Fruit Trees for Zone 4: A Guide for Cold Climates
Are you moving to a zone 4 climate and worried about your fruit-growing days being over? Don’t worry! There are many fruit trees that can thrive in cold climates, and this guide will help you choose the right ones for your garden.
What is Zone 4?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into plant hardiness zones based on the coldest annual temperatures. Zone 4 is one of the coldest zones, with temperatures dropping to as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 degrees Celsius).
Cold Hardy Fruit Trees
The key to growing fruit trees in cold climates is to choose varieties that are cold hardy. Look for trees that are labeled “zone 4” or “hardy to zone 4.”
Apple Trees for Zone 4
Apple trees are one of the most cold-hardy fruit trees. There are many different varieties of apples that can grow in zone 4, including:
- Honeygold
- Lodi
- Northern Spy
- Zestar
- Cortland
- Empire
- Gold and Red Delicious
- Red Rome
- Spartan
- Gravenstein
- Yellow Transparent
Pear Trees for Zone 4
Pears are a little less cold-hardy than apples, but there are still a few varieties that can grow in zone 4, including:
- Flemish Beauty
- Luscious
- Patten
Plum Trees for Zone 4
American plum trees are more cold-hardy than European plum trees, and there are several varieties that can grow in zone 4, including:
- Alderman
- Superior
- Waneta
Cherry Trees for Zone 4
Sweet cherry trees are not very cold-hardy, but there are a few varieties that can grow in zone 4, including:
- Rainier
Sour cherry trees are more cold-hardy than sweet cherry trees, and there are several varieties that can grow in zone 4, including:
- Meteor
- North Star
- Surefire
- Sweet Cherry Pie
Growing Fruit Trees in Cold Climates
In addition to choosing the right varieties of fruit trees, there are a few other things you can do to help them thrive in cold climates:
- Plant your trees in a sunny location.
- Provide your trees with well-drained soil.
- Water your trees regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize your trees according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mulch around your trees to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune your trees regularly to remove dead or diseased branches.
By following these tips, you can grow a bountiful harvest of fruit trees in zone 4.
