Oklahoma’s climate and soil conditions make it suitable for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables in homeowners’ backyards. Here are some fruits and vegetables that tend to grow well in Oklahoma:
Fruits:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Grapes
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelons
- Cantaloupes
- Blueberries
- Muscadine grapes (native to the region)
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers (bell peppers, jalapeƱos, etc.)
- Squash (zucchini, yellow squash, etc.)
- Cucumbers
- Beans (green beans, snap beans, etc.)
- Corn
- Okra (well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate)
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Cabbage
Tips for Growing Fruits in Oklahoma
Apples
Choose apple varieties suited to your region and plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Prune regularly, provide consistent watering, and protect from pests and diseases.
Plant apple trees in late winter to early spring when they are dormant. Apples are typically ready to harvest when they have reached their full color, have a firm texture, and easily detach from the tree with a slight twist.
Varieties to Grow:
- Arkansas Black
- Fuji
- Granny Smith
- Pink Lady
- Red Delicious
- Winesap
- Yellow Delicious
Peaches
Select peach varieties suitable for Oklahoma’s climate. Plant them in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Prune annually, water regularly, and protect from pests like peach leaf curl and borers.
Plant peach trees in late winter to early spring. Peaches are ready to harvest when they are fully colored, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detach from the tree with a gentle twist.
Varieties to Grow:
- Elberta
- Redhaven
- Contender
- Belle of Georgia
- Loring
- Encore
- Redskin
Pears
Choose pear varieties that thrive in Oklahoma’s climate. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun. Prune to shape and promote airflow, water regularly, and protect from pests and diseases.
Plant pear trees in late winter to early spring. Pears are ready to harvest when they have reached their mature size, have a slight softness near the stem, and detach easily from the tree with a twist.
Varieties to Grow:
- Kieffer
- Moonglow
- Orient
- Ayers
- Baldwin
- Magness
- Bartlett
Plums
Select plum varieties adapted to Oklahoma. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Prune as needed, water adequately, and protect from pests and diseases common to plums.
Plant plum trees in late winter to early spring. Plums are ready to harvest when they have developed their full color, feel slightly soft to the touch, and easily separate from the tree when gently twisted.
Varieties to Grow:
- Methley
- Santa Rosa
- Bruce
- Ozark Premier
- Morris
- Waneta
Grapes
Choose grape varieties suitable for your region and soil type. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Prune in winter, provide regular water, and protect from common grape diseases.
Plant grapevines in early spring. Grapes are ready to harvest when they have developed their full color, are slightly soft to the touch, and taste sweet. You can also check the sugar content (measured in Brix) with a refractometer for more precise harvesting.
Varieties to Grow:
- Concord
- Catawba
- Fredonia
- Muscadine varieties (such as Carlos, Noble, and Fry)
Blackberries
Select thornless or thorny blackberry varieties. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun. Prune regularly, provide ample water, and protect from pests like birds and spider mites.
Plant blackberry bushes in early spring. Blackberries are ready to harvest when they turn fully black, are plump, and easily detach from the plant with a gentle tug.
Varieties to Grow:
- Apache
- Arapaho
- Triple Crown
- Ouachita
- Natchez
Raspberries
Choose raspberry varieties adapted to your area. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Prune properly, water consistently, and protect from pests and diseases common to raspberries.
Plant raspberry canes in early spring. Raspberries are ready to harvest when they have turned fully red, are plump, and easily detach from the plant with a gentle pull.
Varieties to Grow:
- Heritage
- Autumn Bliss
- Latham
- Prelude
- Royalty
Strawberries
Plant strawberry varieties suited to Oklahoma’s climate. Provide well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Mulch to control weeds, water adequately, and protect from pests like slugs and birds.
Plant strawberry plants in early spring. Strawberries are ready to harvest when they have turned fully red, are firm to the touch, and have a sweet fragrance. The berries should easily separate from the plant when picked.
Varieties to Grow:
- Ozark Beauty
- Chandler
- Allstar
- Sequoia
- Camarosa
Watermelons
Select watermelon varieties with shorter growing seasons. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun. Provide consistent moisture, support growing fruits, and protect from pests like aphids and squash bugs.
Plant watermelon seeds or transplants in late spring when soil temperatures have warmed up. Watermelons are ready to harvest when the bottom side turns from light green to creamy yellow, the skin becomes dull, and the fruit makes a hollow sound when tapped.
Varieties to Grow:
- Crimson Sweet
- Sugar Baby
- Jubilee
- Charleston Gray
- Black Diamond
Cantaloupes
Choose cantaloupe varieties suitable for your region. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide regular watering, support fruits as they grow, and protect from pests like cucumber beetles.
Plant cantaloupe seeds or transplants in late spring when the soil has warmed up. Cantaloupes are ready to harvest when the skin turns a creamy yellow or tan color, the fruit has a pleasant aroma, and the stem easily separates from the fruit when twisted.
Varieties to Grow:
- Ambrosia
- Hale’s Best
- Athena
- Honey Rock
- Harper
Blueberries
Select blueberry varieties suited to your area. Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Mulch to retain moisture, water consistently, and protect from pests like birds and mites.
