Don't have a lot of space in your garden or balcony but wanna grow fresh fruits? Not to worry, because it's absolutely possible! Today we'll introduce you to 10 of the best fruits to grow in containers or pots. These fruit shrubs and trees don't require a lot of space and can thrive in the smallest of patches…including pots and containers! So put on your gardening gloves, grab some pots and containers, and plant those fruit trees!
These easy fruits to grow in pots don't require a lot other than some sunlight, a good quality potting soil, a good sized pot or container, and a little TLC. Perfect for those with a small space, these potted fruit trees will reward you with delicious fruits in no time!
10 Fruits to Grow in Containers
#1. Lemon Tree
Although lemons are a tropical fruit, most gardeners have had amazing luck growing them in way colder regions directly in a pot! You’ll need fertile potting soil as well as natural fertilizers, such as compost. Grab a seedling pot that is about 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Later on, you’ll also need a pot that is about 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Lastly, make sure you have a sunny indoor location set up! During the warm summer months, leave your lemon tree outdoors in a sunny spot.
Click here to find out how to grow a lemon tree in a pot!
#2. Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most fun and easiest fruit bushes you can grow, and they'll give you the sweetest of fruits! First, purchase a small strawberry plant from your local nursery or even order one online. Make sure that the plant is an everbearing strawberry because that way it will continuously keep making strawberries. You will also have much higher success growing strawberries from plant than from seed.
Find out more on how to grow strawberries in a pot.
#3. Apple Tree
Apple trees don't just belong in an orchard: they fit right into a pot in your small garden as well! Make sure to choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety and it'll grow in no time! In central and northern areas, plant in the spring. In areas where fall and winter are mild, plant in the fall.Not all apple trees grow successfully everywhere. You’ll need to visit your local nursery and to see which variety of apple tree is recommended.As a general rule though, if a tree is termed hardy, it grows best in USDA zones 3-5. If a tree is termed long-season, they’ll grow better in USDA zones 5-8.
Find out more on how to grow an apple tree!
#4. Pomegranates
You'd think pomegranates would be difficult to grow, but believe it or not, they're quite adaptable and can be easily grown in pots even in cooler climates. Pomegranates enjoy warmer climates and do not like frost. Therefore, although you can start your pomegranate indoors, it will need to be moved outside so make sure you live in USDA zones 7-10 or you have a greenhouse! Alternatively, you can grow pomegrantes in pots and provide them with enough sunlight. They may be moved outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
Check out how to grow pomegranates from seed.
#5. Figs
Even if you live in a cooler area, a fig tree will happily grow quickly during warm summers. Simply plant them in the spring, and they'll reward you with their sweet fruit in early fall! If you’re planning on growing figs in a pot, use a soil-based potting mix and add fine bark chips. Keep your fig plant in full light, preferably a south facing window. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer once a month and water your fig tree moderately.
Find out more on how to grow figs.
#6. Raspberries & Blueberries
Raspberries and blueberries are a bushy fruit variety that grow well in warmer and cooler areas. Perfect for container growth, raspberries and blueberries don't require too much care. Use acidic soil to grow the best raspberries and blueberries! Alternatively, you can also grow blueberries or raspberries in a hanging basket to save space.
Learn more on how to grow raspberries and how to grow blueberries.
#7. Cherry Tree
You'd be surprised to learn that you can actually grow your very own cherry tree in a pot pretty easily! Just make sure to choose the right variety and you're well on your way to growing delicious red cherries! Put 2 or 3 pits into a small container that is filled with potting soil and water well. Make sure you use drained soil. Keep the soil moist at all times. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, go ahead and thin them to remove the weakest plants. Leave the sturdiest seedling in the pot. Keep the seedling in a sunny spot, indoors, until all danger of frost has passed.
Learn more on how to grow a cherry tree from seeds.
#8. Watermelon
Watermelons make growing fruit oh-so-fun! Just like pineapples, watermelons take longer to grow, but are well worth the wait! If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. Make sure the soil temperature is at least 70F. If you live in a colder climate, start the seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. Before transplanting, make sure ALL danger of frost has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive. Amend the soil with aged manure, seaweed, or compost before planting. Watermelon love to feed, so make sure to keep them happy! Space the seeds about two feet apart, and, if, possible, plant on a hill as this will retain moisture and heat.
Learn more on how to grow watermelon from seeds.
#9. Tangerines
Grow your very own tangerine tree with our easy to follow guide!Purchase tangerine seeds from your local nursery or use seeds from a tangerine. If you decide to do the latter, make sure you wash the seeds thoroughly and then dry them. Use a good quality potting mix that contains either compost, peat moss, or perlite. Fill a pot or container with that soil and make sure the pot has good drainage. If planting directly into the ground, follow the same procedures! Give your soil a good amount of water before planting and let it dry in the sun until the soil is just moist. Plant 2-3 seeds in the middle of the pot and cover with 1/2 inch of soil.
Learn more on how to grow tangerines in pots!
#10. Pineapple
Pineapple is another tropical fruit that is easily grown directly in a pot. Although it may take a while (patience is key here), there is no greater satisfaction than harvesting a beautiful pineapple fruit! Remove the rooted pineapple from water and transplant into a large pot or container that’s filled with moisture retaining soil. If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, you may plant the pineapple directly outdoors. Add soil around the roots, making sure they’re completely submerged in soil and tamp down with your hands.
Learn more on how to grow your own pineapple plant.
Happy Planting!
