Fruit Trees & Plants That Thrive in California’s Unique Climate
Hardiness Zones: 5-11
California gardeners face a wide range of growing conditions—from low-chill winters and dry summers to coastal fog, desert heat, and unique microclimates. Choosing fruit trees and edible plants that are specifically suited to your region makes all the difference.
That’s why we’ve curated a selection of low-chill fruit trees, drought-tolerant plants, citrus, berries, figs, pomegranates, and more that consistently perform across the state.
Best Fruit Trees & Edible Plants for California Gardens
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
Why Californians Trust Stark Bro’s
California gardeners face unique challenges — from low-chill winters to hot, dry summers. Here’s why so many Californians choose Stark Bro’s for their fruit trees and plants:
California-Proven Varieties
We highlight fruit trees and plants that handle low chill hours, heat, and periodic drought, and that have a strong track record with California customers in coastal, valley, and foothill climates.
200+ Years of Growing Expertise
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has focused on fruit trees and edibles. Our recommendations combine generations of growing experience with modern horticultural research, so you can plant with confidence.
Great for Small & Urban Spaces
From dwarf and semi-dwarf trees to compact berries and citrus, many of our varieties are ideal for small backyards, side yards, and patio containers commonly found in California.
1-Year Survival Guarantee
California can be tough on young plants. That’s why every tree and plant on this page is backed by our 1-Year Survival Guarantee — if it doesn’t survive the first year, we’ll work with you on a replacement.
What Grows Best in California?
California gardeners typically see the best results with fruit trees and plants that have:
✔ Low Chill Requirements
Much of California experiences mild winters, so choosing low-chill fruit trees (those that need fewer chill hours to set fruit) helps ensure reliable harvests year after year.
✔ Heat & Drought Tolerance
Many areas of the state—especially inland and southern regions—benefit from fruit trees and plants that can handle hot summers and periods of low rainfall once established.
✔ Adaptability to Microclimates
California includes coastal, valley, desert, and foothill regions. Selecting varieties that match your local conditions improves performance and reduces maintenance.
✔ Success in Containers & Small Spaces
Urban and suburban lots often have limited space, making compact, semi-dwarf, dwarf, and container-friendly options excellent choices for California growers.
Top Citrus Trees for California’s Microclimates
Compact Fruit Trees & Plants for Small California Spaces
This variety is compatible with your location
Out of Stock
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
Classic Fruit Trees & Plants Ideal for California Conditions
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
Choosing the Right Fruit Trees & Plants for California
Choosing the Right Plants for California
Discover the perfect trees and plants for California's unique climate. From figs, peaches, and plums to exotic stone fruits, explore our top picks for the Golden State. Grow your own food, enhance your landscape, and find unique plants tailored to your area.
Equip yourself with essential tree care accessories, fertilizers, and tools, including our recommended Irrigation Solutions for California's dry, hot climate.
What are the best fruit trees for Southern California?
Low-chill apples, peaches, figs, citrus, and pomegranates perform extremely well in SoCal’s warm, dry climate.
What fruit trees grow well in Northern California?
Cherries, pears, apples, blueberries, citrus, and hardy figs thrive in Northern California’s cooler winters and mild summers.
Can I grow fruit trees in a small California yard?
Yes—dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, citrus, grapes, and berries are perfect for compact spaces and containers.
Do fruit trees need chill hours in California?
Most California growers benefit from low-chill varieties that require 100–500 chill hours to set fruit reliably.
Which fruit trees are best for drought conditions?
Figs, pomegranates, olives, grapes, and persimmons handle low water conditions very well once established.
Grow Your Knowledge: California Gardening Tips
For further advice on adding fruit and nut trees to your home garden and how to care for them, refer to one of our many helpful articles.
The Stark Difference
Whether you're looking to grow more of your own food, beautify your landscape, or find unique plants that are suitable for your area, we have got you covered!
You can expect top-quality plants, hand-selected by our expert growers. All our plants and growing supplies are carefully packaged and shipped directly to your door.
Survival Guaranteed!
Feel confident planting with the included step-by-step instructions and 1-year Survival Guarantee!
Read more about our warranty policy.
Luther Burbank’s Ties to California and Stark Bro’s
Luther Burbank’s Ties to California and Stark Bro’s
Luther Burbank, an innovator in methods of grafting and plant breeding, developed 800+ plant varieties, including fruits and ornamentals, in Santa Rosa, CA, from 1875. Struggling financially, his breakthrough came when Stark Bro’s funded his research, leading to iconic varieties like the Santa Rosa Plum and July Elberta Peach, thanks to the Stark family's support.
Unfortunately, we cannot ship some plants, such as citrus trees to California due to shipping restrictions put in place by California & Agricultural Laws. Confirm your shipping restrictions and zone compatibility when you enter your zip code into our Hardiness Zone Finder.