15 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Will Produce a Sweet Harvest in No Time
For those looking to enjoy a fruitful harvest without the long wait, there are several fruit trees that can quickly become productive in your garden. These trees not only offer delicious fruits but also add beauty and diversity to your landscape. Whether you have a small urban garden or a spacious backyard, these fast-maturing fruit trees will soon provide a plentiful and tasty yield.
Asian Pear Trees
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Asian pear trees are a popular choice for their crisp, juicy fruits, often described as a blend between apples and traditional pears, with a refreshing sweetness. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight, requiring regular pruning and care to ensure a bountiful yield. These trees also add ornamental value to any garden with their attractive white blossoms in spring.
- Zone: 5 to 9
- Mature Size: 12 to 20 feet
- Sun: 8+ hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 2 to 5 years
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is an exotic cactus that produces stunning, vibrant fruits. Thriving in warm, tropical climates, these plants require minimal maintenance once established. The fruits have a mild, sweet flavor and are packed with nutrients. Dragon fruit plants also boast large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night, enhancing the garden’s beauty.
- Zone: 10 to 11
- Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall in the ground and 5 to 6 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 2 to 3 years
Peach Trees
Peach trees are known for their delicious, juicy fruits. They flourish in full sun and well-drained soil, with some varieties perfect for fresh eating, baking, and canning. Regular pruning and thinning help maintain tree health and optimize fruit production. Peach blossoms in spring add charm with their lovely pink flowers.
- Zone: 4 to 10
- Mature Size: 5 to 25 feet
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 2 years
Columnar Apple Trees
Columnar apple trees are ideal for small gardens or urban spaces due to their compact, vertical growth habit. They require minimal pruning and can be grown in containers or tight spaces, yet they produce full-sized apples perfect for fresh eating or cooking. Their spring blossoms provide an ornamental bonus, making them both practical and attractive.
- Zone: 4 to 9
- Mature Size: 8 to 12 feet
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: Approximately 1 year
Fig Trees
Fig trees are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil. Figs are highly nutritious and versatile, ideal for fresh eating or various recipes. The trees themselves are attractive, with large, lobed leaves adding a tropical feel to the garden. Regular watering and occasional pruning help maintain their health and productivity.
- Zone: 7 to 12
- Mature Size: 15 to 30 feet
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: About 1 year
Loquat Trees
Loquat trees produce sweet, tangy fruits that are rich in vitamins and can be enjoyed fresh or in jams and desserts. These evergreen trees thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil. They also have attractive, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in the fall and winter, adding beauty to any garden.
- Zone: 8 to 11
- Mature Size: 5 to 6 feet tall (although larger varieties can reach up to 35 feet)
- Sun: 6 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 2 years if grafted or air-layered
Passion Fruit
Not a tree, but rather a vine. Yet they can be grown vertically. Passion fruit vines can cover a trellis or fence in a single season, producing exotic, aromatic fruits. These vigorous climbers thrive in warm climates and full sun, offering a unique, tangy flavor perfect for juices, desserts, and fresh eating. The vines also boast stunning, intricate flowers that attract pollinators, adding beauty and productivity to your garden.
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall in the ground and 6 to 8 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 3 years
Citrus Trees
Citrus trees, including lemons, oranges, and limes, are highly productive and thrive in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. Many citrus varieties offer a bountiful harvest of vitamin C-rich fruits. Citrus trees are also attractive, with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers that add beauty and aroma to the garden. Regular care, such as pruning and fertilizing, ensures a healthy and productive tree.
- Zone: 8 to 11
- Mature Size: 20 feet tall (although dwarf varieties can top out at 10 feet)
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 3 to 6 years for ground planted, 2 to 3 for dwarf varieties in pots
Mango
Mango trees are a tropical favorite, known for their delicious fruits. These trees thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil. Mangoes are versatile, perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, and a variety of culinary dishes. The trees are also attractive, with dense, evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring. Proper care, including regular watering and fertilizing, ensures a healthy and productive tree.
- Zone: 10 to 11
- Mature Size: 15 to 20 feet tall in the ground and 8 to 10 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 2 years if grafted
Guava
Guava trees are hardy and can tolerate a variety of soil types. The highly nutritious fruits can be enjoyed fresh, made into juices, or used in cooking. The trees themselves are attractive, with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Guava trees are relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for home gardeners.
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature Size: 5 to 6 feet tall (although larger varieties can reach up to 30 feet)
- Sun: 8 to 10 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 2 to 4 years
Avocado
Avocado trees prefer warm climates and well-drained soil. Avocados are rich in healthy fats and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to smoothies. The trees have attractive, glossy leaves and produce small, inconspicuous flowers that lead to the development of the fruit. Regular watering and proper care ensure a healthy and productive tree.
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature Size: 15 to 20 feet tall in the ground and 6 to 10 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 2 years if grafted
Goji Berry
Goji berry plants can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. These hardy shrubs produce berries packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making them a popular choice for health-conscious gardeners. The plants are also attractive, with delicate, purple flowers and bright red berries. Goji berry plants require minimal maintenance, making them an easy addition to any garden.
- Zone: 5 to 9
- Mature Size: 6 to 8 feet tall in the ground and 4 to 6 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 2 years
Related: Add Superfood Goji Berries to Your Garden This Season
Carambola
Carambola, or starfruit, trees produce unique, star-shaped fruits with a sweet, tangy flavor. These trees thrive in warm, tropical climates and well-drained soil. Starfruits are perfect for fresh eating, juices, and salads. The trees themselves are attractive, with glossy green leaves and delicate, pink flowers. Regular care and maintenance ensure a healthy and productive tree.
- Zone: 10 to 11
- Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall in the ground and 6 to 10 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 3 to 4 years
Barbados Cherry
Barbados cherry trees produce bright red cherries that are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or used in juices and jams. These small trees thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil. They are also attractive, with glossy green leaves and small, pink flowers that add beauty to the garden. Regular watering and proper care help maintain their health and productivity.
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature Size: 10 to 12 feet tall in the ground and 6 to 8 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 2 to 3 years
Lychee
Lychee trees prefer warm climates and well-drained soil. The sweet, aromatic fruits can be enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and beverages. The trees are visually appealing, with dense, evergreen foliage and fragrant, white flowers. Proper care, including regular watering and fertilizing, ensures a healthy and productive lychee tree.
- Zone: 10 to 11
- Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall in the ground and 8 to 10 feet in pots
- Sun: 6 hours of full, direct sunlight
- Fruit Bearing Time: 1 to 2 years if air-layered
Fruit Trees For Pots & All Climates
Learn More: 9 Fruit Trees You Can Grow In Pots
Mulching Fruit Trees
Learn More: The BEST Mulch For Fruit Trees {And What NOT To Do}
