9 Fruit Trees You Can Grow In Pots
You can grow fruit trees in pots, no matter your climate or garden space. You may be surprised at how well they do and how much fruit they can yield.
Growing fruit trees in containers has become increasingly popular, especially among urban gardeners and those with limited outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or backyard, these fruit trees offer the opportunity to enjoy homegrown fruit without needing a traditional orchard.
Container growing also allows gardeners in colder climates to cultivate fruit tree species that may not survive harsh winter conditions in the ground — like figs!
Container Requirements
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The ideal pot size for fruit trees is about 10-15 gallons — large enough to support a tree in growth but small enough to move easily. Adding a sturdy metal platform with wheels underneath your pot is essential for ease of movement.
Regarding materials, the most important thing is that the pots have drainage at the bottom to prevent waterlogging the roots. Otherwise, choose what you love the look of and can afford. Terracotta is a favorite for a reason, but ceramics, stone, and lightweight plastic all work great.
Sunlight & Soil
Fruit trees require full sunlight to thrive and produce fruit for 6-8 hours daily minimum. As soon as the weather is warm enough for the particular fruit tree (this will vary by species), it must be moved outside to an appropriate location. Offering your tree dappled sunlight for the first week to help it adjust to the sunlight can be beneficial to prevent leaf burn.
Choose a rich well-draining soil mixed with compost and find an organic fertilizer specific to fruit trees and their needs.
Overwintering Fruit Trees in Pots
As the summer days fade, your trees must be moved indoors to protect them from the winter.
Trees should be protected from freezing temperatures by being moved indoors to a cool, well-lit location. Watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging during the dormant period. A layer of mulch should be applied around the base of the tree to insulate the roots and conserve moisture.
Apple Tree
Dwarf apple tree varieties are excellent choices for container gardening, offering the possibility of homegrown apples even in limited spaces.
Apple trees typically start bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting, with yields varying depending on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 20-50 pounds per tree, with some dwarf varieties producing smaller quantities. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, encourage fruit production, and prevent overcrowding.
Varieties: ‘Dwarf Gala,’ ‘Dwarf Granny Smith,’ ‘Dwarf Honeycrisp.’
Apricot Tree
Dwarf apricot trees are well-suited for container growing, providing abundant sweet, flavorful fruit in small spaces.
Regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season, to moisten the soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote vigorous growth and fruit production.
Apricot trees typically start bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting, with varying yields depending on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some dwarf varieties producing smaller quantities. Prune the tree annually to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation.
Varieties: ‘Blenheim,’ ‘Goldcot,’ ‘Tilton.’
Cherry Tree
Dwarf cherry tree varieties, such as sour or dwarf sweet cherry, are suitable for container growing, providing delicious fruit in limited space.
Cherry trees typically start bearing fruit 2-4 years after planting, with yields varying based on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some dwarf varieties producing smaller quantities. Prune the tree annually to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Stella,’ ‘Compact Stella,’ ‘North Star.’
Fig Tree
Fig trees are well-suited for container growing, providing sweet fruit in small spaces.
Fig trees typically start bearing fruit 1-2 years after planting, with yields varying depending on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some dwarf varieties producing smaller quantities. Prune the tree annually to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Brown Turkey,’ ‘Celeste,’ ‘Chicago Hardy.’
Lemon Tree
Lemon Tree: Dwarf lemon tree varieties thrive in containers, offering fragrant fruit and beautiful glossy foliage.
Lemon trees require well-draining soil and full sunlight to thrive. Use a high-quality potting mix formulated for citrus trees, or create a custom mix using equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost.
Dwarf lemon trees typically start bearing fruit 1-3 years after planting, with yields varying depending on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some varieties producing more abundant harvests. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Improved Meyer,’ ‘Eureka,’ ‘Lisbon.’
Orange Tree
Dwarf orange tree varieties, such as Valencia or Calamondin, can be grown in pots, providing juicy fruit in small spaces. Use a potting mix specifically designed for citrus trees, or create a custom blend using equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost.
Dwarf orange trees typically start bearing fruit 2-4 years after planting, with yields varying based on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some varieties producing more abundant harvests. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Monitor the tree for signs of pests or disease, and address any issues promptly to ensure continued health and productivity.
Varieties: ‘Calamondin,’ ‘Washington Navel,’ ‘Moro Blood Orange.’
Peach Tree
Dwarf peach tree varieties are suitable for container growing, offering delicious fruit in limited space.
Dwarf peach trees typically start bearing fruit 2-4 years after planting, with yields varying based on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some varieties producing more abundant harvests. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Bonanza,’ ‘Peach Pixzee,’ ‘Golden Glory.’
Pear Tree
Dwarf pear tree varieties can thrive in containers, providing sweet fruit in small spaces. Dwarf pear trees typically start bearing fruit 2-4 years after planting, with yields varying based on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some varieties producing more abundant harvests. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Bartlett,’ ‘D’Anjou,’ ‘Moonglow.’
Plum Tree
Dwarf plum tree varieties are well-suited for container growing, offering juicy fruit in limited space.
Dwarf plum trees typically start bearing fruit 2-4 years after planting, with yields varying based on the variety and growing conditions. Annual yields can range from 10-30 pounds per tree, with some varieties producing more abundant harvests. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote fruit production.
Varieties: ‘Santa Rosa,’ ‘Satsuma,’ ‘Methley.’
Best Mulch For Fruit Trees
Learn More: The BEST Mulch For Fruit Trees {And What NOT To Do}
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Learn More: 19 Flowers & Plants That Grow In The Shady Parts of Your Garden
