What kind of fruit trees can I grow in San Diego?

San Diego has one of the best climates for all types of fruit, from tropical and sub-tropical types like mangos and avocados to stone fruit like cherries and peaches.  Surprising to many, pears and apples also grow fairly very well in our mild region.

For fruits trees to successfully produce most require a certain number of hours of cold temperatures before they will bear.  This is called the chill hour and it is an annual requirement.  Chill hours vary by region.  Expect more chill hours in Julian than Coronado.  A broad definition and a table of values for California has been compiled by the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Department.  Once the number of chill hours has been found, choose a variety of your desired fruit tree that will requires those chill hours or less.

In 1997 the California Rare Fruit Growers of San Diego published a table of stone fruit varieties for milder climates.  Many of these varieties are still available.  However, as stone fruit is a commodity, new varieties are regularly developed, particularly for southern California.   Look at information by commercial growers for current fruit for your local climate.  A local nursery should also stock varieties that will do well in your local area.