Recommended Fruit Cultivars for Sampson County

Growing a crisp apple, juicy peach, or a perfect pecan is the dream of many gardeners. Backyard gardeners can grow varieties not available in the market, and unlike commercial producers who must harvest and ship weeks before the fruit is ripe, gardeners can harvest fruit and nuts at their peak. Fruit and nut trees, however, require ample garden space, annual maintenance, and plenty of patience because many do not produce a crop for several years. If properly maintained, fruit and nut trees are productive for many years.When selecting fruit cultivars to plant in the home landscape, gardeners should first consider the management of fruit trees. There are three categories of fruit trees: low maintenance, moderate maintenance, and high maintenance.

• Low maintenance fruit cultivars include figs, persimmon, red mulberry, pawpaw, black walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts.
• Moderate maintenance fruit cultivars include apples, pears, Asian pears, and plums.
• High maintenance fruit cultivars include peaches and any other fruit cultivar not listed in this publication.