10 fruit trees that can be grown in pots and are 'ideal for small gardens' and balconies
There are certain types of fruit trees that can be grown in pots, making it easy to enjoy a fruitful harvest
Growing fruit trees in pots is a brilliant way to enjoy fresh produce. Here in the UK, our unpredictable weather and limited outdoor space often lead us to opt for pot planting.
Fortunately, certain types of fruit trees flourish wonderfully in pots, making them ideal for patios, balconies and smaller gardens. The secret to enjoying your very own plentiful harvest lies in selecting the right tree varieties and ensuring they receive proper care.
Demonstrating that you don't need a large garden to grow your own fruit, these are the top 10 compact trees perfect for pots, as recommended by the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society, reports the Express.
1. Dwarf Apple Trees
If you fancy growing apples, compact varieties like 'Discovery' and 'Falstaff' are perfect for pots, yielding delicious, crunchy, homegrown fruit without dominating your garden space
2. Dwarf Pear Trees
'Conference' and 'Concorde' are fantastic choices for container cultivation. These trees remain small but still yield plenty of sweet, juicy pears.
3. Fig Trees
For a hint of the Mediterranean, try a fig tree like 'Brown Turkey'. They thrive in pots and actually bear fruit better when their roots are slightly restricted.
4. Dwarf Plum Trees
'Victoria' and 'Opal' are excellent choices for confined spaces. Being self-fertile, you'll get fruit even with just one tree.
5. Dwarf Cherry Trees
Fancy homegrown cherries?
'Stella' and 'Sunburst' are ideal for pots and will reward you with sweet, juicy harvests.
6. Blueberry Bushes
Blueberries are a doddle to grow in pots and they adore acidic soil, which is easier to manage in containers. Give 'Northcountry' or 'Chippewa' a go for tasty summer berries.
7. Dwarf Peach Trees
Did you know that even in the UK, you can still cultivate peaches?
Varieties like 'Garden Lady' and 'Peregrine' thrive in pots but may need a bit of assistance with pollination if grown indoors.
8. Dwarf Apricot Trees
'Tomcot' and 'Moorpark' are brilliant for container growing. They flourish best in a sunny spot and may require hand pollination to aid with fruiting.
9. Olive Trees
Add a touch of the Med to your garden with a sturdy olive tree. They prosper in pots and will even yield olives in warmer summers.
10. Dwarf Nectarine Trees
'Nectarella' is a superb choice for a small space. Like peaches, nectarines do well in pots and just need a sunny spot to thrive.
Top tips for growing fruit in pots
According to RHS, cultivating fruit in containers usually requires a bit more TLC than growing fruit on open ground. To give your potted fruit plants the best chance of a successful harvest, bear the following in mind:
- Position fruit plants in full sun
- Water generously but allow the compost’s surface to dry out before the next watering, without it becoming bone dry
- Leave hardy fruit outdoors over winter
- Peaches and apricots can be covered with a lean-to shelter from autumn to late winter to protect them from rain-splash and potential peach leaf curl
- To avoid the roots becoming pot bound, re-pot every year or alternate years after leaf fall. Once in its final pot, a plant can be root-pruned every other year with 30 per cent of the