Growing Apple Trees (and Other Fruit-Bearing Trees) in Colorado
There’s something magical about walking into your own yard and picking fruit straight from the tree. Here in Colorado—yes, even in metro Denver—you’ll find plenty of homeowners nurturing apple trees that burst with blossoms in the spring and reward us with crisp, sweet fruit in the fall. Despite our unique climate, with its late frosts, high elevation, and dry air, apple trees thrive here and remain one of the most reliable fruit trees for Colorado gardens.
Apple Trees in Metro Denver
Apple trees are particularly well-suited to metro Denver because they can handle our chilly winters and adapt to the wide temperature swings of spring and fall. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Haralson, Liberty, McIntosh, and Wealthy are strong performers along the Front Range. Many homeowners also choose crabapple trees, which provide stunning blooms in spring and are hardy against our fluctuating weather patterns.
If you’re planting an apple tree, look for a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Since many apple trees require cross-pollination, consider planting two different varieties nearby or checking if your neighbors already have apple trees—you might be able to share pollinators naturally!
Other Fruit Trees That Grow Well in Colorado
While apples are the star of the show, they’re not the only fruit trees that can succeed here. With the right care and variety selection, your Colorado backyard can be surprisingly fruitful.
- Cherries – Tart (sour) cherries like Montmorency or North Star are excellent in pies and jams, and they do very well in our climate. Sweet cherries are more sensitive to frost, but some homeowners have success with hardy varieties such as Stella.
- Plums – European varieties (like Stanley or Mount Royal) tend to be hardier than Japanese plums and are more dependable in metro Denver.
- Peaches – While peaches can be more finicky and are at risk of late spring frost, certain cold-hardy varieties (such as Reliance or Contender) can thrive, especially with a protected planting site.
- Pears – Hardy pear varieties like Bartlett, Parker, or Ure grow well along the Front Range and often produce reliable crops.
- Apricots – Gorgeous when in bloom, but apricots are the trickiest fruit tree for Colorado due to early blossoms that often get nipped by frost. Some years they’ll be loaded with fruit, while other years you might get none.
Tips for Success
- Choose cold-hardy varieties that are proven to do well in Colorado.
- Plant in a sunny, sheltered location to give your trees the best chance of avoiding late frost damage.
- Mulch and water wisely—our dry climate means your trees will need consistent watering, especially during their first few years.
- Prune regularly to encourage healthy growth and improve fruit production.
A Taste of Colorado in Your Own Backyard
Whether you’re growing a single apple tree in your metro Denver yard or cultivating a mini orchard of cherries, plums, and pears, fruit trees offer beauty, shade, and delicious rewards. With thoughtful variety selection and care, you can enjoy homegrown harvests that remind you just how sweet Colorado living can be.
