beautiful tree is a great addition to your yard! It produces unique citrus flavors and will grow to be 10-15 ft tall in growing zones 4-11. The fruit it will produce is the size of a golf ball and will have edible peels, all while it will have glossy evergreen foliage for year long beauty!
6. Lychee 'Mauritius' — The Exotic Wonder
Yes, you can grow lychee trees! These trees can reach 20 feet tall, grow best in temperature zones 9 through 11, and produce clumps of unique fruits with clear flesh and a tasty floral flavor. September is the best time to plant because the roots will be able to establish themselves before the tree grows a lot over the summer.
7. Pomegranate – The Producer of Superfruits
These species can grow 8 to 10 feet and do well in zones 6 to 9, as well as colder climates than you would expect. They also provide ornamental value with bright red leaves in fall, plus their fruits have anti-oxidative properties and can be kept for extended periods.
8. Goji Berry: A Hero in Health Food
From the 8 to 10-foot plant, you can harvest nutrient-rich berries every summer and fall. Goji berries are very easy to grow and hardy in zones 5-9. They even sell for high prices in health food stores.
9. Olive Tree – A Wonder of the Mediterranean
Planting an olive tree is a great way to have a Mediterranean experience right at home! These trees can provide your very own olives and olive oil! They can reach heights of 15 to 30 feet and can be planted in growing zones 8 to 10. Trees start self-fertilizing after the third year.
10. Sugar Apples – Tropical Sweets
The Sugar Apple tree reaches a height of about 10-20 feet and produces fruit that has a creamy custard texture and a flavor that will remind you of vanilla ice cream! If you live in growing zones 9-11, these trees will thrive and will provide you with sweet, delicious exotic flavors that you cannot find in stores!
11. Loquat – The First Catch Special
Loquat trees provide fruits in early spring when there isn't much else producing. The trees are evergreen grow to about 15 feet and bloom in the fall. The trees produce sweet fruits that taste like apricots and have beautiful foliage. They are hardy from zones 4-11.
Success Secrets for Planting in September
After planting, generously water to promote root growth. Until fall, maintain consistent moisture. Combine good quality compost with native soil to create the ideal growing medium for roots. For best results, select locations that have good drainage and receive full sunlight.
Mulching with 2 to 3 inches of organic material will help with the regulation of temperature and moisture of the soil. Keeping soil moisture for longer amounts of time during the fall will assist in keeping roots active and will help in getting the plant ready for vigorous spring growth.
Trees that are planted in September perform 200% better in their first year than the trees that were planted in the spring. The September-planted trees benefit from cooler temperatures that help them direct energy into root development, whereas the spring-planted trees, instead, have to expend energy to combat the stresses that come from summer heat. As a result, the September-planted trees come time for spring become established and are able to shift focus to fruit production instead of survival.
