Fruit that fits Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley

Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley averages about 249 chill hours a winter (last 10 winters: 56–464), usually gets a few light frosts (typical last frost Jan 6, first Dec 21), and August highs average about 89°F. Below, 237 fruit varieties are rated against those numbers.

ZIPs: 91978, 92019. ← Back to frost dates & forecast

Avg chill hours

~249

56–464 range

Frost

Light frost

last ~Jan 6

August high

89°F

1991–2020 normal

To the ocean

20 km

zone 10b

Pick a fruit

Fruit type Hide Moderate

IdealGoodModerate★ Top Choice

Ideal: well matched to this climate; expect normal vigor and full crops. Good: should do well, with an occasional lighter year. Moderate: will probably still give you some fruit, but expect a less vigorous tree and noticeably lower yields or quality than better-matched varieties.

Peach

Flordaprince

Peach

Good

Needs ~150 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Eva's Pride

Peach

Good

Needs ~175 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 175 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 100–200; Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 100–200)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 22 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

May Pride

Peach

Good

Needs ~175 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 175 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Tropic Snow

Peach

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

August Pride

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~250 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 250 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Babcock

Peach

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Bonanza (miniature)

Peach

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Bonita

Peach

Moderate

Chill 250 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Desert Gold

Peach

Moderate

Chill 250 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 200)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Mid-Pride

Peach

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 8 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Earligrande

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~275 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 275 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Early Amber

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~300 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Red Baron

Peach

Moderate

Needs 250–300 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 250–300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Santa Barbara

Peach

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Saturn

Peach

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Double Jewel

Peach

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Earlitreat

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Flordaking

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: ≤450)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~May 19 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Strawberry Free

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Champagne

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Donut (Stark Saturn)

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 200–300)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 25 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Eldorado (miniature)

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Giant Babcock

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Honey Babe (miniature)

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pix Zee (miniature)

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Royal Gold

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Suncrest

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 10 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Tasty Giant

Peach

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

July (Kim) Elberta

Peach

Moderate

Needs 500–600 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500–600 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 400–500)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 11 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Nectarine

Desert Delight

Nectarine

Good

Needs ~175 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 175 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 100–200)
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: good along the coast & inland

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Desert Dawn

Nectarine

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Panamint

Nectarine

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Arctic Star

Nectarine

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 8 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Snow Queen

Nectarine

Moderate

Chill 300 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 250–300)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 18 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Goldmine

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Arctic Glo

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 22 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Arctic Jay

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 10 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Atomic Red

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Double Delight

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 300; Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 3 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Fantasia

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 24 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Garden Delight (miniature)

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Honey Kist

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 28 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Necta Zee (miniature)

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Nectar Babe (miniature)

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Rose

Nectarine

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Plum

Methley

Plum

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 250)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Beauty

Plum

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Mariposa

Plum

Moderate

Chill 250 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Santa Rosa

Plum

Moderate

Chill 250 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Satsuma

Plum

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Delight (cherry-plum)

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~375 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 375 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Sprite (cherry-plum)

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~375 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 375 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Burbank

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Burgundy

Plum

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Catalina

Plum

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 20 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Friar

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Howard Miracle

Plum

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Kelsey

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Laroda

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 28 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Nubiana

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Weeping Santa Rosa

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 200–400)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 30 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Fortune

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Golden Nectar

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Late Santa Rosa

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Redheart

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Wickson

Plum

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Elephant Heart

Plum

Moderate

Needs 500–600 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500–600 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 500)
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Pluot & interspecific

Flavorosa

Pluot & interspecific

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs ~100 chill hours; your area averages ~249 and got at least 139 in 9 of the last 10 winters.

