Gardening Experts Share Fast-Growing Fruit Trees to Plant
From Meyer lemons to figs, these fruit trees reward gardeners in just a couple of years.
Imagine stepping into your backyard on a warm summer afternoon, plucking a ripe, sun-warmed peach from the tree, and biting into it. It's a closer reality than you think — along with Meyer lemons, figs, and many other fruits, peaches are one of the fruit trees that grow fast, according to gardening experts.
As a gardener who nurtured a Meyer lemon tree for several years, I can attest to the thrill of harvesting homegrown fruit in as little as a year. I have a small garden, but I was curious about the other types of fruit trees that I might be able to grow and how long it would be until they produce fruit. I asked arborist and scientist Dr. A.D. Ali from the Davey Institute to weigh in. Below, he explains which trees produce fruit in the shortest amount of time and offers tips to help each one flourish.
We've also added tips on the USDA plant hardiness zones that are best for each tree, the amount of sunlight each one needs (spoiler alert: they all need full sun), and whether they can be grown in containers. Keep reading for tips on growing fruit trees at home.
Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)
Sweet, fragrant and compact enough for a sunny window, Meyer lemon trees are a citrus lover's dream. Their fruit is less acidic than regular lemons, making them ideal for cooking and cocktails. These trees thrive in containers, as long as you don't overwater them. "They’re very sensitive to wet roots," Ali explains. "Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, and fertilize regularly with citrus food." These trees are prone to spider mites and need periodic checks during winter.
Zones: 8-11 (bring indoors in cooler zones)
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 1-2 years (if grafted)
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-Friendly: Yes
RELATED: How to Grow a Lemon Tree, According to Gardening Experts
Fig (Ficus carica)
Figs are among the easiest fruit trees for home gardeners. They grow quickly, adapt well to containers and produce rich, honeyed fruit — often in their second or third year. Davey Institute experts praise their adaptability but recommend keeping the tree warm and well-pruned. "Figs need a lot of sun and do best when the soil dries slightly between waterings," Ali advises. While most varieties don’t require pollination partners, some may drop fruit if stressed, so consistent care matters.
USDA Zones: 7-10
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-3 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Yes, especially dwarf varieties
Peach (Prunus persica)
The idea of plucking a sun-warmed peach from your own tree sounds irresistible, but it comes with a bit of work. Peaches are fast-growing and productive, especially if you choose a dwarf variety for small spaces, but they’re also prone to disease. "They’re particularly susceptible to peach leaf curl," Ali warns. Preventative spraying and annual pruning are essential to keep the tree healthy and productive.
USDA Zones: 5-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-4 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Dwarf types only
Mulberry (Morus spp.)
Mulberries are a favorite among wildlife and gardeners who love a fast payoff. These trees grow quickly and begin producing juicy, blackberry-like fruit within a year or two. Ali calls them "one of the easiest fruit trees to maintain," but advises planting them away from patios or walkways, since dropped fruit can stain. Minimal pruning and full sun are all they need to flourish.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 1-2 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Dwarf or weeping types only
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Loquats are a warm-climate gem, offering clusters of sweet-tart, golden fruit and lush, evergreen foliage. They bloom and fruit in winter or early spring, making them unique among fruit trees. Their flowers are frost-sensitive, so they're best for climates with mild winters. "Good drainage and full sun are critical," Ali says. While they can grow in large containers, loquats thrive in the ground and need protection from cold snaps during bloom time.
USDA Zones: 8-10
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-3 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Somewhat, prefers in-ground
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Mandarins are a favorite for their sweet flavor and peel-and-eat convenience, and they grow especially well in containers. Just be sure to give them the heat and sun they crave. They require consistent warmth and a citrus-specific potting mix. Water deeply, let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings and keep an eye out for scale and aphids. Like Meyer lemons, they're ideal for sunny patios and overwintering indoors in cooler zones.
USDA Zones: 8-11
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-3 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Yes
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pomegranates are beautiful, resilient and surprisingly easy to grow. With showy flowers and antioxidant-packed fruit, they're an ornamental and edible powerhouse. They tolerate drought and poor soil well, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Dwarf varieties do well in containers. Prune regularly to encourage airflow and shape, and hold off on watering as fruit nears maturity for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
USDA Zones: 7-10
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-3 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Yes; dwarf types preferred
Persimmon (Diospyros spp.)
Persimmons bring beauty and flavor, with glossy foliage and deep orange fruit that ripens in fall. For beginners, non-astringent varieties like 'Fuyu' are the easiest choice. "These are generally low-maintenance trees," Ali says. Just stake young trees for support and make sure they’re in full sun. For astringent types, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the tree to mellow the bitterness.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 3-5 years
Pollination: Many are self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Dwarf types only
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricots are a bit of a gamble — but when they pay off, it's worth it. Their delicate blossoms appear early in spring, which makes them vulnerable to frost damage. "Choose cold-hardy varieties and site them in a sheltered, sunny location,"Ali recommends. While self-pollinating, they benefit from some hands-on care like fruit thinning (removing excess fruit) and regular pruning. Expect a challenge, but also an exceptionally sweet reward.
USDA Zones: 5-8
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-4 years
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Container-friendly: Not ideal; prefers in-ground
Cherry (Prunus avium / Prunus cerasus)
Cherries offer dazzling spring blooms and mouthwatering fruit, but they’re not the easiest to grow. "Sweet cherries usually need a pollinator and lots of airflow to avoid disease," says Ali. Sour cherries are more compact and often self-pollinating, making them better suited for small gardens or containers. Protect the fruit with netting if birds are a problem, and be ready to invest in consistent pruning and monitoring.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 3-5 years
Pollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others require cross-pollination
Container-friendly: Not ideal; dwarf sour types only
Dwarf Apple (Malus domestica)
Dwarf apple trees are ideal for small yards and patios, offering the classic apple experience in a scaled-down form. They're relatively fast to produce, but they do need a bit of care to stay healthy. "Regular pruning is a must, and so is pest and disease management," says Ali. Apple scab and codling moths are common issues, so stay alert. If your variety isn’t self-pollinating, be sure to plant a compatible cultivar nearby for best results.
USDA Zones: 3-8
Sunlight: Full sun
Time to fruit: 2-4 years
Pollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others need cross-pollination
Container-friendly: Dwarf types only
Debbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets.
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