Apple, Apricot & Cherry Trees In Lake Elsinore, Corona, Temecula, CA & Beyond

Apple trees grow well in Lake Elsinore when low-chill varieties are selected. Many traditional apple varieties require long cold periods (chill hours) to fruit, but certain types thrive with fewer hours—making them ideal for our area.

Available Apple Varieties:

• Anna – One of the most popular low-chill apple trees, producing sweet, crisp fruit similar to ‘Red Delicious’.
• Dorsett Golden – Pairs well with Anna for cross-pollination. Produces golden-yellow apples with a sweet flavor.
• Ein Shemer – Self-fruitful and highly tolerant of heat, this variety produces tart-sweet apples.
• Fuji (Low-Chill) – Modified varieties of Fuji can grow in our region, producing crisp fruit with long shelf life.

Tree Size & Notes:

Apple trees typically grow 12–15 feet tall unless maintained as semi-dwarfs. Regular pruning improves air circulation and enhances fruit quality. For best results, plant two compatible varieties to improve pollination and yields.

Apricot trees do well in inland Southern California, where they enjoy hot summers and mild winters. They are early bloomers, so planting in an area protected from late frost is important.

Popular Variety:

• Blenheim – A reliable, self-pollinating variety with sweet, aromatic fruit.

Tree Size & Notes:

Apricot trees grow 15–20 feet tall and need full sun. Pruning in late summer helps prevent disease and improves future fruiting. Keep the base clear of weeds and use mulch to conserve soil moisture.

Asian pears have a crisp, juicy texture and are often enjoyed fresh off the tree. These trees are hardy and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions when properly cared for.

Common Varieties:

• 20th Century (Nijisseiki) – A crisp, golden-skinned pear that stores well.
• Shinseiki – Low-chill and early-ripening, perfect for the Lake Elsinore area.

Tree Size & Notes:

Most Asian pear trees grow 12–18 feet tall and require cross-pollination with another compatible variety for best yields. Regular watering and thinning of young fruits encourage larger, more flavorful pears.

Avocado trees are subtropical evergreens that require protection from cold and wind. In Lake Elsinore’s warm climate, these trees can thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.

Recommended Varieties:

• Hass – The most commonly grown avocado with creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Fuerte – A hybrid variety known for its smooth skin and pear-like shape.
• Bacon – More cold-tolerant, suitable for marginal areas.

Tree Size & Notes:

 Avocados can grow 20–30 feet tall and should be spaced at least 15 feet apart. Trees require consistent deep watering and benefit from organic mulching. Young trees should be shielded from frost.

Cherries are a bit more finicky in Southern California but can succeed with low-chill varieties. They need good drainage, full sun, and careful pruning.

Recommended Varieties:

• Minnie Royal and Royal Lee – These two varieties work well together for cross-pollination and both require fewer chill hours.

Tree Size & Notes:

Cherry trees grow to about 15–20 feet tall. They need excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Thinning and pruning in summer after fruiting helps maintain structure.

Peach trees grow exceptionally well in the Lake Elsinore area, especially when low-chill types are selected. They love heat and benefit from pruning and thinning.

Popular Varieties:

• Mid-Pride – A freestone peach that produces in mid-summer.
• Eva’s Pride – Low-chill and early bearing, great for our climate.
• August Pride – Larger fruit and later harvest, extending the season.

Tree Size & Notes:

Peach trees grow 12–15 feet tall. They need full sun, good drainage, and annual pruning to produce quality fruit. Fruit thinning in early summer boosts final size and sweetness.

Plums are ideal for home growers and are one of the most adaptable stone fruits. They thrive in sunny locations and produce heavily with cross-pollination.

Best Varieties:

• Santa Rosa – A top performer in warm climates with sweet-tart flavor.
• Burgundy – Low-chill, soft, and sweet with little tartness.

Tree Size & Notes:

Plum trees grow 15–20 feet and may require another plum variety for pollination. Water regularly during fruiting and prune to maintain open shape and airflow.

Persimmon trees are both ornamental and productive, offering fall color and unique fruit. They adapt well to Lake Elsinore’s climate.

Common Types:

• Fuyu – Non-astringent, eaten while firm and crisp.
• Hachiya – Astringent until soft and jelly-like; best for baking.

Tree Size & Notes:

Trees reach 15–25 feet and prefer deep watering during dry periods. Minimal pruning is needed once mature. Fall harvest and leaf drop make these trees attractive year-round.

Pomegranates thrive in the dry, warm climate of Lake Elsinore. They are drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.

Top Variety:

• Wonderful – Deep red fruit with bold flavor and high juice content.

Tree Size & Notes:

Shrub-like in habit, pomegranate trees reach about 10–12 feet tall. Prune to keep an open center, and water deeply during fruit development. These trees are among the easiest to grow locally.

Kumquats are small, tart fruits often eaten whole, including the peel. These compact trees are excellent for containers or borders.

Popular Varieties:

• Nagami – Tart with a strong citrus bite.
• Meiwa – Sweeter and rounder, ideal for fresh eating.

Tree Size & Notes:

Kumquats reach 8–10 feet tall and are cold-tolerant compared to other citrus. They flower and fruit heavily in spring and fall, requiring minimal pruning and moderate watering.