Grow A Little Sweetness
In Every Corner
Discover Herbein’s fruit vines, bushes, and trees for your garden.
From strawberries and blueberries to apples and pears, our plants are chosen for quality, hardiness, and high yields. Grow fresh fruit right at home.
View our Inventory Options
Check Out Our Favorites
Concord Seedless
'Bluecrop' Blueberry
'Honeycrisp' Semidwarf
'Triple Crown' Blackberry
Fruit FAQs
What fruit trees, bushes, and vines grow best in the Lehigh Valley, PA area?
The Lehigh Valley falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a wide variety of fruit-bearing plants. Top performers in our area include apple trees (especially disease-resistant varieties like Honeycrisp, Liberty, and Enterprise), peach trees, pear trees, blueberry bushes, raspberry and blackberry canes, and grape vines. Strawberries also thrive here as a ground-level fruit option. When selecting varieties, look for those rated for Zones 5–7 to ensure winter hardiness through our cold Pennsylvania winters.
The Lehigh Valley falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a wide variety of fruit-bearing plants. Top performers in our area include apple trees (especially disease-resistant varieties like Honeycrisp, Liberty, and Enterprise), peach trees, pear trees, blueberry bushes, raspberry and blackberry canes, and grape vines. Strawberries also thrive here as a ground-level fruit option. When selecting varieties, look for those rated for Zones 5–7 to ensure winter hardiness through our cold Pennsylvania winters.
Early spring — typically mid-March through April in the Lehigh Valley — is the ideal time to plant most bare-root and container-grown fruit trees and shrubs. This gives roots time to establish before summer heat arrives. Fall planting (September–October) is also a good option for many varieties, as cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or after the ground begins to freeze in late November.
Do I need more than one fruit tree for pollination?
It depends on the variety. Many fruit trees — including most apples, pears, and sweet cherries — require a second compatible variety nearby for cross-pollination in order to produce fruit. Self-fertile varieties, such as certain peaches, sour cherries, and some blueberry cultivars, can produce fruit on their own but often yield more with a pollination partner. When shopping at our nursery, always ask about pollination requirements before selecting just one tree.
How much sun do fruit trees and berry bushes need?
Most fruiting plants require a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a good harvest. Full sun is especially important for fruit development, sugar content, and disease resistance. Choose a planting location that receives unobstructed morning and afternoon sun, and avoid areas shaded by buildings or large trees. Poor sun exposure is one of the most common reasons fruit plants underperform in home landscapes.
How long does it take for a newly planted fruit tree to produce fruit?
Patience is key! Most fruit trees take 2–5 years to begin bearing fruit after planting, depending on the type and variety. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees generally fruit sooner than standard-size trees. Berry bushes tend to produce faster — blueberries may yield a small crop in their second or third year, while raspberry and blackberry canes often produce in their first or second season. Grape vines typically begin fruiting in their second to third year.
What kind of soil and drainage do fruit plants need?
Fruit trees and shrubs generally prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0–6.5. Blueberries are the exception — they require a more acidic soil in the 4.5–5.5 range and may need sulfur amendments or specialized planting mix in our region’s naturally moderate-pH soils. Before planting, amend heavy clay soils (common in parts of the Lehigh Valley) with compost to improve drainage. Raised beds or berms are a great option if drainage is a concern on your property.
How do I protect my fruit trees and bushes from pests and disease in Pennsylvania?
The Lehigh Valley region is home to common fruit pests including Japanese beetles, spotted lanternfly, aphids, and various caterpillars, as well as fungal diseases like apple scab, fire blight, and powdery mildew. Choosing disease-resistant varieties is your first line of defense. Beyond that, a consistent spray program (organic or conventional), proper pruning for airflow, and cleaning up fallen fruit and leaves each season go a long way. Our nursery staff can recommend the right treatments and timing for your specific plants.
