Colorado Fruit & Nut Tree Information

Apples are commonly grown in Colorado

Colorado is known for its frigid winters and cool summers. This is a bonus for fruit trees, which need to become dormant during the winter in order to bear fruit. Many nut trees can also survive the extreme cold here.

Fruit trees

There are a number of fruit trees that can be grown in Colorado. These include apple, plum, cherry, pear, and peach. Citrus trees are not usually found here since they have a low tolerance for the cold. Peach trees will need to be sheltered from high winds in order to survive the harsh Colorado winters.

Walnuts

Black Walnut is a common tree nut in Colorado. This tree usually attracts squirrels and is also good for shade. Pecan trees are rare in northern Colorado, although it is possible to grow them here. They are more likely to flourish in the southern portion of the state, which is in USDA hardiness zone 6.

Insects and Disease

Aphids may be found on Colorado Black Walnut and Pecan trees. Fruit trees such as apple and pear can be plagued with fire blight, a bacterial disease that kills blossoms and shoots, according to the Colorado State Extension office. Orchard owners should try not to plant varieties that are susceptible to this disease if possible.

References

• Colorado State Extension: Fruit Trees for Colorado
• Colorado State University: Black Walnut Tree
• Colorado Trees: Feature Tree: Pecan

Resources

• United States National ARboretum: USDA Hardiness Zone Map