Which Fruit Trees Grow Best in Zone 8?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 sits near the southern and western borders of the United States. The zone is located in the rainforests of Washington’s coast to the coast of North Carolina. Zone 8 breaks down in two sections; 8a and 8b, according to USDA. Zone 8a includes cities such as Dallas, Texas and Tifton, Georgia and zone 8b includes Austin, Texas and Gainesville, Florida. Those areas of zone 8 in the United States have low temperatures from 10 to 20 degrees F.

Apple trees grow well in the northern hemisphere and prefer warm summers. These trees are flowering trees and the flowers must be pollinated in order to set fruit. When planting just one apple tree it might not grow fruit, a variety of apple trees (at least two) should be planted so the trees can cross-pollinate and produce fruit. Plant apple trees in November and make sure to press the soil firmly around the roots. Apple tree varieties that do well in zone 8 include 'Fuji,' 'Gala,' 'Jonagold,' 'Empire' and 'Golden Delicious', according to the North Carolina State University Extension. The average harvest dates for these trees are early August to late October.

A cherry tree is a flowering tree that bears fruit, which are either sour or sweet. Cherry trees can range in height from 6 to 30 feet, depending on the cultivar. The tree’s foliage is pale to dark green and the leaves range from 2 to 6 inches long. These trees are in the same genus as plums and prunes, but the fruit is much smaller. Most breeds of cherry trees thrive in zones 4 through 8. However, sweet cherries are not reliable beyond zone 5. Sour cherry varieties are capable of prospering in zone 8, according the the Mother Earth News website. One sour cherry tree type is 'Montmorency' and the cherries can be harvested from this type in late June or early August.

Peach trees require a lot of sunshine and prefer deep, sandy soil. Peach trees must be planted in well-drained soil. Poor drainage will kill the root system and prevent you from growing healthy peach trees. Soak the roots of a peach tree for 6 to 12 hours before you plant it. After planting the tree, soak the ground completely and keep the base of the tree weed-free. Peach trees will self-pollinate, which means you only need one peach tree will produce fruit. Common types of peach trees for zone 8 are 'TropicSnow,' 'ValleGrande,' 'EarlyGrande' and 'TropicBeauty', according to the Texas A & M University Extemsnsion, as they are for low chilling regions. Harvest from early August to mid September.