Question of the Day - 14 October 2024

It's true that the hot desert climate and long growing season in Phoenix aren't all that different than those in Las Vegas, but they're different enough to render Phoenix a good locale for fruit growing and Vegas less so. These differences, though subtle, can have a big impact on agriculture.

For one, Phoenix's winter temperatures are typically milder than Las Vegas'. This makes Phoenix more suitable for a wider range of fruit trees that require freezeless winters, such as citrus and tropical fruits. Las Vegas gets much colder than Phoenix in the winter. It has more frequent temperatures below freezing, along with hard frosts (where both the air and ground freeze), which can damage or kill more sensitive fruit trees like those varieties that thrive in Phoenix.

Phoenix is also slightly more humid on average, especially during the summer when the monsoon rains arrive. Las Vegas' extremely dry air and low humidity can stress fruit trees that need more moisture to support growth and fruit development.

Likewise, Phoenix has more access to water from extensive irrigation infrastructure that supports agriculture, including fruit growing. Las Vegas has limited water resources, comparatively speaking, so water-thirsty fruit trees are more challenging to grow.

All that said, some fruit does grow here. Gilcrease Orchard in northern Las Vegas, for example, has a you-pick operation with peach, apple, and pear trees. A quick search on Zillow for homes for sale listing fruit trees turned up several with pomegranate trees, one of the best fruits that grow here, along with figs, plums, and mulberries.  

And a little more research revealed that cherries grow well if they're surrounded by grass to maintain humidity, lemons can stand temperatures up to five degrees below freezing, and almond trees do well, though they generally take six years or so to produce nuts for the first time.