Chill 100 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Flavor Grenade

Pluot & interspecific

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 300–400)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 30 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Dapple Supreme

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Dapple Dandy

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 400–500)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 5 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Emerald Drop

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 17 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego) · Dave Wilson Nursery

Flavor Finale

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 500)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Sep 12 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Flavor King

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 11 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego) · Dave Wilson Nursery

Flavor Queen

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 400–500)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 27 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Geo Pride

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 14 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Splash

Pluot & interspecific

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Jul 10 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego) · Dave Wilson Nursery

Apricot

Gold Kist

Apricot

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Katy

Apricot

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Autumn Glo

Apricot

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Blenheim (Royal)

Apricot

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: ≤400; Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 25 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Flora Gold

Apricot

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Royal Rosa

Apricot

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Aprium

Flavor Delight

Aprium

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 3 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Cot-N-Candy

Aprium

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Jun 15 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Cherry

Minnie Royal

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 200–300 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 200–300 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination pollinizer needed
DWN (Tom's Top 21): estimated 200–300 h, 'mine has produced with less than 100 hours'. Plant with Royal Lee.

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Royal Lee

Cherry

Moderate

Chill 200–300 h
Pollination pollinizer needed
Pollinizer for Minnie Royal.

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Stella

Cherry

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Dave Wilson product page: davewilson.com/nurseries/products/fruit-trees/cherry/stella/

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

English Morello

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 500)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Lapins

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Montmorency

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 700)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

North Star

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Royal Rainier

Cherry

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~May 18 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Craig's Crimson

Cherry

Moderate

Needs 500–600 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500–600 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~May 12 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Apple

Dorsett Golden

Apple

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs ~100 chill hours; your area averages ~249 and got at least 139 in 9 of the last 10 winters.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Einshemer

Apple

Ideal

Needs ~100 chill hours; your area averages ~249 and got at least 139 in 9 of the last 10 winters.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
UC ANR Low-Chill Apples: 'needs no chill at all'.

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pettingill

Apple

Ideal

Needs ~100 chill hours; your area averages ~249 and got at least 139 in 9 of the last 10 winters.

Chill 100 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Anna

Apple

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Beverly Hills

Apple

Moderate

Chill 300 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 200)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Sundowner

Apple

Moderate

Chill 200–300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Fuji

Apple

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300)
Pollination self-fruitful
DWN Tom's Top 21: 'for all practical purposes ... 200 to 400 hour range'.

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Gordon

Apple

Moderate

Needs 300–400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 300–400 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Granny Smith

Apple

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Walter Andersen (San Diego) rating; widely grown in colder areas too.

Sources: Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

White Winter Pearmain

Apple

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Winter Banana

Apple

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Yellow Bellflower

Apple

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Gala

Apple

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
UC ANR: proven in Southern California except the lowest-chill areas near the coast.

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Mollie's Delicious

Apple

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)

Apple

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 300–400; Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 300–400)
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Oct 15 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ
Heat DWN: adapted to hot climates

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Red Fuji

Apple

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Sep 25 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pear (European)

Hood

Pear (European)

Good

Needs ~150 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 150 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Flordahome

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs 175–250 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 175–250 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Kieffer

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs ~350 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 350 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Orient

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs ~350 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 350 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Seckel

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 10 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Bartlett

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs 500–600 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500–600 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Dave Wilson product page: davewilson.com/nurseries/products/fruit-trees/pear/bartlett/

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Bosc

Pear (European)

Moderate

Needs 500–600 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500–600 h
Dave Wilson product page: davewilson.com/nurseries/products/fruit-trees/pear/bosc/

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Asian pear

Tsu Li

Asian pear

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Ya Li

Asian pear

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Shinseiki

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

20th Century

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Chojuro

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Hosui

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h (Dave Wilson Nursery: 300–400)
Pollination pollinizer needed
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 1 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery

Ichiban Nashi

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Ishiiwase

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Kikusui

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Shinko

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Yoinashi

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~450 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 450 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Seigyoku

Asian pear

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Quince

Orange

Quince

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pineapple

Quince

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Smyrna

Quince

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Fig

Black Jack

Fig

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Black Mission

Fig

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: good along the coast, does very well inland

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Brown Turkey

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: does well along the coast or inland

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Celestial

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Conadria

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Desert King

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Excel

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Flanders

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: good in southern California, coastal or inland

