Top 5 Fruit Trees for Pots
Growing fruit trees for pots is becoming popular, particularly as more of us are living on smaller sections and in apartments. Growing fruit trees for pots also allows those who live in the colder areas of the country to enjoy citrus and other subtropicals by moving the plants under cover or inside during winter. Fruit trees are also becoming more appreciated for their visual appeal, and are being used to decorate outdoor living areas and entrance ways.
Here we list some of our favourite fruit trees for pots and containers:
1. Citrus
Every home needs a citrus tree and having one in a pot makes it so easy to pop out and grab lemons and limes as you need them for your cooking. Any type of citrus can grow in a container for a while, but we recommend selecting a smaller variety such as ‘Improved Meyer’ lemon, ‘Bearss’ lime, ‘Satsuma’ mandarin, and kumquat for long term fruiting. Ensure the container is large enough (a half wine barrel makes a great container!) and has good drainage and be sure to water regularly.
2. Apple
There are a number of benefits to growing an apple tree in a pot; easy access to fruit, fit in small places, and if you move house you can take it with you! It is recommended when growing apple trees in pots that a dwarf variety is selected, this way it will not outgrow it’s pot and need to be transplanted. Spire apples (available in store now) are also a great choice for small space gardens as they have a column growth habit and take up very little room. Position apple trees in full sun and water regularly.
3. Nectarine
Nectarines are available in dwarf varieties which are perfectly suited to container growing. Nectarines prefer hot, dry summers and it is recommended to prune the trees annually to keep the center open. By thinning heavily it will ensure you get large fruit at harvest time.
4. Fig
With beautiful, large, lobed, tropical-looking leaves, figs are really eye-catching in containers. Although they’re normally quite large trees (up to 40 feet high), severe pruning can keep them more pot-size — and they still bear fruit! Figs are pretty much carefree — just keep plants watered, fertilised, and if necessary, protected in winter.
5. Blueberry
One of the main advantages to growing blueberries in containers is that they are acid freaks so to thrive and produce berries, they need to be in a soil that is high in acid and most garden soil doesn’t come close to these levels. If you grow your blueberries in a container, you can easily buy or create a blueberry friendly potting soil and your plants will thrive.