Think Apples Grow only in bone chilling cold winters? These Tree Varieties thrive in Texas’ varying hot and cold climates!
An apple a day keeps the gardener happy and busy, but does it grow in Texas? Yes—but not all varieties! Some apple trees are well-suited to thrive in the Lone Star State’s subtropical to temperate conditions. Let’s find out the best ones for your Texan homestead!
What Do Apple Trees Need?
Apples (Malus domestica) love chilly weather, which determines whether they will bear fruit. They grow abundantly across USDA zones 4-8, typically enjoying cold winters, moderate summers, and clearly defined seasons. The balanced conditions in these regions complement the growth cycle of this fruit tree.
Depending on the variety and stage of the life cycle, apple trees need an average of over 1000 chill hours during winter—32-45 F (0-7 C)—to break dormancy. It also prefers easy, breezy spring weather for setting fruit and pollination, mild summers for healthy growth, and a cool fall for harvest.
So, it’s safe to say this temperate fruit typically enjoys life in the range of
32-85 F (0-29 C). It also needs full sun for about 6-8 hours daily, loamy, well-draining soil, and annual rainfall of up to 110 cm.
But Texas doesn’t necessarily stick to the rules set out by apple trees now, does it?
Can Apple Trees Grow in Texas?
So how can apple trees grow in Texas when the entire state falls in USDA zones 6b-10a? Being the second largest state in the US, it is natural that the region experiences more dynamic weather conditions in different parts—hot summers, mild winters, sporadic rainfall, varying soil types, and so on.
Depending on which part of Texas you reside in, the climate may be temperate, subtropical, humid, or even arid. However, specific regions within the state are better suited to grow apples than others. North and Panhandle Texas is much cooler than the rest of the state, while southern parts can be quite hot and muggy.
Out of the 7500 varieties of apples known to humanity, let’s finally dig into the ones that have made Texas their home!
Best Apple Tree Varieties to Grow in Texas
Now you know where you live. The following varieties are specially adapted to handle the state’s unique climate and growing conditions. Pick one that best fits your area. Let’s go!
1. Fuji
One of the most common varieties in the world, the Fuji apple grows well in northern and central parts of Texas and falls in USDA zones 5-8. Tolerating frosty winters of 20-40 F (-6 to 4 C) and warm summers of up to 85 F (29 C), anything beyond this range will hamper its growth.
Often growing on slopes and elevated land, it thrives on well-drained, slightly acidic soil and good air circulation. Producing fruit in about 3-5 years, this variety needs 300-500 chill hours, which are not much and perfect for warmer conditions.
2. Pink Lady
As the name suggests, this apple variety emerges with a pinkish hue. With a long growing period, it thrives in the warm summers and mild winters of USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for the hilly regions of south and central Texas. Also known as Cripps Pink, the overall temperature range it thrives in is between 30 F (-1 C) and 85 F (29 C), with a need for over 400 chill hours.
Producing crispy tart fruits in 4-5 years, its harvest time is typically later than most other varieties, in late fall between October and December in different parts of Texas.
3. Ozark Gold
Another warm-weather variety, this one ripens in late summer (early to mid-August) and is best known for its yellow hue with shades of pink. Developed in the 1970s in Mountain Grove, Missouri, it grows well across north and central Texas and takes about 3-4 years to produce fruit.
Ozark Gold needs about 600-800 chilling hours—readily available in USDA zones 5-8—but needs protection from extreme heat. Fruits are not the only thing this variety is known for. It has beautiful white flowers that attract tons of pollinators.
4. Granny Smith 
Originating in Australia, this classic apple variety has steadily adapted to central and northern regions’ warm summers and cool winters, thriving in parts like the Texas Hill Country. Taking up to five years to fruit, it is also known for low chilling hours, at least 300-400 for a robust late fall harvest in October and November in Texas.
Granny Smith apples prefer a temperature range of 60-85 F (15 -24 C). For those living in USDA zones 6-9, its full, round green apples are a delicious and colorful addition to your garden that you will forever be thankful for!
5. Red Delicious
The bittersweet story of this apple overshadows its once “most-popular” status in the USA. Developed in the late 1800s by Stark Nurseries in Missouri, the ‘Red Delicious’ apple emerged with yellow stripes on a deep red, perfect-looking fruit.
However, its growing popularity led cultivators to focus on cosmetic appeal and long shelf life versus flavor. This almost drove the American apple industry to the brink of demise by the 1990s due to declining demand and extreme reliance on this one variety.
This classic is still popular across the country and around the world, including Texas, and large portions are now exported. This cold-hardy variety grows well in USDA zones 4-8, producing deep red fruits that ripen in September. However, it needs significantly longer chill time than most other varieties—900-1500 hours.
6. Adina
Adina is an heirloom variety from Australia with sweet, cinnamon-flavored humongous apples. Producing fruits from early to mid-July, this variety can tolerate mild winters, making it suitable for the warmer bits of Texas that fall in USDA zones 6-9.
And it needs a chilling period of just 350 hours. It grows well across the elevated lands of the north and certain south and central regions.
7. Gala
Ranking among the top apple varieties sold in the US for its sweet and tarty flavor, Gala thrives in USDA zones 4-9. Growing well in central, north, and eastern Texas, this variety needs a minimum chill time of about 500 hours.
It ripens from summer to early fall, between July and September, and has a long storing capacity.
8. Anna
The Anna apple tree variety requires up to 300 chilling hours and is one of the few that grows in southern Texas due to its tolerance to warm temperatures of about 57-68 F (14-20 C). It has a bright red hue, is super crunchy, and thrives in USDA zones 6-9, allowing it to flourish in other warm regions such as California.
9. Dorset Gold
Next on our list of best apple varieties to grow in Texas is another one with low chill hours. Just like the Anna, the Dorset Gold can survive in tropical climates with a chill time of about 250 hours. The fruits are a golden yellow, hence the name.
This tree is a pollinator to the Anna variety, and is planted in the same region of southern Texas. These are also the first to bloom in winter and will give you fruits in summer by mid-June.
10. Jersey Mac
Let’s not forget Jersey Macs! They’re known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. Jersey Macs are best suited for colder regions of Texas and are common in Hill Country and the Panhandle regions, growing well in USDA zones 4-8.
They begin to ripen in late June in summer and need a chilling time of up to 800 hours in winter. They are great for snacking, baking, and making apple sauce.
11. Mollies Delicious
Mollie’s Delicious apples do particularly well in Texas and are a common sight in Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg. These varieties start bearing fruits in late summer and are quite heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, making them adaptable in USDA zones 5-8.
Just give these trees well-draining soil that’s a bit on the acidic side and plant them near another apple tree for cross-pollination—Granny Smiths are perfect.
12. Braeburn
Braeburn apples came from New Zealand in the fifties and have since become popular in many parts of the world, including Texas. They have a hint of sweetness and a tanginess in their taste and grow well in various parts of the state—USDA zones 5-10.
With low chill hours, these apples ripen in summer and fall, from late August to early September in Texas. To taste the best, visit the farmer’s markets in Fredericksburg and Kerrville during the season.
We hope this article helps you find the right apple for your backyard! Now, if you don’t have a large garden or orchard, worry not! Check out our guide to growing apple trees in containers. And don’t forget to share your thoughts via the comments below!
