Take a look at the 14 best fruit varieties for growing your fruits in containers, listed from most difficult to easiest!
Fruit trees are one of the best features on any homestead. A mature fruit tree can produce tens-of pounds each spring that you’re able to preserve and enjoy in different ways!
Five-gallon containers are a great way to start growing your own fruit. All you need is an empty container, some water and the roots of a plant from any other gardening store. If five gallons isn’t enough space for what you want then just go ahead purchase another one!
The most critical part of growing fruit trees in containers is starting with good soil and maintaining it. You can make your own potting mix using lava rock or decomposed granite, perlite or vermiculite; well-broken down compost (avoid coconut coir) to help keep moisture levels up for the roots!
Take a look at the 14 best fruit varieties for growing your fruits in containers, listed from most difficult to easiest!
Loquat – Zones 8 to 9
Growers of these evergreen trees will love the ease with which they can be grown. It is one of the most popular types due to its hardiness and simple requirements, but it also doesn’t hurt that you’ll find them in online nurseries or from someone who grows them in a yard or garden!
Place your new tree near full sun for best results – don’t let temperatures dip below 15° F as this may damage roots on parched soil.
Citrus – Zones 8-10
Citrus plants are a great choice for container gardening. They grow well in containers, require less maintenance than outdoor plants and can produce fruit year round!
Keep soil pH between 5-7 to encourage strong root growth with plenty of sun exposure, as well as great fruit produce.
Fig – Zones 8-10
To grow cucumbers, place in full sun with a soil PH between 6 and 6.5 to initiate fruiting. Water when the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch especially if you want fruit on your plants!
Fertilize monthly during growing season for optimum yields that will last through summer heat without wilting or becoming bitter tasting from lack-of nutrients.
Pomegranate – Zones 9-11
Pomegranates are an easy fruit to grow in pots. Full sun will result in the most prolific fruiting, so plant them at your peril!
Water deeply and regularly with a watering can or by hand when dry from lack of rain; fertilize every few weeks during growing season for best results- use 8-8-8 fertilizer. If they go dormant during winter, bring them inside.
Mango – Zones 9 to 11
It’s true what they say, “if you can find a mango plant or grow one from seed yourself then lucky for all involved!” In order to start your very own juicy sweet treat well-draining soil and sunny spot are essential.
Give the newbie some pruning too so that it doesn’t get out of control!
Peach/Nectarines – Zones 5 to 9
If you live in a warmer region with less than 500 chill hours, there are low-chill varieties for your area.
Make sure the plant is getting enough sunlight and water whenever its soil becomes dry; fertilize every couple weeks during planting season using phosphorus rich liquid fertilizer to make fruits more prolific!
Cut back on these two resources when fall comes around due cold temperatures below 20 degrees F.
Pear – Zones 4 to 8
To get the most out of your pear tree, make sure it’s a self-fertile variety. Cross pollination is also recommended and you may want to consider planting more than one plant if space allows!
Pears will benefit from full sun exposure with regular watering in order to maintain soil moisture levels throughout hot summer months.
Fertilize lightly at first signs of Spring; this should be enough to keep growth going strong through early Summer, until pruning time arrives annually – just one shot per year really does wonders.
Plum – Zones 8 to 10
Have fun watching your plum grow! Give it plenty of sun and water every week in the absence of rain.
Fertilize at the first signs of Spring, too – that will help make sure everything gets off on the right foot
Apricots – Zones 4 to 8
To keep your plant healthy and thriving, place it in full sun with regular watering.
Avoid letting the roots dry out; fertilize early spring to stimulate new growth!
Cherry – Zones 5 to 7
You can choose to plant multiple varieties for cross-pollination or go with a self- pollinating variety.
For the best results and yield, place containers in full sun and keep well watered during growing season while fertilizing them according (with potash liquid fertilizer).
Apples – Zones 3 to 8
In order to ensure a healthy tree, choose one that’s suited for your climate and has the proper care. In addition plant some trees so they can cross-pollinate with each other or produce fruit!
Keep them full sun exposure by planting it out in an area without heavy shade (although lighter shady spots may work too).
Watering regularly is important but make sure not overdoing it because this could cause root rot if left unchecked; fertilizing every few weeks during growing season will also help provide nutrients necessary for optimal growth.
Guava – Zones 9 to 12
This fruit tree is a perfect choice for container growing.
Place in full sun with compost-rich soil that has a PH between 5 and 7, watering two to three times per month during the warm season (in California) as well as fertilizing early spring through summertime when it needs an extra boost of nutrients.
Star Fruit – Zones 9 to 11
This beautiful, exotic tropical fruit needs to be in a warm environment with high levels of sunlight. It will not flower or produce fruits if it doesn’t have the right conditions- keep these requirements at 60 degrees F and above for your plant’s best chance at success!
The ideal pH level is 5.5 – 6; watering too often can cause root damage so make sure you use slow release potting soil instead.
