Trying to Grow Fruit Trees in Wet Soil? Opt for These Fruits Suitable for Damp Locations
Fruit Trees For Wet Soil: Unconventionally Delicious ChoicesYou're in a bind. Your front yard or garden is always soggy and you've no idea what to plant if you want fruit trees. Well, don't sweat it. Some trees actually love a good mud fight.
To grow fruit trees in wet soil, you needn't stick to the traditional picking - pears are your safest bet. Here, we cover five fruit trees that don't mind a soaking, and bonus points, they're tasty too.
1. Pawpaw
Pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) are native to the eastern U.S., and they're not fussy about the sun. They tolerate almost any exposure, from deep shade to full sun, and soggy to well-draining soil with good drainage as their preference.
To get your hands on pawpaw fruit, you'll need at least two trees, as they're cross-pollinating beauties. In summer, the tree produces dark purple flowers, followed by large, custardy fruits that taste like a dream, although they're a hit with squirrels too.
This tree's leaves turn yellow in fall, making it a show-stopper in your yard.
Tip: Use our platform Shop to get your banana-loving hands on this butterfly magnet.
2. Pears
Everyone knows pears, and you might think they're not so great in wet soil, but you'd be wrong. Both European and Asian pears (Pyrus communis, Pyrus pyrofolia) are far more tolerant of wet soil conditions than apples, peaches, oranges, or plums.
While pears grow better in deep, well-drained soil, they can handle wetter conditions for short periods. Just make sure the soil drains properly, and these trees will reward you with an abundance of juicy, aromatic fruit.
3. Highbush Cranberry
Highbush cranberries (Viburnum trilobum) are native to the Pacific Northwest and are often found in acidic, peaty soils that are flooded during certain phases of growth. They're a popular choice for cranberry production, and if you can manage occasional flooding, they'll thrive in your wet yard.
The fruit matures in late summer and can be harvested when it floats in water.
4. Black Chokeberry
Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarp) are a shrub offering fragrant white flowers and black berries that pack a punch in terms of antioxidants. They're edible but very tart when raw, so they're best used in cooking or smoothies.
These shrubs tolerate wet soil and poor drainage, making them a great choice for landscaping your waterlogged garden.
5. Fuyu Persimmon
While most persimmon trees require well-draining soil, the Fuyu persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an exception. It's adaptable and can grow in wet soil, though it won't thrive in waterlogged conditions.
This persimmon variety is a delight in the garden, producing round, firm, and orange fruits that are sweet and succulent. One mature tree can yield up to 50 pounds of fruit.
Gardening Tip: Grow Fuyu persimmon trees in full sun or half shade. They reach 30ft (10m) tall and wide. Cash in on their spectacular autumn foliage that glows gold, orange, and red.
In Closing
Pears are your best bet for traditional fruit trees in wet soil conditions, but these five unconventional choices will satisfy your fruity cravings and liven up your soggy yard. Keep an eye on those squirrels!
Introducing home-and-garden options that are perfect for your wet soil lifestyle, consider planting fruit trees like the Pawpaw, known for their tolerance of almost any soil type, including soggy conditions. Don't forget the Fuyu Persimmon, an unconventional yet suitable choice for wet soil, offering delightful orange fruits and stunning autumn foliage to brighten your home-and-garden space.
