Fruit trees are in season today, but we all know how long they take to bear fruit. While it’s true that you won’t obtain fruit the first year you grow a fruit tree, it also doesn’t have to take years.
Our garden experts propose a few fast-growing fruit trees that you might try:
- Mulberries
- Peach trees
- Apple trees
- Peartree
- Nectarine trees
- Cherry tree
- Citrus tree
Read our article to know more about them.
Edward Smith from Nootropicsofficial.com
Mulberries
Mulberries will bear fruit within a year of being planted as a grafted tree, and they grow tall quickly (over 2.5 feet per year).
They stain, but they’re unquestionably tasty and straightforward to grow. The leaves can be harvested in the early spring before they become challenging for a higher yield.
Melanie Musson from InsuranceBlogByChris.com
Peach Trees
Peach trees grow best in zones 5-8, but if you choose a cold, hearty, or heat-tolerant variety, you may have success in zones 4 and 9, as well.
You can start a peach tree from seed, potted tree, or bare root tree. If planting from seed, you should crack the outer layer of the pit and remove it and then place the seed in a plastic bag of soil and leave it in your refrigerator for 2 or 3 months.
Once the roots are about a centimeter long, you can transplant your seedling into a pot and keep it inside until the risk of frost is past. Then you can plant it outside.
Potted peach trees should be planted outside in early summer, and dry root trees should be planted earlier. Usually, late winter is about suitable for planting dry roots.
Peach trees prefer slightly acidic and sandy soil. They need frequent watering, especially during the first couple of years after planting. They need to be in full sun and if you plant more than one tree, be sure they’re at least 18 feet apart.
After 3 or 4 years, once the tree is established, prune new shoots from the trunk and primary branches. After the tree blooms and peaches start to develop, prune the smaller peaches to allow the larger ones to get enough nutrients to grow.
Nectarine trees
You can follow the same recommendations for peaches when you want to grow a nectarine tree.
Apple trees
When you think of fruit-bearing trees, an apple is usually the first one that comes to mind. Apple trees prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
For the first couple of years after planting, you’ll need to water your apple tree frequently. Placing mulch around the base will help seal in moisture.
Don’t heavily prune your apple tree until after it bears fruit. Then, the pruning should be done while the tree is dormant — trim branches that aren’t productive and weak and lead to overcrowding.
An apple tree will produce best when there is room for airflow within the tree.
Ryan Smith from Ant & Garden Pest Control
Peartree
Like many trees, pear trees need regular watering — once or twice a week, especially for young trees. They need full sun to grow, flower, and produce fruits.
Depending on the variety, you can expect your pear tree to produce fruits after 3 years or even earlier.
Another thing to consider when caring for a pear tree is pruning. Make sure to prune once a year to encourage growth and production. During winter, keep your tree safe from frost to prevent damage.
Cherry tree
Cherry trees produce beautiful flowers and sweet/sour fruits. They love the sun, so plant them in a sunny area away from other trees or buildings that may shade the growing plant.
They require good draining soil and need fertilizer annually in late winter or early spring. It takes about three years for your cherry tree to start bearing fruit.
Pests and birds usually target cherries, and wind may damage them, so remember to drape net your trees to protect them.
James Morgan from GetRidofThings.com
Citrus trees
If you live in the south, citrus trees are a great option because they begin cranking out fruit well before they are full-grown.
You can expect to start getting quality harvests of fruit from an orange tree, for example, about 3 years after planting. That is much faster than many other types of fruit.
Conclusion
The secret to having a tree that produces fruit fast is to make sure it is well cared about. Plant it in the right soil, with the right amount of sunshine, and with types that thrive in your climatic zone.
With that and properly grafted rootstock, you’ll be eating fresh fruit from your garden in no time!
