Which states grow pistachios best? California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas are your top picks. California alone grows about 99% of the U.S. crop. The other states have smaller farms. But they are proving the trees can thrive well outside the Central Valley too.
I've watched the pistachio growing regions expand over the past decade. Arizona growers in the southern deserts are posting strong yields. New Mexico farmers near Las Cruces are planting new orchards at a pace that surprises most people. The map keeps getting bigger as more growers test their local climate and find it works.
Four climate factors decide if your state can support pistachios. You need USDA zones 7 through 11 for the trees to survive. Your area must provide 1,000 chill hours of cold below 45°F (7°C) each winter. Summers need to hit above 100°F (38°C) for proper nut fill. And your air must stay dry because humidity feeds fungal diseases that destroy pistachio crops fast.
California ranks as one of the best states for pistachios by every measure. USDA ERS data shows 488,000 bearing acres there as of 2024. The Central Valley gives trees scorching summers, cold foggy winters, and dry air all year long. The state also has the best processing and shipping setup in the country. No other state can match that level of support for growers right now.
New Mexico has turned into a solid second option for pistachio growers. NMSU Extension research shows the state works well at elevations below 4,500 feet. The dry air and hot summers give trees just what they want. Arizona growers near Tucson and south of Phoenix get similar results. Parts of West Texas near the Pecos Valley also support small but growing pistachio farms.
If you want to find out where to grow pistachios USA wide, start by checking your USDA zone. Pull up the zone map online and see if you land in zones 7 through 11. Call your local extension office and ask about chill hours in your area. You need 1,000 hours below 45°F (7°C) each winter. Test your soil drainage too since pistachios will die fast in waterlogged ground.
In my experience, calling your state agriculture department is your best next step. Ask them about pistachio trial results in your area. Several states have run test plots in recent years. Even outside the big four states that grow pistachios, your climate might work for a small backyard planting. Start with two grafted trees on resistant rootstock. Give them a few years to show you what they can do where you live. You might be surprised at the results you get from your own trees.
Read the full article: Growing Pistachios: 9 Key Steps
