Growing fruit trees in containers is an excellent way to enjoy fresh produce. Here in the UK, our unpredictable weather and limited outdoor space means that we often prioritise planting in pots. Luckily for us, some types of fruit trees can thrive brilliantly in containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies and smaller gardens.
The key to being able to enjoy your very own bountiful harvest is choosing the right tree varieties and ensuring that they recieve proper care. Proving that you don’t need a big garden to grow your own fruit, these are the 10 best compact trees that are perfect for pots, according to the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society.
1. Dwarf Apple Trees
If you want to grow apples compact varieties like ‘Discovery’ and ‘Falstaff’ are perfect for pots, producing delicious fruit crunchy, homegrown fruit without taking over your garden space.
2. Dwarf Pear Trees
‘Conference’ and ‘Concorde’ are great choices for container growing. These trees stay small but still produce plenty of sweet, juicy pears.
3. Fig Trees
For a taste of the Mediterranean, try a fig tree like ‘Brown Turkey’. They thrive in pots and actually fruit better when their roots are slightly restricted.
4. Dwarf Plum Trees
‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are excellent choices for small spaces. Being self-fertile, you’ll get fruit even with just one tree.
5. Dwarf Cherry Trees
Want homegrown cherries? ‘Stella’ and ‘Sunburst’ are perfect for pots and will reward you with sweet, juicy harvests.
6. Blueberry Bushes
Blueberries are super easy to grow in pots and they love acidic soil, which is easier to control in containers. Try ‘Northcountry’ or ‘Chippewa’ for tasty summer berries.
7. Dwarf Peach Trees
Did you know that even in the UK, you can still grow peaches? Varieties like ‘Garden Lady’ and ‘Peregrine’ do well in pots but may need a little help with pollination if grown indoors.
8. Dwarf Apricot Trees
‘Tomcot’ and ‘Moorpark’ are great for container growing. They do best in a sunny spot and may need hand pollination to help with fruiting.
9. Olive Trees
Bring a touch of the Med to your garden with a hardy olive tree. They thrive in pots and will even produce olives in warmer summers.
10. Dwarf Nectarine Trees
‘Nectarella’ is a fantastic choice for a small space. Like peaches, nectarines do well in pots and just need a sunny spot to flourish.
Top Tips for Growing Fruit in Pots
According to RHS, growing fruit in containers usually requires a little more TLC than growing fruit on open ground. To give your potted fruit plants the best chance of a successful harvest, keep 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
