Can Apple Trees Grow in Louisiana? Best Varieties To Try

Many fruit trees thrive in Louisiana’s varying climates from the north to the south. However, some may question whether apple trees can thrive in the state’s warm weather.

This begs an important question: can apple trees grow in Louisiana?

Luckily, apple trees can grow in Louisiana and produce delicious fruits in both the northern and southern regions of the state. Some varieties that tend to grow the best include Mollie’s Delicious, Arkansas Black, and Golden Delicious.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything related to growing apple trees in Louisiana so that you’re 100% prepared for the job.

Let the fun begin!

If you have lots of questions about apple trees, you’re not alone. Be sure to read my article, Common Apple Tree Questions, to find the answers you’re looking for.

Growing Apple Trees in Louisiana – What to Know

It’s only normal to be a little skeptical about planting apple trees in the Pelican State because those trees prefer colder climates.

Yet, that doesn’t mean that you can’t grow apples in Louisiana to enjoy their delicious, rich taste. It’s just a matter of providing those trees with optimum growing conditions, which isn’t hard to do.

Conditions Needed for Apple Trees to Thrive

Even though apple trees are hardy enough to thrive in a multitude of different climates, they still have some requirements that you should meet.

These conditions are:

Well-drained soil that holds just a little moisture (light to medium-textured soil)
Full and direct sun exposure (six to eight hours per day)
Slightly acidic to neutral soil
Cold winters and moderate summers
400 to 1,000 chilling hours each winter at 45°F (differs according to variety)
Medium to high humidity

Apple Tree Growing Zones

Naturally, the ideal growing zone for apple trees can vary to a great degree based on the variety. Since there are more than 2,500 apple varieties grown in the U.S., it’s only normal for them to extend over multiple growing zones.

Generally, hardy apple tree varieties will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones three to five. On the other hand, long-season apple trees do better in zones five to eight.

Louisiana Growing Zones

Knowing which Growing Zones stretch over Louisiana is the first step to identifying the right types of apple trees to plant in any given region of the state.

See, Louisiana falls under Zones 8 and 9, making it a perfect growing ground for apple trees that are labeled long-season. However, the state’s upper regions are more suited to this role than its lower parts.

Still, you may grow apples in southern Louisiana despite how challenging it could be.

Potential Difficulties Growing Apple Trees in Louisiana

Even though it’s not impossible, growing productive apple trees in Louisiana, especially in the southernmost parts, brings many concerns to the table.

First of all, the weather in Louisiana is mostly hot, which may interfere with the growth of several apple tree varieties because they may not be able to get as many chilling hours as they should. This is why many people grow apple trees in northern Louisiana.

Second of all, even some apple tree varieties that manage to grow in the south don’t tend to produce massive yields.

The third point you should keep in mind about growing apples in Louisiana is that they’re more susceptible to mold and blight.

Is It Possible To Grow Productive Apple Trees in Louisiana?

Despite everything, it’s not far-fetched to grow productive apple trees in Louisiana.

It’s all about knowing which varieties belong to which regions and the right time for planting them. For example, one great piece of advice to consider is to plant apple trees in the cooler months of fall and spring in Louisiana to ensure that the weather isn’t too warm.

We’ll discuss more tips to help you grow glorious apple trees in Louisiana later on, so keep reading!

Best Apple Tree Varieties for Louisiana

Your job starts with finding out which types of apples thrive in Louisiana, so here are a few suggestions you may want to go for.

1. Mollie’s Delicious

Mollie’s Delicious apples are a favorite of many thanks to their crisp yet soft bite and slightly sweet flavor with subtle acidic notes. They’re best known for their smooth and thin skin, which is yellow-green and patterned with faded red stripes.

These apples grow best in the southern parts of Louisiana.

2. Arkansas Black

Arkansas Black apples are a unique variety with their dark, wine-colored exterior and sweet, tart taste. Better still, those apples offer a crunchy bite, which a lot of people favor over the soft texture of other apple species.

To grow Arkansas Blacks in Louisiana, you’d better stick to the northern regions.

3. Dorset Gold

The Dorset Gold is another variety that thrives in the southern regions of Louisiana since it doesn’t mind low-chill climates.

This apple variety has a lovely, sweet aroma and taste along with a vibrant yellow appearance that can lighten up every garden.

4. Anna

Anna apples are some of the best to grow in southern Louisiana.

These delicious apples are mostly light green in color with some red blushing, and they taste sweet with some acidic notes.

5. Gala

Wondering where Gala apples belong in the vast state of Louisiana? Those pretty ladies thrive in milder weather, namely in the upper regions of the state.

Known for their distinctively sweet flavor, red, striped appearance, and almost no aroma, Gala apples are awesome candidates for a wide selection of recipes.

6. Pink Lady

One of the coolest things about Pink Lady apples is that they grow in zones five through nine, so you’re welcome to plant them anywhere in Louisiana!

Pink Lady trees produce reddish-pink apples, hence their interesting name. As for the taste, those apples lean toward tart, but they still have a sweet aftertaste. They’re also pretty crisp when you bite them.

7. Red Delicious

Tender and juicy with a crisp outer layer, you must be familiar with Red Delicious apples since they’re the most popular in the U.S. As the name suggests, these apples come in a cheerful red color, and they’re on the large side.

In Louisiana, Red Delicious apple trees are best grown in the northern parts.

8. Granny Smith

Granny Smith trees are also ready for planting in northern Louisiana.

They produce apples that have a unique green color and a sour taste. In addition to that, the tasty apples are firm, so prepare to crunch your way through them!

9. Golden Delicious

Last but not least, Golden Delicious apples thrive well in northern Louisiana as well.

If you admire the apples’ soft yellow color, rich flavor, and juicy texture, don’t hesitate to grow them in your garden to end up with the most wholesome mug of cider.

Tips for Success With Apple Trees in Louisiana

Now that you’re somewhat prepared to plant apple trees in your backyard, here are a few tips to help you on your mission.

Select trees that are familiar with the climate of the state
Choose a location with good drainage for planting your apple trees
Make sure the planting spot is exposed to the early morning sun
Check the trees’ roots for damage and cut any broken parts
Till the land and get rid of weeds before planting
Plant the trees in early spring or late fall (depends on variety)
Water the trees on a weekly basis, and increase the watering frequency in the warmer climates of southern Louisiana
Make sure the soil is moist for up to 4 inches in depth
Fertilize the trees one month after planting with nitrogen

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you understand that apple trees can definitely be planted in Louisiana, despite all the challenges they might face. As long as you grow your apples in the hardiness zone that they belong to, all should be well!

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