9 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Thrive in Containers

Lisbon Lemon

Lisbon lemon (Citrus limon ‘Lisbon’) is probably the most beloved and sought-after home fruiting tree, says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. “It’s the first idea that comes to mind when you think about bringing tropics to your apartment,” she adds.

The key steps to growing this lemon tree are well documented. “All you need to do is buy a slightly acidic growing medium and establish a regular watering schedule,” says Borisevich. “Provide it with ample sunlight and high humidity, and fertilize your lemons with products formulated for citrus plants in spring, summer, and fall for a guaranteed abundant lemon harvest.”

Pet owners should exercise caution, however, as citrus plants may be toxic to animals.

• Growing Zones: 9 through 11
• Size: 4 to 6 feet high
• Growing conditions: Requires at least six to eight hours of full sun each day and well-drained, slightly acidic soil; keep the soil consistently moist during fruiting

Greensleeves Apple

Greensleeves (Malus Domestica ‘Greensleeves’) is a popular apple variety for container gardening, as it will reach its mature height of 15 feet within five years, and you can expect fruits on a grafted tree only two years after planting. 

“Greensleeves is perfect for people with a balcony, small patio, or limited garden space,” says Lotte Berendsen, an expert from PlantIn. “To allow your tree to produce optimal fruits, we recommend thinning the fruits in June or July, which helps your apple tree to grow larger and crisper apples.”

Although it’s self-fertile, you’ll get a bigger yield if you add a second Greensleeves or a complementary apple to your space.   

• Growing Zones: 4
• Size: 6 to 11 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun but can handle partial shade; plant in well-drained, slightly fertile soil; water thoroughly through spring and summer

Chicago Hardy Fig

Chicago hardy (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’) is considered to be one of the hardiest edible figs, and is a very popular fig tree to grow in a pot,

“This fig produces fruit on new wood, so it will produce fruit each year,” says Gail Pabst, communications and membership coordinator with the National Garden Bureau. “It might not produce the first year as it gets established. Fruit produced on the old wood will appear in early summer, and fruit on new growth will appear in early fall.”

Though this plant is hardy, Pabst warns that, in colder zones, it must be placed indoors or in a heated or unheated garage.

• Growing Zones: 5 through 10
• Size: 10 to 15 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, slightly acidic soil; water regularly to establish, then keep soil moist but not too wet

Avocado

Growing avocado (Persea americana) at home can be more than just a dream. All you have to do is provide the tree with ample sunlight, adequate watering, and high humidity.

“On average, it takes five years to start fruiting, but there is a trick not many plant lovers know,” Borisevich shares. “If you graft a fruit-bearing branch, you’ll significantly speed up your plant’s maturity.” 

However, avocado isn’t safe for domestic animals. Pet lovers should be extra careful not to let their furry friends chew on this plant.

• Growing Zones: 8 through 11
• Size: 6 to 8 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Needs at least eight hours of full sunlight each day; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soil; water deeply and regularly, letting the top inch or two dry completely in between

Dwarf Meyer Lemon

Among fruit trees that thrive in containers, the dwarf Meyer lemon (Citrus × meyeri) ranks as a top preference for Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at TN Nursery.

“When exposed to ideal sunlight and temperature, this tree grows at a fast pace—exceeding one foot per year—and begins to produce fruit no later than two years after planting,” she says. “Container-grown fruit trees need proper drainage and deep pots for healthy growth, alongside regular feeding with specialized citrus or fruit tree fertilizer.”

• Growing Zones: 9 through 11
• Size: 6 to 10 feet
• Growing conditions: Needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and slightly acidic, sandy, loamy soil; requires more frequent watering during spring and summer months

Calamondin Orange

Cindy Ollig, owner and designer at The Perfect Petal, says her favorite variety of container-grown fruit tree is the Calamondin (Citrus x citrofortunella mitis).

“It grows dramatically taller and has clusters of small orange fruit,” she says. “They are tart and a little bitter, but fun to use to make a sour preserve for cheese boards or meats.”

• Growing Zones: 8 through 11
• Size: 4 to 8 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Requires six to eight hours of full sunlight each day in well-drained, rich, loamy soil; keep soil moist during the growing season

Arabian Coffee

Although Arabian coffee (Coffee arabica) is tricky to keep content, Borisevich says the results of your hard work will definitely pay off.

“Even if you’re not a coffee fan, this plant will make your life brighter with its astonishing tropical looks and a strong aroma,” she says. “Before producing coffee beans, Arabian coffee grows white aromatic flowers that later turn into red berries. However, if you’re a pet owner, be careful, as this plant is toxic to domestic animals.”

• Growing Zones: 9 through 11
• Size: Up to 15 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Prefers partial shade or indirect light for six to eight hours; thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with consistent moisture, especially during warmer months

Clementine

This fast-growing tree will start producing fruits within just two to three years after planting.

“The clementine (Citrus x clementina) can reach 10 feet in height, but you can control its size with regular pruning,” says Berendsen. “To grow a healthy tree, opt for a large container with well-drained, citrus-specific soil. In zones 8 and below, the tree needs to be overwintered indoors.” 

• Growing Zones: 9 through 11
• Size: 10 to 15 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Thrives with six to eight hours of full sunlight each day in sandy or loamy well drained soil; keep soil evenly moist and reduce water during the winter months

Semi-Dwarf Jonagold Apple

Lovely in bloom, heavy with flavorful apples, and visually appealing when older, the apple tree deserves a spot in your garden, says Borisevich.

“Malus domestica boasts more than 7,500 cultivated varieties, so you’re sure to find one to suit your taste and space,” she says. “For container growing, dwarf varieties are highly recommended, and are relatively easy to grow, adjusting well to various soil types. It requires regular treatment for pests and diseases during both the dormant and growing seasons.”

The Jonagold, for example, is a great option. It will need another complementary variety nearby, however, since it’s not self-fertile. 

• Growing Zones: 5 through 8
• Size: 12 to 15 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and loamy, moderately fertile soil; water long and deep when the top two or three inches feel dry