In most regions the summer soft fruit harvest has already started, with many types of berries and stone fruits, such as apricots and plums, ready to pick and enjoy. Yet that doesn't mean the time sowing fruit crops is completely over.
Although, July isn't a traditional time for planting fruits, there are some you can still plant. Of course the type of soil in your yard, the amount of "chill hours" the fruit requires and the climate in your USDA Hardiness zone will impact your choices.
So check the conditions in your zone and consider these 5 fruit trees to grow in July for an extended growing season.
1. Citrus
Most citrus trees thrive best in warmer regions. From lemons and limes to sweeter and varieties, such as oranges and kumquats, citrus fruits have more flexible planting times than many other fruit families.
Citrus are also amongst the best fruit trees to grow indoors, if you live in a cooler climate.
'In climates where frosts do not occur, citrus can be planted at any time,' says Claire Splan, author, California Fruit & Vegetable Gardening. 'Elsewhere, plant trees in early spring.
'Citrus is best suited for Zones 8–11. Best results come from planting in full sun, but they can tolerate some shade in most areas and do well with afternoon shade in the hottest regions. Lemons, kumquats, and mandarin oranges are the most shade-tolerant of citrus, but they still need heat.
'Well-drained soil is essential for citrus, which have thin-skinned trunks that will rot easily if the ground stays soggy. They prefer a pH level of 6.0–7.5 and lots of organic matter. Add compost to the soil before planting.'
'While citrus trees are generally only winter hardy down to zone 10, they can be overwintered indoors in colder climates,' says Sam Neimann. 'Citrus grow exceptionally well in pots but it is important to provide well-draining soil as they are highly susceptible to root rot.'
Hardiness zones: 8-11
2. Passion fruit
This fragrant fruit is another that thrives in hot, sunny regions. And even if your plant doesn't fruit, this evergreen vine will reward you with its beautiful blossoms.
'Passion fruits can be grown in Zones 8–10 in California, and in frost-free areas can be planted at any time,' says Claire Splan. 'They need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and low in salt. Ideal soil pH is 6.5 to 7.5, but it can adapt to a wide range of soil types. The vine must be planted near a trellis or other support and have protection from the wind.
'Most of the commercially sold passion fruit vines are hybrids grafted onto rootstock for greater resistance to root disease. Grafted plants are also much hardier and longer-lived.
'Plant the grafted vine in a hole as deep and twice as wide as the rootball, taking care not to cover the graft union. Mulch and water regularly until the winter.'
Hardiness zones: 8-10
3. Strawberries
Strawberry season might be in full swing, but that doesn't mean it's not possible to plant more now for the next time around. If this sweet, juicy berry is a favorite for you and your family, consider planting some this month.
'Much like other types of fruit, strawberries are best planted bare root in the winter but they can also be planted from potted plants in the summer,' says Sam Neimann. 'Most nurseries this time of year will sell strawberry plants in 4 or 6 inch containers - oftentimes even with fruit on them.
'Strawberry plants are quite cold-tolerant. Many varieties will grow in zones down to 4 and sometimes even colder. Strawberries planted in the summer won’t usually bear much fruit during their first season but will hit the ground running the following year.'
Hardiness zones: 4-9
4. Raspberries
Another popular summer berry, raspberries are easy to grow (particularly in cooler regions) and although summer isn't a common time to plant them, it is possible. Much like strawberries, the bare root fruit plants are best planted when dormant (usually fall to spring), so look out for potted plants to transplant now, for a next season harvest.
'These luscious fruits need to be planted in a sunny spot where you either don’t mind them spreading, or so that they are container held,' says Kim Stoddart, gardening expert and author of The Climate-Change Garden. 'Otherwise, they will spread through their roots.
'I grow some at the back of my garden, where they can readily spread and also in my hoop tunnel in a contained area because these provide me with more raspberries for longer. They are very easy to grow. Generally just cut them back in the fall, or by spring the following year, to encourage new growth.'
Hardiness zones: 3-10
5. Blackberries
Although often picked or foraged as wild fruits, blackberries can be cultivated in your yard. They tend to spread, and can even be considered invasive, so carefully consider where you want to plant them — you may want to stick to container gardening for these sharp fruits.
'The commercial blackberry varieties are more controlled than their wilder spreading relatives and good for growing in containers in the garden for handy quality pickings,' says Kim Stoddart.
'I would always recommend either hedge or container growing for blackberries. They are very hardy and versatile to work with also, so a reliable choice for July.'
'Both blackberries and raspberries are bramble-type plants that do well planted in the summer,' adds Sam Neimann. 'Much like strawberries, the best time to plant them is bare root in early spring but many nurseries will sell them potted during the summer.
'Most varieties are hardy in zones 5 through 10 but some can survive in even colder zones. Blackberries and raspberries will grow and produce best in full sun.'
Hardiness zones: 5-10
FAQS
Is July too late to plant fruit?
'Contrary to popular belief, there are many types of fruit that can be planted during July,' says gardening expert Sam Neimann. 'A good rule of thumb is that any tropical fruit - like avocados or bananas - thrives planted in the summer. Even if you don’t live in a tropical or subtropical climate, you can be planting fruit in the summer.'
There are other fruit plants that you can get in the ground now, but that might not actually offer you any fruit until next year.
