Do you want to enjoy fresh picked fruit but have nowhere to dig, or don’t want to dig and pull weeds without hurting your back?
Container gardening is the answer.
This is the perfect solution if you want to grow in small spaces or even indoors. However, there is a catch: Not all types of fruit can be grown in containers. You need to know what works and what doesn’t. Purchase disease-free fruit trees from a reputable nursery or online and pot them in small to medium (3-5 gallon) pots around existing pots, depending on size. Gradually replant plants into pots one to two sizes larger as they outgrow their current container. 20-25 gallon pots are ideal for mature container fruit trees.
If you are considering starting a container garden and growing fruit in it, today’s post is for you. I’m going to share some fruit that can be grown in containers, in the garden, or at home.
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are great for growing in containers. The reason is that they are perennials, so they only need to be planted once. You can then bring them indoors during the colder months to protect the roots from frost.
As you know, the best choice for strawberries are evergreen strawberries because there are two harvests a year. One in June and one in late summer. This is even better for container gardeners so you don’t get overwhelmed right away.
However, you’ll need a pot about 18 inches wide for about 10 to 12 plants. They also need good drainage and about 8 hours of direct sunlight.
2. Blueberries
Growing blueberries in containers is a little different. You need at least 2 plants to get a good harvest. They will be produced from June to August.
To grow blueberries in containers, you will need a pot that is 22 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. In addition, acidic soils dominated by peat. With this mix, you’ll get enough blueberries to make an incredible cake.
3. Figs
Growing figs in containers may seem like a random crop, but it’s actually a great choice. All you need is a pot approximately 16 inches in diameter. They’re also not fussy about soil, so they just need to be well-drained.
But although they are hardy and drought tolerant, they still need full sun. Plus, you’ll need to water them daily during the hottest summer months because container gardening makes the water evaporate faster.
4. Tomatoes
Yes, I threw this one in here to kind of give you a curve ball. But in reality, tomatoes are considered a fruit.
So of course, they can be grown in containers too. They will need some support when they start to take off as their fruit gets a little heavy. But if you plant them in a large enough container, they should do quite well.
5. Apple
Dwarf apple trees are great for growing in pots, and you can even place them on balconies or small patios. When growing apple trees in such a small space, it’s best to choose varieties that are self-pollinating so you don’t have to grow multiple plants. All other requirements for growing apple trees in pots can be found here.
6. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are one of the juiciest, healthiest fruits, and perhaps the easiest to grow in pots. Why? Because this shrub has a shallow root system compared to other large fruit trees. If you grow citrus in pots, growing pomegranates in containers may not be a problem for you either. Plus, pomegranates are more hardy than lemon trees. Learn how to grow it in pots in this article.
7. Nectarines and Peaches
Both nectarines and peaches have dwarf varieties. Most of these dwarf varieties do not reach 6 to 8 feet in height and are self-fertilizing. Some dwarf peach varieties include Bonanza, Golden Gem, El Dorado, Garden Gold, and Southern Sweet. Dwarf nectarine varieties that can be grown in pots are ‘Nectarcrest’ and ‘Fantasia’.
8. Cherry
Bush cherry varieties are suitable for container gardening. Cherries like mild climates and some water because they don’t like wet feet. However, drought and temperature fluctuations can also damage the plant, but it survives the cold quite well. Cherry trees like well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
9. Guava
The guava tree will delight you with its fragrant flowers, delicious fruit and beautiful tropical appearance. Guava likes sunny, warm locations. It is a plant from warmer regions, but it is well adapted to temperate climates and mild winters. Learn how to grow guava trees in pots here.
10. Watermelon
Watermelons can be grown in pots—all they need is a good support system and a well-draining potting soil. Growing watermelons is similar to growing cucumbers. You can find all the information in our article.
11. Raspberries
Growing raspberries in containers is a bit tricky and unruly, but evergreen varieties like Heritage, Raspberry Shortcake, and Fall Gold are still good choices. All of these strains are self-pollinating and easy to grow in pots. Here is a helpful article on growing raspberries in containers.
12. Citrus
All oranges and clementines can be grown in pots, as they tend to be large shrubs or small trees. These fruits are easy to grow if you live in a climate with mild winters. However, be careful, you can grow orange trees in colder climates even in winter. Kumquats, bergamot lemons, clementines, etc. can be grown in pots.
13. Banana
Growing bananas in pots is easy, and their lush green exterior adds an exotic look and feel to any location. Banana trees grow in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and therefore like full sun, heat and humidity. But there are also varieties that are slightly hardy and suitable for warm temperate regions.
14. Jabuticabas
Brazilian grapetree, jabuticaba, is a tree in the family Myrtaceae.
Common in Brazilian markets, jabuticabas are largely eaten fresh; their popularity has been likened to that of grapes. Fresh fruit may begin to ferment 3 to 4 days after harvest, so they are often used to make jams, tarts, strong wines, and liqueurs. Due to the short shelf-life, fresh jabuticaba fruit is rare in markets outside areas of cultivation.