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Janice Seedless Kadota

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: well suited to coastal & inland climates

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Kadota

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Osborne Prolific

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Panache (Tiger)

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Ripens first harvest ~Aug 10 at Hickman, CA (Central Valley); San Diego timing may differ
Heat MGSD: not good for cool coastal areas; needs long, hot summers to ripen

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Dave Wilson Nursery · UC Master Gardeners San Diego

Peter's Honey

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Texas Blue Giant

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Violette de Bordeaux

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

White Genoa

Fig

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: good coastal or inland, great for cool coastal locations

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Persimmon

Izu

Persimmon

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Chocolate

Persimmon

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Coffeecake (Nishimura Wase)

Persimmon

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Fuyu

Persimmon

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Giant Fuyu

Persimmon

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Hachiya

Persimmon

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pomegranate

Sweet

Pomegranate

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: more widely adapted to cool summer climates

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Ambrosia

Pomegranate

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 150 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Eversweet

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: does well on the coast & equally well inland

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Grenada

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Wonderful

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: best variety for hot inland climates

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Kashmir

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150–200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150–200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Pink Satin

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150–200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150–200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Red Silk

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150–200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150–200 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 200)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Sharp Velvet

Pomegranate

Ideal

Needs about 150–200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 150–200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Jujube

Lang

Jujube

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 100 h
Pollination pollinizer needed
Heat Walter Andersen: requires long, hot summer

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Jujube

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: requires long, hot summer

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Mulberry

Pakistan (fruiting)

Mulberry

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h (Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego): 400)
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

White (fruiting)

Mulberry

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 200 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Grape

Black Monukka

Grape

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: does not require as much summer heat as Thompson Seedless

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Concord

Grape

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Crimson Seedless

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Flame Seedless

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: likes hot summer

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Golden Muscat

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: good in coastal areas and warm interior areas

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Himrod Seedless

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: better choice than Thompson along the coast; does not need Thompson's heat

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Interlaken

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: ripens with less heat than Thompson requires

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Pinot Noir

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: requires cool summers

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Thompson Seedless

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen notes other grapes 'do not require the heat Thompson needs for best production'

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Zinfandel

Grape

Ideal

Needs about 100 chill hours; your area averages ~249.

Chill 100 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: prefers mild winters & cool summers

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Blueberry

Misty

Blueberry

Good

Needs ~150 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 150 h
Pollination self-fruitful
Heat Walter Andersen: does very well along the coast and with inland heat

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery · Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

O'Neal

Blueberry

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Sharpblue

Blueberry

Good

Needs ~200 chill hours; your area averages ~249, so most years are fine, but a mild winter (as low as 56) can mean a lighter, more uneven crop.

Chill 200 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Sunshine Blue

Blueberry

Moderate

Needs 150–300 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties; Dave Wilson and UC Master Gardeners note low-chill types like this often fruit in San Diego with less chill than rated.

Chill 150–300 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Elliot

Blueberry

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

South Moon

Blueberry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Top Hat

Blueberry

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 500 h
Pollination self-fruitful

Sources: Dave Wilson Nursery

Blackberry

Caddo

Blackberry

Moderate

Chill 300 h

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Natchez

Blackberry

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Ripens early May–mid-June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Prime-Ark 45

Blackberry

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Ripens early May–mid-June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Prime-Ark Freedom

Blackberry

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Ripens late April–early June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Prime-Ark Traveler

Blackberry

Moderate

Chill 300 h
Ripens early May–mid-June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Baby Cakes

Blackberry

Moderate

Needs ~400 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400 h

Sources: Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Marion

Blackberry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h

Sources: Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Osage

Blackberry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Ripens mid-May–mid-June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Ouachita

Blackberry

Moderate

Needs 400–500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill 400–500 h
Ripens mid-May–late June in central Florida

Sources: UF/IFAS HS1352

Raspberry

Bababerry

Raspberry

Good

Chill is rated only as 'low' (no number published), so we can't check it closely.

Pollination self-fruitful
Walter Andersen: chill listed only as 'Low'; good for mild winters & hot summers.

