Prepared by James Quinn, Jefferson Institute © 2000. This is a list of fruit and nut crops that are traditionally grown (commercial production), are recommended alternate crops (oriented towards niche markets like U-pick or farm markets), are experimental crops, or are not recommended for Missouri (but may be appropriate for home gardeners).
Regional Descriptions
Great Rivers Region
This region of Missouri offers the proximity to several urban areas and a variety of soils and topography associated with both the major and minor river valleys. The extremes of weather create Missouri's greatest challenge to fruit and nut crops and the need to carefully select any variety or cultivar. Wide swings of temperature in the spring often creates a problem for many early spring flowering fruit crops; fruit crops must be able to tolerate the hot and humid summers; and extremely cold winter weather is sporadically encountered with little to no snow cover. With the exception of wine grapes, pecans, and black walnuts, Missouri is considered a minor fruit producing state by any standard statistical measure, although there is good potential for expanded fruit production.
The Missouri Ozarks
This region of Missouri is known for its shallow soils. Special care must be made to find soils that can support economical fruit or nut production. River valleys, which could offer good locations, are extremely prone to flooding, throughout the year. The extremes of weather create Missouri's greatest challenge to fruit and nut crops and the need to carefully select any variety or cultivar. Wide swings of temperature in the spring often creates a problem for many early spring flowering fruit crops; fruit crops must be able to tolerate the hot and humid summers; and extremely cold winter weather is sporadically encountered with little to no snow cover. With the exception of wine grapes, pecans, and black walnuts, Missouri is considered a minor fruit producing state by any standard statistical measure, although there is good potential for expanded fruit production.
The Missouri Bootheel
Sandy soils with irrigation in this wide flood plain area offer prospect in the lower areas. However, the hills leading away from the lower areas have most of the fruit and nut production. The extremes of weather create Missouri's greatest challenge to fruit and nut crops and the need to carefully select any variety or cultivar. Wide swings of temperature in the spring often creates a problem for many early spring flowering fruit crops; fruit crops must be able to tolerate the hot and humid summers; and cold winter weather is sporadically encountered with little to no snow cover. With the exception of wine grapes, pecans, and black walnuts, Missouri is considered a minor fruit producing state by any standard statistical measure, although there is good potential for expanded fruit production.
Northwest Missouri
This area of Missouri, especially along the Missouri River, offers some varied soils and topography that provide some opportunity for fruit and nut production. The extremes of weather create Missouri's greatest challenge to fruit and nut crops and the need to carefully select any variety or cultivar. Wide swings of temperature in the spring often creates a problem for many early spring flowering fruit crops; fruit crops must be able to tolerate the hot and humid summers; and extremely cold winter weather is sporadically encountered with little to no snow cover. With the exception of wine grapes, pecans, and black walnuts, Missouri is considered a minor fruit producing state by any standard statistical measure, although there is good potential for expanded fruit production.
Northern and Western Missouri
Although this area has an extensive agriculture base, it has very little fruit, grape, or nut production. The extremes of weather create Missouri's greatest challenge to fruit and nut crops and the need to carefully select any variety or cultivar. Wide swings of temperature in the spring often creates a problem for many early spring flowering fruit crops; fruit crops must be able to tolerate the hot and humid summers; and extremely cold winter weather is sporadically encountered with little to no snow cover. With the exception of wine grapes, pecans, and black walnuts, Missouri is considered a minor fruit producing state by any standard statistical measure, although there is good potential for expanded fruit production.
Recommended websites to list:
www.starkbros.com
MtnGrv.smsu.edu
agebb.missouri.edu/hort/index.htm
www.attra.org/attra-pub/horticulture.html
muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/index.htm
Traditional Crops
Recommended Alternate Crops
Experimental Crops
Not Recommended
The Fruit and Nut Crop listing was Prepared by James Quinn, Jefferson Institute © 2000. Questions related to these plants should be addressed to James Quinn at jquinn@tranquility.net