Pomegranate trees have flourished in southern Nevada for more than 100 years.
Fruit trees do extremely well in southern Nevada. The soil in the region often lacks organic matter, so add abundant compost prior to planting any fruit tree. Begin soil preparation months before actually planting the tree to help ensure its long-term health, growth and crop production. Choose a planting location with well-draining soil conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
Pomegranate
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) grows well in southern Nevada and has been a popular fruit tree choice since the 1800s, according to the University of Nevada's website. A common ornamental or landscape shrub, it can also be fashioned into a landscape hedge through pruning. The pomegranate grows between 12 to 16 feet but can reach 30 feet. Exceptionally ornamental, it produces orange-reddish, yellow, white or salmon flowers and large, brilliant red fruit.
Grow in soil that is well draining. It tolerates the sandy or adobe clay soils of the region well. Plant during the winter months when the pomegranate is dormant. Choose a location that offers full sunlight. Once established the plant is exceptionally drought tolerant.
In southern Nevada the pomegranate suffers no major pests or diseases, according to the University of Nevada's website. Many pomegranate cultivars are self fertile but others require a pollinator.
Apricot
Apricot trees (Prunus family) do well in southern Nevada. Choose apricot trees grafted upon Nemaguard root stock for the best success in the region. Several varieties are adapted to the climate well, such as Royal Rosa, Gold Kist and Moorpark. The apricot tree grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet. During the early spring, the tree produces an abundance of blossoms followed by fruit.
The apricot tree is self-fertile but the tree will produce a more abundant crop is planted with a pollinator tree close. Plant the trees during fall, winter or early spring dormancy. Choose a planting location in full sunlight with well-draining soil conditions. Space standard trees at least 25 feet apart but dwarf stock can successfully be grown with only 8 feet of space between the trees.
Asian Pear
Asian pear varieties (Pyrus serotina L.) grow well in southern Nevada. They produce firm, crisp, round fruit. One of the best root stocks to consider is the Betulaefolia rootstock, according to the University of California's website. Also consider trying OHxF333 root stock for the southern Nevada region. Most cultivars will require cross-pollination to produce an ample fruit crop, so plant more than one tree in the home landscape. Consider planting the cultivars Shinko, Ya Li, Twentieth Century or Hosui. The tree will normally attain a height of around 12 feet.
Plant Asian pears in the late winter during their dormancy. Space the trees 12 to 15 feet apart when planting. Choose a location with full sunlight and well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist for the first five years of the tree's life. After it is well-established, it will require less water.
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