Sources: Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Raspberry Shortcake

Raspberry

Moderate

Needs ~500 chill hours and your area averages ~249. Expect some fruit, but bloom and leaf-out may be late and spread out, with a lighter crop than better-matched varieties.

Chill ≤500 h
Pollination pollinizer needed

Sources: Walter Andersen Nursery (San Diego)

Citrus

Clementine (Algerian)

Citrus · Mandarin

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Gold Nugget

Citrus · Mandarin

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Improved Meyer

Citrus · Lemon

Ideal

Hardy to ~22°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~22°F
Mandarin-lemon hybrid (MGSD).

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Kishu

Citrus · Mandarin

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Minneola

Citrus · Tangelo

Ideal

Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Heat MGSD: tangelos develop more sugars in hotter areas
MGSD: tangelos develop more sugars in hotter areas; may not produce best fruit in cooler parts of San Diego.

Sources: UC Master Gardeners San Diego

Nagami

Citrus · Kumquat

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Hardy to ~19°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~19°F

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Pixie

Citrus · Mandarin

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Satsuma

Citrus · Mandarin

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR The Real Dirt

Tango

Citrus · Mandarin

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Cara Cara

Citrus · Orange

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Eureka

Citrus · Lemon

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~26°F
UC IPM: Eureka lemon is among the most cold-sensitive scions.

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Lisbon

Citrus · Lemon

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~26°F

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Moro (blood)

Citrus · Orange

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Oro Blanco (grapefruit × pummelo)

Citrus · Grapefruit

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Cold limit ~26°F
Heat MGSD: grapefruit perform best where summers are long and hot

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners San Diego

Pink Lemonade (variegated Eureka)

Citrus · Lemon

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~26°F

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Rio Red

Citrus · Grapefruit

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Cold limit ~26°F
Heat MGSD: grapefruit perform best where summers are long and hot

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR · UC Master Gardeners San Diego

Star Ruby

Citrus · Grapefruit

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Cold limit ~26°F
Heat MGSD: grapefruit perform best where summers are long and hot

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners San Diego

Valencia

Citrus · Orange

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento

Washington Navel

Citrus · Orange

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F

Sources: UC ANR The Real Dirt · UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Bearss

Citrus · Lime

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 29°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~29°F

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Mexican (Key)

Citrus · Lime

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 29°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~29°F

Sources: UC Master Gardeners Sacramento · UC ANR

Avocado

Duke

Avocado

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Sep–Oct (UC ANR)
Heat UC ANR: wind/heat tolerant

Sources: UC ANR

Mexicola

Avocado

Ideal

Hardy to ~20°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~20°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Aug–Sep (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Bacon

Avocado

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F
Pollination flower type B; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Nov–Mar (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Jim

Avocado

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F
Pollination flower type B; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Nov–Feb (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Stewart

Avocado

Good

Hardy to ~25°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~25°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Oct–Dec (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Zutano

Avocado

Good

Hardy to ~24°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~24°F
Pollination flower type B; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Oct–Feb (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Fuerte

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 27°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~27°F
Pollination flower type B; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Nov–Mar (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Gwen

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 30°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights. Prefers milder summers; with August highs around 89°F give it afternoon shade and expect some stress and a lighter crop.

Cold limit ~30°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Apr–Aug (UC ANR)
Heat UC ANR: susceptible to heat, wind, cold, drought

Sources: UC ANR

Hass

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 30°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~30°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Jan–Jul (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Lamb Hass

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 30°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~30°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature May–Nov (UC ANR)
Heat UC ANR: wind/heat tolerant

Sources: UC ANR

Pinkerton

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 30°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~30°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature Dec–Apr (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Reed

Avocado

Moderate

Frost-tender (damaged around 30°F) and your area gets a few light frosts (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21). Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and cover it on frosty nights.

