Time to Plant That Fruit!

— Written by Daniel Simpson | February 19, 2026

Planting Fruit Trees in Pamlico County

It may be cold this week, but now is an excellent time to start planting of fruit trees. Most tree fruits do not begin shipping from nurseries until January, and availability will greatly decline if you wait until spring. Pears, figs, apples and peaches can all be grown successfully in Pamlico County, but you will need adequate space, full sunlight, and good drainage to produce a crop. If you ignore these three simple requirements, you will probably be disappointed.

Site Preparation and Soil Requirements for Planting Fruit Trees

For all fruit tree varieties in Pamlico County, a soil fertility test and nematode assay is generally recommended before planting.

Soil Testing and Fertility Adjustments

Additions of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer along with adjustments to soil pH should be made before planting, but nitrogen fertilizer should be withheld until buds break in the spring.

Improving Drainage for Fruit Trees

If drainage is an issue (and it is for 99% of Pamlico County), then consider mounding soil to create a raised planting area. Fruit trees do not grow well in wet soil conditions, causing significant stunting, dieback, and death. Just remember that tree roots spread much further than the canopy, so soil mounds should be as wide as possible. Six to eighteen inches of additional soil depth can greatly increase fruit tree success. However, this additional depth may require irrigation during prolonged drought periods.

Growing Fig Trees in Pamlico County

One of the easiest fruit trees to grow is the fig.

Recommended Fig Varieties

The varieties Brown Turkey and Celeste are the most commonly recommended for our area.

Close-up image of a ripe fig growing on a fig tree branch surrounded by green leaves. — Figs are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow in eastern North Carolina and require minimal pruning once established.
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Winter temperatures may occasionally cause dieback with figs, but trees will regrow during the summer. Little pruning is required for figs, but do not be afraid to cut these trees back if needed. Figs are grown on their own roots, so grafted plants are not required. For more information on growing figs in North Carolina, review the NC State Extension Fig Culture note.

Growing Apple and Pear Trees

Apple and pear trees are typically produced as grafted plants. Grafted trees provide disease protection and the ability to control plant height.

Rootstocks and Grafting Considerations

Dwarfing rootstocks are recommended for homeowners to help maintain a growth range that can be easily managed, but pruning will still be required to maintain a particular height.

Planting Grafted Trees Correctly

Always plant grafted trees with graft unions at least 2-3 inches above the soil line and do not plant into wet soil conditions.

Training and Pruning Apple & Pear Trees

Apples and pears will need routine training and pruning to produce a tree structure that will support a heavy fruit load and promote tree health. For more information on pruning apple and pear trees, refer to the N.C. State Extension publication 'Training and Pruning Fruit Trees'.

Two barrels filled with bright red apples in an orchard, with a ladder leaning against a tree in the background during harvest. — Selecting recommended varieties and providing routine training and pruning helps apple trees produce consistent, high-quality fruit.
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Recommended Apple and Pear Tree Varieties

Varieties that have performed well in Pamlico County include: Apples (Ginger Gold, Gold Rush, Gala, Fuji), Pears (Kieffer, Moonglow, Harrow Delight). Apples and pears typically require at least two different varieties for cross-pollination, so remember this when ordering.

Growing Peach Trees in Pamlico County

Peach trees can be difficult to grow in Pamlico County because of disease and insects.

Recommended Peach Varieties and Rootstock

Two recommended varieties for North Carolina include Contender and China Pearl, preferably grown on Contender rootstock. This variety and rootstock combination will provide a better defense against various disease issues and provide the proper chilling requirements to limit freeze damage to flower buds.

Two men planting a young peach tree in the ground, positioning it in a prepared planting hole. — Proper planting depth and good drainage are critical for long-term peach tree health and productivity.
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Pest and Disease Management for Peaches

Peaches will require routine pruning, training, and spray applications to control pests. Spray applications should start after petals fall from flowers in the spring and several applications may be needed during the growing season. A combination insecticide and fungicide product called a Home Fruit Tree Spray is often available from garden centers and should simplify this task. Always read and follow the label directions when applying pesticides and pay particular attention to limitations for the total amount of applications made and the interval between application and harvest.

Additional Tree Fruit Resources

Trying to produce blemish-free peaches, apples and pears with little to no pests or disease control may be difficult. Focus on providing the best growing conditions first, and utilize recommended varieties. For more information on growing tree fruit, please refer to the 'Tree Fruit and Nuts Chapter' from the N.C. State Extension Gardener Handbook. You can also find valuable information on the N.C. State Extension Apple Portal & Peach Portal.

Contact Information

For more information related to fruit tree production, please contact Daniel Simpson at 252-745-4121 or Daniel_simpson@ncsu.edu.