Have you ever wanted to pick fresh lemons or sweet tangerines right on your balcony? Good news – you don’t need a garden to enjoy homegrown fruit! Growing fruit trees in containers is the perfect solution for anyone who lives in the city, has a small garden, or simply wants to add a little greenery to their patio.
Fruit trees in pots not only offer delicious fruit, but also make a wonderful decoration for your home. Fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and colorful fruits create a true Mediterranean atmosphere. However, it is important to choose the right varieties and provide them with proper care. Below we present 10 fruit trees that thrive in containers – and how to care for them so that they will bear abundant fruit for you.
1. Regular lemon
Lemons are a classic for growing in containers – and for good reason. Their bright yellow fruits are not only delicious, but also a real treat for the eyes. Lemons need plenty of sunlight (at least 6-8 hours a day) and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but make sure they don’t get waterlogged. Move them indoors during the colder months or protect them from freezing temperatures. The fruits usually ripen in late fall or winter.
2. Gooseberry
This hardy, low-growing gooseberry variety is a great choice for containers. It likes sunny to semi-shaded locations and well-drained soil. The fruits are sweet and ripen in summer, usually in June or July. Prune in early spring to encourage growth and a higher yield.
3. Clementine
Clementines are small, sweet and easy to grow in pots. They need plenty of sunlight and regular watering, but they do not tolerate standing water. Fertilize them once a month with a citrus fertilizer. The fruits ripen in late fall or winter, when we need a little sunshine in the form of sweet fruit.
4. Pink lemon
This one exotic lemon variety boasts unique pink fruits and green-pink foliage. It requires similar care to a regular lemon – plenty of sun, regular watering and good drainage. The fruits ripen in autumn and are great for decorative drinks and desserts.
5. Kumquat
This interesting tree is a cross between a mandarin and a kumquat, which means its fruits are juicy and slightly more acidic than regular mandarins. Grow it in a sunny location and provide slightly acidic soil. You will be able to harvest the fruits in winter and early spring.
6. Fig
Figs are incredibly grateful for growing in containers. They need lots of sun, rich soil, and regular watering. The brown Turkish fig bears fruit twice a year – once in early summer and then again in the fall. The fruits are sweet and fleshy, great for fresh use or drying.
7. Owari Satsuma Mandarin
Owari Satsuma is one of the best varieties of tangerine to grow in containers. It is cold-resistant, and its fruit is sweet and easy to peel. The tree needs plenty of light and regular watering. The tangerines ripen in early winter, which is perfect for the holiday season.
8. Dwarf mulberry
This low-growing mulberry is great for growing in pots. It likes sunny positions and moderate watering. You can pick the fruits, which are dark purple in color and extremely sweet, from spring to early summer.
9. Japanese medlar
The Japanese medlar is a tree with extremely aromatic and juicy fruits. It needs a lot of sun and regular watering, especially during the hot months. It flowers in autumn and the fruits ripen in spring. Its leaves are also beautiful and add a tropical touch to your balcony.
10. Honey strawberry
The honey strawberry is frost-resistant and easy to grow. It requires a sunny to semi-shaded location and slightly acidic soil. The fruits ripen in early summer and are excellent for fresh consumption or making jams.
Plant your own mini orchard!
Whether you live in an apartment or have a small garden, with the right choice of fruit trees you can enjoy a delicious harvest. Growing trees in containers allows you to control growing conditions and easily move the plants around with the seasons.
With a little effort and proper care, you'll soon be harvesting your own lemons, figs, tangerines, and more. So why not start creating your own mini orchard today?