Cold limit ~30°F
Pollination flower type A; most varieties at least partly self-fruitful, best with an A + B pair (MGSD)
Ripens mature May–Nov (UC ANR)

Sources: UC ANR

Other subtropicals

Big Jim

Loquat

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Hardy to ~12°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~12°F
CRFG: flower buds killed ~19°F; cold snaps below 25°F during flowering/fruiting cause crop loss.

Sources: CRFG West LA

Champagne

Loquat

★ Top Choice

Ideal

Hardy to ~12°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~12°F
Pollination pollinizer needed
MGSD: Champagne requires a pollinizer.

Sources: UC Master Gardeners San Diego · CRFG West LA

McBeth

Loquat

Ideal

Hardy to ~12°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~12°F

Sources: CRFG West LA

Pineapple guava (Nazemetz, Mammoth)

Feijoa

Ideal

Hardy to ~15°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~15°F
Heat CRFG: prefers cool winters and moderate summers; some varieties need a pollinizer.
CRFG: prefers cool winters and moderate summers; some varieties need a pollinizer.

Sources: CRFG West LA

Strawberry guava (red/yellow)

Guava

Ideal

Hardy to ~22°F; it handles the frost here (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21).

Cold limit ~22°F
CRFG: hardy to the 'low 20s °F' (22°F used as a midpoint estimate).

Sources: CRFG West LA

Frederick (purple)

Passionfruit

Good

Hardy to ~25°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~25°F
CRFG: hardy to the 'mid 20s °F'; Frederick considered best for California.

Sources: CRFG West LA

Mango (Keitt, Glenn, Valencia Pride…)

Mango

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps. Likes heat; your August highs average ~89°F.

Cold limit ~26°F
Heat CRFG: young trees damaged below 30°F; 'trees love heat'.
CRFG: young trees damaged below 30°F; 'trees love heat'.

Sources: CRFG West LA

Tropical guava (e.g. Mexican Cream, Ruby)

Guava

Good

Hardy to ~26°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~26°F
CRFG: brief periods to 26°F.

Sources: CRFG West LA

Cherimoya (Booth, Chaffey, El Bumpo…)

Cherimoya

Moderate

Prefers milder summers; with August highs around 89°F give it afternoon shade and expect some stress and a lighter crop. Hardy to ~25°F; your area gets some light frost (in half of winters the first 32°F night comes by Dec 21), so a sheltered spot helps.

Cold limit ~25°F
Heat CRFG: resents excessive dry heat of the interior; UC: leaf/flower damage above ~100°F
CRFG: young tips killed at 29°F; needs ~50–100 chill hours; best 3–15 mi from the ocean. Hand pollination often recommended (MGSD).

Sources: CRFG Fruit Facts · UC (Ellstrand 1986)

Fit by fruit type in Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley

Fruit	Ideal	Good	Moderate
Peach	·	4	25
Nectarine	·	1	15
Plum	·	1	21
Pluot & interspecific	1	1	8
Apricot	·	·	6
Aprium	·	·	2
Cherry	·	·	9
Apple	3	1	12
Pear (European)	·	1	6
Asian pear	·	·	12
Quince	·	·	3
Fig	16	·	·
Persimmon	6	·	·
Pomegranate	9	·	·
Jujube	2	·	·
Mulberry	2	·	·
Grape	10	·	·
Blueberry	·	3	4
Blackberry	·	·	9
Raspberry	·	1	1
Citrus	9	10	2
Avocado	2	4	6
Other subtropicals	5	3	1

★ Top choices here: Flavorosa pluot, Dorsett Golden apple, Black Jack fig, Black Mission fig, Izu persimmon, Fuyu persimmon, Sweet pomegranate, Ambrosia pomegranate and more.

What chill hours actually do

Deciduous fruit trees like peaches, apples, cherries and pears use winter cold as a signal. Once they've had enough cool hours, their buds are ready to wake up, bloom and leaf out on schedule. That's what a variety's chill rating describes.

Coming up short isn't a hard cutoff, and it usually shows up in the crop rather than as a sick tree. UC researchers describe the signs as late, drawn-out and uneven bloom, slow or sparse leaf-out (sometimes bare-looking shoots), fewer fruit setting and lower fruit quality. You'll usually still get some fruit, just less of it. Mild winters also swing a lot from year to year, so one warm winter can mean a light crop even on a well-matched tree.

