Fruits for Onslow County

Each spring, local garden centers teem with a selection of fruit trees and shrubs.  As tempting as these displays might be, some plants are better options for Onslow County than others.  If you want to successfully grow fruit here, you will want to do your research first.  You will want to know which plants grow well here and which are likely to present challenges.  It’s also important to make sure that your planting site is suitable and prepared appropriately for the crop you are growing. 

Choosing Fruit Plants for Onslow County

Some fruits are steady and reliable producers here, while others have more insect and disease problems or do not produce fruit consistently under our growing conditions. 

When homeowners ask for a recommendation of fruits to grow, my short list includes the following easy-to-grow options: muscadine grapes, blackberries, blueberries (southern highbush or rabbiteye varieties), figs and strawberries.  Pecans, pears and plums can also be grown but they will require more management because of disease and insect pressures.  Apples, peaches and nectarines are harder to grow and usually require a diligent spray schedule throughout the growing season to produce quality fruit.  Some fruit just don’t do well here.  English walnuts, apricots, cherries, raspberries, grapes (other than muscadines), citrus (except in containers) and rhubarb are poor choices for Onslow County.

Some fruit crops require cross-pollination for best fruit set.  Pecans, apples, pears, plums, many muscadines, and blueberries require another compatible variety planted nearby for best fruit set.  Peaches, nectarines, strawberries, blackberries and figs are self-fruitful.  Many fruit trees are pollinated by honeybees which are susceptible to most insecticides, so never apply insecticides when fruit trees are in bloom.    

Good site selection is important for success.  All of these crops require good drainage, correct pH and full sun for optimum yield.  Choose a site with well-drained soil.  If you don’t have well-drained soil, build a berm or raised bed 4 to 5 feet wide to plant on.  Sample your soil so you can adjust the pH prior to planting. Blueberries are acid loving preferring a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.8.  Strawberries like a sweeter soil with a pH from 5.5 to 6.5; all the other fruits do best in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.   Fruit trees require full sun for optimum yield, good ripening and best flavor.  Blueberries and muscadines can tolerate a little bit of shade but will not perform as well as if given full sun.