Aww, fruit trees! They say the best time to plant one was yesterday—since they take so long to bear fruit. And while it’s true you won’t get any harvest in the first year, it doesn’t always mean waiting forever. Luckily, there are fast-growing fruit trees you can plant.
First, let’s talk about whether you should grow fruit trees from seeds or grafted saplings. If you plant a grafted tree (like one from a nursery or a hand-grafted one), you’ll get fruit much sooner than if you start from seed. This goes for all fruit trees.
Some folks claim trees grown from seed won’t produce fruit that tastes like the original. But that’s not always true! Certain fruits, like most citrus, grow true to the parent plant—they just take 8-10 years to fruit.
If you’ve got the space, growing trees from seed is great—just know it’ll take way longer to see results. Attainable-Sustainable has some handy tips for starting nectarines from seed.
But if you want fruit fast (and I bet you do), go for grafted trees. Also, a grafted tree’s age counts from when you plant it—not when it was grafted.
You don’t need a huge yard to grow fruit trees. Here are some tips for planning a backyard fruit garden.
Mulberries
A grafted mulberry tree can fruit in just one year—and they shoot up crazy fast (over 2.5 feet per year). We’ve got one that sprouted as a volunteer from our neighbor’s tree, and it gave us a few berries by year two.
I’ve heard seed-grown mulberries take 10 years, but ours fruited in year two. Now, in year three, it’s already 12 feet tall!
Mulberries get a bad rap for not being as plump or juicy as other berries, but they’re the first to ripen here, and we love ’em! We snack on them fresh or toss them in yogurt, pancakes, and smoothies. (Learn how to grow and use mulberries.)
Peaches & Nectarines
Okay, peaches and nectarines aren’t the exact same, but they’re super close and have similar growing needs. They hate soggy roots, so plant them in well-draining soil.
Most need two trees to fruit (for cross-pollination), though some peaches are self-fertile. Just make sure you pick varieties that bloom at the same time.
With good care, most peaches and nectarines fruit in under three years.
Citrus
Not everyone can grow citrus outdoors, but did you know Meyer lemons and Satsuma oranges thrive indoors? Yep—so they’re worth considering!
Citrus trees are self-pollinating, so one tree is enough. Plus, they often fruit the year after planting.
Apples
Apples need chill hours (cold weather). Like peaches, they usually require a second tree for cross-pollination—otherwise, you’ll get a lovely tree with zero apples.
If you live where winters are mild, pick low-chill varieties. Otherwise, forget munching apples in under three years.
Figs
Figs love warmth, so if you’re in a cold area, grow them in containers.
Just one tree is needed, and you’ll likely get fruit by year two. Fun fact: Figs don’t even flower—they just make fruit.
Bananas
Bananas (technically a giant herb, not a tree!) also need warmth, but if you can provide it, you’ll have bananas in about two years.
A friend of ours has banana plants taking over—they spread through roots and need dividing to keep them in check.
Moringa
This nutrient-packed tree thrives in warm climates but can be grown in pots (brought inside in winter) or as an annual.
The leaves, seed pods, and beans are all edible. We toss the leaves in soups and smoothies, make tea with dried leaves, and cook the pods like green beans.
Moringa grows insanely fast—15-20 feet in one season! As long as the roots don’t freeze, it’ll come back yearly.
Of course, many other fruit trees are worth planting—they just take 3+ years to produce. When planning your orchard, mix in some of these early producers to make the wait easier.
And don’t forget to jot down notes in your gardening journal while researching this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Fast-Growing Fruit Trees
1. What’s the difference between growing fruit trees from seeds versus grafted saplings?
- Grafted Saplings: They bear fruit much quicker (often within 1-3 years). A grafted tree’s age counts from when it’s planted, not when it was grafted. This is the faster option if you want fruit quickly.
- Seeds: Trees grown from seed take much longer to produce fruit (usually 8-10 years for many types). Some trees grown from seed may not produce fruit that tastes like the parent plant, but citrus varieties usually do.
2. How long does it take for mulberry trees to produce fruit?
- Grafted Mulberry Trees: Can produce fruit as soon as the first year. In your second year, you may already start seeing fruits.
- Seed-grown Mulberries: It takes about 10 years for fruit to appear when grown from seed.
3. Do peaches and nectarines grow well together?
- Yes, peaches and nectarines have similar growing needs. They generally need two trees for cross-pollination to ensure fruiting, but some peach varieties are self-fertile.
4. How long does it take for citrus trees to fruit?
- Citrus trees, like Meyer lemons and Satsuma oranges, often bear fruit in the first year after planting when grown indoors. They are self-pollinating, so you don’t need multiple trees.
5. Can I grow apple trees without another tree for pollination?
- Generally no: Most apple trees require a second tree for cross-pollination, but you can find self-pollinating varieties. If you live in an area with mild winters, choose low-chill apple varieties.
6. How fast do fig trees grow and when do they bear fruit?
- Fig trees are relatively quick-growing, and you can expect fruit production by year two. They thrive in warm climates, and you only need one tree for pollination.
7. Do bananas grow on trees?
- Not really! Bananas are technically a giant herb, not a tree. However, they grow very quickly and will start producing bananas in about two years. They need warmth and can spread through roots, requiring division.
8. How fast does Moringa grow, and is it edible?
- Moringa grows extremely fast, reaching heights of 15-20 feet in just one season. It’s packed with nutrients and produces edible leaves, seed pods, and beans. Moringa is a great addition for warm climates and can be grown in pots, with the option of bringing it indoors during winter.
Conclusion
Planting fast-growing fruit trees can make your backyard orchard a reality sooner than you think! For quicker results, go with grafted saplings instead of starting from seeds. Trees like mulberries, peaches, and nectarines can provide fruit within just a few years. Even citrus and figs are quick to give you fruit, especially when grown indoors or in the right climate. Don’t forget to incorporate Moringa or bananas into your garden for a speedy harvest and nutritious edible treats! Happy gardening!