Too much chill for a low-chill variety brings the opposite risk: it can bloom early, and a late frost can take the blossoms.

Sources: UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center: About chilling hours, units and portions · UC ANR Foothill Fodder: Lack of chill for trees · Dave Wilson Nursery: Fruit tree chilling requirement

How we rate compatibility (and how sure we are)

Chill: hours between 32°F and 45°F, Nov 1–Apr 30, at CIMIS #147 Otay Lake (11.8 km away), per winter: 2016-17 139 · 2017-18 241 · 2018-19 214 · 2019-20 257 · 2020-21 340 · 2021-22 327 · 2022-23 464 · 2023-24 174 · 2024-25 276 · 2025-26 56. Ideal = the variety's rating is met in at least 9 of 10 winters; Good = met on average; Moderate = your average falls short of the rating, so expect some fruit but a lighter, less even crop.
Uncertainty: chill ratings are nursery estimates (hours below 45°F) and sources disagree, sometimes by 100–200 hours (shown in brackets). Walter Andersen notes many trees perform with less than the stated chill. Your yard can differ from the station by a lot: cold air pools in low spots, and slopes and coastal fog change winter lows.
Frost: 50% first fall frost 12/21, last spring frost 01/06 (1 in 10 years after 02/07) at CA EL CAJON. We don't have a record-low estimate, so cold limits are compared with whether frost happens, not with an exact minimum.
Heat: 1991–2020 August normal high 88.6°F. Only varieties that a source says need heat, or suffer from it, are rated on heat. Under 80°F counts as a cool summer.
Too much chill: where an area averages 800+ chill hours and gets frost, low-chill varieties are capped (500 h or less: Good; under 300 h: Moderate), because Dave Wilson Nursery notes that varieties needing much less chill than they get can bloom too early and lose the crop to later frosts. Frost tile: from the NOAA 50% last spring frost date (light = by Feb 15, moderate = by Mar 31, late = April or later).
Frost-tender plants: for citrus, avocados and other evergreens, Moderate means the tree itself needs frost protection here, not that it will just crop lighter.
★ Top Choice: within each fruit type, the Ideal varieties with no frost or heat caveats whose chill rating was met in the most winters, with the most headroom (for evergreens: the most cold-hardy). Ties go to self-fruitful varieties, then ones whose sources agree. One star per fruit, or two when four or more qualify; none if no variety is Ideal.
Not listed: varieties whose chill rating (low end of the range) is more than 300 hours above this area's average (32 varieties here).
Compatibility is the lowest of the chill, frost and heat checks. Deciduous trees are not rated on frost (they are dormant), and bloom-time frost isn't modeled.

Questions

How many chill hours does Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley get?

About 249 hours between 32°F and 45°F from Nov 1 to Apr 30, averaged over 10 winters at CIMIS #147 Otay Lake (56 in the mildest, 464 in the coldest).

Which peaches grow in Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley?

Flordaprince, Eva's Pride, May Pride, Tropic Snow

Can I grow avocados in Rancho San Diego & Spring Valley?

Duke: ideal; Mexicola: ideal; Bacon: good; Jim: good; Stewart: good; Zutano: good; Fuerte: moderate; Gwen: moderate; Hass: moderate; Lamb Hass: moderate; Pinkerton: moderate; Reed: moderate

What do chill hours actually do?

Chill hours are a winter wake-up signal. Peaches, apples, cherries and other deciduous fruit trees need a stretch of cool weather before they bloom and leaf out normally. Falling short isn't a hard cutoff: the usual signs are late, uneven or drawn-out bloom, sparse or late leaf-out, fewer flowers and a smaller crop, rather than a dying tree. Mild winters vary a lot from year to year. Getting far more chill than a variety needs has its own risk: it can bloom early and lose its flowers to a late frost. Sources: UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center, UC ANR, Dave Wilson Nursery.