Many Hoosier gardeners dream of growing their own fresh fruit, but Indiana’s climate poses unique challenges. With cold winters, hot summers, and unpredictable weather patterns, not every fruit tree will thrive in our state.
Before you invest time and money into your backyard orchard, learn which trees might leave you with nothing but disappointment and wasted effort.
1. Citrus Trees (Lemon, Lime, Orange)
Citrus trees simply can’t survive Indiana’s harsh winters without extraordinary measures. Even bringing them indoors during cold months creates problems with light, humidity, and space requirements.
Most homeowners lack the proper setup for overwintering these tropical beauties. I’ve watched neighbors try elaborate protection systems only to lose their trees to a single deep freeze.
Your energy is better spent on cold-hardy alternatives like pawpaws or persimmons that naturally withstand our temperature swings without needing special accommodations every winter.
2. Fig Trees (Most Varieties)
While technically possible to grow in sheltered locations, fig trees require extensive winter protection in Indiana. The Chicago Hardy variety might survive, but most others will die back to the roots each winter, rarely producing worthwhile harvests.
Fig trees grown here often develop as multi-stemmed bushes rather than proper trees due to constant dieback. This makes them frustrating for gardeners expecting the Mediterranean-style trees seen in warmer regions.
For something similarly sweet but better suited to our climate, consider native serviceberries or elderberries instead.
3. Avocado Trees
Attempting to grow avocados in Indiana is setting yourself up for failure. These tropical trees need consistent warmth and cannot tolerate temperatures below 28°F—a temperature we routinely drop below for months.
Growing them as houseplants rarely results in fruit. My friend spent years nurturing an indoor avocado only to get a spindly, unproductive tree that took up valuable space.
Even commercial growers with climate-controlled greenhouses struggle to produce avocados in northern climates, making them impractical for home gardeners in our state.
4. Sweet Cherry Trees
Sweet cherries struggle mightily with Indiana’s humid summers and fluctuating spring temperatures. Late frosts often kill blossoms just as they’re forming, while humid conditions promote devastating fungal diseases.
Birds will claim whatever fruit manages to develop, sometimes taking entire crops overnight. Netting large cherry trees becomes nearly impossible for the average gardener.
Sour cherries like Montmorency offer a much better alternative for Indiana gardens, providing reliable harvests with fewer disease problems and greater cold hardiness than their sweeter cousins.
5. Mangoes And Other Tropical Fruits
Mango trees die when exposed to temperatures below 40°F for extended periods, making Indiana winters absolutely lethal. Similar issues affect other tropical fruits like guava, papaya, and jackfruit.
Growing these trees indoors rarely succeeds due to insufficient light and improper humidity levels. Without commercial greenhouse equipment, creating the right environment becomes nearly impossible.
Indiana gardeners should embrace what grows well here naturally. Pawpaws offer a tropical-tasting fruit with banana-mango flavors while thriving in our native woodlands—no special care required.
6. Japanese Persimmon (Fuyu, Hachiya)
Japanese persimmons often fail in Indiana due to winter damage and inconsistent fruit production. While they might survive in protected southern Indiana locations, they rarely thrive like they do further south.
The wood frequently suffers dieback during harsh winters, setting tree development back by years. After five seasons, my neighbor’s Japanese persimmon remains smaller than when planted due to constant winter injury.
American persimmons naturally grow throughout Indiana and offer better reliability with similar sweet fruits. They’ve evolved alongside our climate extremes rather than struggling against them.
7. Certain Apple Varieties (Granny Smith, Braeburn)
Late-maturing apple varieties like Granny Smith often fail to ripen properly in Indiana’s growing season. Our first frosts typically arrive before these apples develop their full flavor and sugar content.
These varieties also tend to be more susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that spreads rapidly in our humid conditions. One infected branch can threaten an entire tree within weeks.
Focus instead on early and mid-season varieties developed for the Midwest, such as Honeycrisp, Jonathan, or Enterprise. These apples ripen reliably before frost while offering better disease resistance suited to Indiana conditions.
8. Pawpaw Tree
Pawpaw trees, with their lush, tropical appearance, seem like an intriguing addition to any garden. However, their susceptibility to pests and diseases makes them a risky choice for Indiana gardeners.
The tree thrives in humid conditions but struggles with the erratic weather patterns of Indiana. Its fruits, while delicious, attract wildlife, including raccoons and squirrels, potentially turning your garden into a feeding ground.
Furthermore, pawpaw trees require cross-pollination, meaning you need more than one tree, which might not be ideal for limited spaces. Their allure fades when considering these challenges.
9. Peach Tree
Peach trees are beloved for their juicy fruits, yet they pose significant challenges in Indiana’s garden landscape. The Midwest’s unpredictable climate and harsh winters can severely affect peach trees’ health and yield.
Additionally, these trees are prone to diseases like leaf curl and pests that can rapidly spread. Maintaining a healthy peach tree requires significant effort, including regular pruning and spraying.
For those with limited time, the upkeep can become overwhelming. The dream of homegrown peaches often fades under the weight of these demanding care requirements.
10. Apricot Tree
Apricot trees, with their delicate blossoms and sweet fruit, may tempt Indiana gardeners. However, these trees can be more trouble than they’re worth. The late frosts common in Indiana often damage the early blooms of apricot trees, leading to poor fruit production.
Additionally, apricots are susceptible to a variety of diseases such as brown rot and bacterial canker, which can be exacerbated by the region’s humidity. The maintenance required to keep these issues at bay can be taxing and time-consuming.
A fun fact: Despite their challenges in Indiana, apricots are a symbol of good fortune and are cherished in many cultures around the world.