Plant blueberry bushes in late winter to early spring. Blueberries are ready to harvest when they turn fully blue, are plump, and have a sweet taste. They should easily separate from the bush when picked.
Varieties to Grow:
- Premier
- Tifblue
- Brightwell
- Powderblue
- Ozarkblue
Muscadine Grapes
Choose muscadine grape varieties adapted to Oklahoma’s climate. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Prune in winter, provide regular water, and protect from pests and diseases common to grapes.
Plant muscadine grapevines in early spring. Muscadine grapes are ready to harvest when they turn dark purple or bronze, are plump, and easily detach from the vine with a slight twist.
Varieties to Grow:
- Carlos
- Noble
- Fry
- Darlene
- Triumph
Tips for Growing Veggies in Oklahoma
Tomatoes
Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide support for the plants, water consistently, and protect from common tomato pests.
Varieties to Grow:
- Celebrity
- Early Girl
- Better Boy
- Roma
- Cherokee Purple
- Sun Gold (cherry tomato)
Peppers
Start pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide regular watering, stake if needed, and protect from pests like aphids and pepper worms.
Varieties to Grow:
- California Wonder (bell pepper)
- Jalapeno
- Anaheim
- Poblano
- Serrano
Squash
Directly sow squash seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide regular watering, space the plants properly, and watch for pests like squash bugs and powdery mildew.
Varieties to Grow:
- Yellow Crookneck
- Zucchini
- Butternut
- Pattypan
- Acorn
Cucumbers
Directly sow cucumber seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide support for climbing varieties, consistent watering, and protect from pests like cucumber beetles and powdery mildew.
Varieties to Grow:
- Straight Eight
- Marketmore
- National Pickling
- Armenian cucumber
- Lemon cucumber
Beans
Directly sow bean seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide support for climbing varieties, regular watering, and protect from pests like bean beetles and aphids.
Varieties to Grow:
- Blue Lake (pole bean)
- Kentucky Wonder (pole bean)
- Provider (bush bean)
- Contender (bush bean)
- Bush Snap
Corn
Directly sow corn seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Water consistently and protect from pests like corn earworms.
Varieties to Grow:
- Silver Queen (sweet corn)
- Ambrosia (sweet corn)
- Bodacious (sweet corn)
- Peaches and Cream (bi-color sweet corn)
- Country Gentleman (heirloom sweet corn)
Okra
Directly sow okra seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Provide regular watering, space the plants properly, and protect from pests like aphids and flea beetles.
Varieties to Grow:
- Clemson Spineless
- Emerald
- Annie Oakley
- Burgundy
- Candle Fire
Potatoes
Plant potato tubers in well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Hill soil around the plants as they grow. Provide consistent watering, protect from pests like potato beetles, and harvest when the foliage dies back.
Varieties to Grow:
- Yukon Gold
- Red Pontiac
- Kennebec
- Russet Burbank
- Fingerling varieties (such as Russian Banana or Purple Peruvian)
Carrots
Directly sow carrot seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in loose, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin the seedlings to allow room for growth, and protect from pests like carrot rust fly.
Varieties to Grow:
- Danvers
- Scarlet Nantes
- Little Finger
- Bolero
- Cosmic Purple
Radishes
Directly sow radish seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Radishes are quick-growing and can be harvested when they reach the desired size.
Varieties to Grow:
- Cherry Belle
- French Breakfast
- Easter Egg
- Watermelon Radish
- Daikon
Lettuce
Directly sow lettuce seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade to protect from hot Oklahoma summers. Harvest leaves as needed for salads, or wait for heads to form.
Varieties to Grow:
- Butterhead (such as Bibb or Buttercrunch)
- Romaine (such as Parris Island or Little Gem)
- Looseleaf (such as Black Seeded Simpson or Red Salad Bowl)
- Iceberg (such as Great Lakes or Crisphead)
Spinach
Directly sow spinach seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade to protect from heat. Harvest outer leaves as needed, or wait for the plant to mature for a full harvest.
Varieties to Grow:
- Bloomsdale
- Baby’s Leaf
- Space
- Catalina
- Olympia
Kale
Directly sow kale seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Harvest outer leaves as needed, or wait for the plant to mature for a larger harvest.
Varieties to Grow:
- Lacinato (also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan Kale)
- Red Russian
- Winterbor
- Dwarf Blue Curled
- Premier
Collard greens
Directly sow collard green seeds outdoors early in the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Harvest leaves as needed, starting from the outside of the plant and working inward.
Varieties to Grow:
- Georgia Southern
- Vates
- Champion
- Flash
- Morris Heading
Cabbage
Start cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Varieties to Grow:
- Early Jersey Wakefield
- Copenhagen Market
- Red Express
- Stonehead
- Savoy varieties (such as Perfection Savoy or January King)
Conclusion
It’s important to note that specific varieties and planting times may vary depending on the region within Oklahoma and individual microclimates. It’s recommended to consult with local gardening resources, such as county extension offices or gardening associations, to get specific recommendations tailored to your location. Additionally, considering factors like soil preparation, watering, pest control, and proper care will contribute to successful gardening in Oklahoma’s backyard.