Fresh fruit, plucked from a tree, is magical. Picking that sun-ripened, juicy peach right off the branch and biting into the soft, fuzzy fruit is the essence of a hot summer day. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could do that? But trees take years to grow, right? Not necessarily! These fast-growing fruit trees could bear tasty gifts for you in as little as two years.
Yep. Depending on what you grow, some fruit trees will bear fruit in no time. Since we’re talking about outdoor trees specifically, though, where you live is very instrumental in determining what you can grow. The United States Forest Service has a nice map where you can check your hardiness zone.
For instance, apple trees need some cool weather to thrive, so if you’re in Florida, you can scratch that one off your list. And, unfortunately, those of us in the north aren’t going to have much luck with a mandarin tree. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Easy-going, fast-growing fruit trees for the beginner
One last thing before we get going here – there is no such thing as fast-growing fruit trees if you plan to grow them from seed. It’s a somewhat complex operation, and in most cases, you’re looking at five years at least before you can expect to get any fruit. It’s much easier to spend a little extra for young trees that are already on their way to maturity.
1. Peach Trees.Peach trees will grow in most of the U.S. and will begin bearing fruit in about two years. These trees self-pollinate and can reach about 25-feet tall.
2. Apple Trees.Did you know there are around 2,500 varieties of apples that grow in the U.S.? You certainly wouldn’t if you’ve only gone to the grocery store. I think the last time I was there, they had about six varieties. As for growing apple trees, dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties will produce fruit in two or three years.
3. Lemon Trees.Do lemon trees belong on a list of fast-growing fruit trees? There is a fair amount of conflicting information out there, but most sources agree that the Meyer lemon tree will produce fruit in two to three years. One thing is for sure, unless you’re in the south or southwest, you can forget about growing a lemon tree outdoors. Temperatures below 29 degrees will be the end of your tree.
4. Apricot Trees.You can grow apricot trees in much of the U.S. In fact, they like a little chill now and then. Apricot trees can be self-pollinating, but cross-pollination will produce more fruit. They’ll produce fruit in three to four years in most cases.
5. Fig Trees.If your idea of a fig is from Fig Newton cookies, you are truly missing out. Fresh figs must be one of the most luxurious fruits out there. You can grow fig trees across the southern half of the continental U.S., as well as into some areas of the northwest coast. A fig tree will produce fruit in three to five years.
Bonus! Banana Trees. Technically, bananas are not fast-growing fruit trees; they’re actually fast-growing perennial herbs. Admittedly, they dolooklike trees, but since they never develop a wooden trunk, they are classified as herbs. They are gorgeous plants and can grow quite tall and wide—up to 25-feet tall with broad, abundant foliage. Some banana plants will produce fruit in about nine months. As you might guess, of course, this wonderful fruit is tropical in nature, and therefore will only grow in the very southern portions of the U.S.
There you have it. Now, who’s ready to start an orchard?
Do you grow any fruit trees? What would you suggest for beginners?
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FAQs
Peaches. These juicy round fruit are one of the fastest growers in the US bearing fruit within as little as 2 to 3 years. They're self-pollinating and at full height will be around 25 feet tall. Each year from early on you'll have ripe fresh peaches ready for picking.
What is the best low maintenance fruit tree? ›
If you're new to growing fruit trees, fig trees may be your best bet. They grow quickly, tolerate both heat and cold, resist disease well, and don't require pruning. Plus, even small potted fig trees will produce full-size fruit. The Brown Turkey variety is a popular choice for its reliable hardiness.
What fruit can grow in 2 months? ›
These watermelon seeds produce large, tasty fruit ready for harvest in just over two months. They are annual plants good in all USDA plant hardiness zones and aren't genetically modified. These apple seeds produce hardy, adaptable red delicious trees that grow medium to large fruit.
What fruit tree bears fruit the quickest? ›
Mango Trees
Mango fruit trees only take between one and two years to be ready to produce fruit from the time of planting, with some varieties growing fruit even sooner. Mango trees grow quickly in the right environment. The Glenn Mango variety bears fruit the fastest!
What is the easiest orchard to grow? ›
Apple trees are not only the easiest and most versatile fruit trees, but also an excellent addition to your pesticide-free backyard orchard. You can choose sweet, tart, or even heirloom varieties to suit your taste buds. Mature apple trees thrive in various climates, making them accessible to gardeners nationwide.
What fruit trees produce fruit the first year? ›
Stark Bro's Fruit Trees – Average Time Until Your First Harvest
| Fruit Tree Type | Years to Bear |
|---|
| Fig Trees | 1-2 years |
| Mulberry Trees | 2-3 years |
| Nectarine Trees | 2-4 years |
| Olive Trees | 2-3 years |
13 more rowsCherry Trees
Sweet cherries are for eating right away, and sour cherries are for baking with. Many cherry varieties are self fertile, allowing you to stick with just one tree to start off with, but the fruit yields will be better if you can set up cross-pollination with another cherry tree.
What fruit trees not to plant next to each other? ›
Fruit Tree Combinations To Avoid
You'll want to avoid planting; apples or apricots with walnuts and blackberries; nectarines, pears, peaches, or plums with raspberries; and finally, blueberries, cherries, grapes, and melons do not grow well near tomatoes or eggplants.
Do you need two peach trees to produce fruit? ›
Most peach trees are self-pollinating; however, additional nearby peach trees (within 100 feet) of a different variety can improve fruit-set. Almost all of Stark Bro's peach trees are self-pollinating, meaning your mature tree will bear fruit without requiring another peach variety's pollen.
What fruit requires the least water? ›
Almonds, figs and olives are the most drought tolerant. Apples, cherries, apricots, pears and plums are somewhat drought tolerant. Nectarines, peaches and citrus need adequate water to survive.
Our top picks for quick growth
- Radish. The humble radish is super easy to grow and make a great addition to salads. ...
- Baby Carrots. The finger or baby varieties are tasty and fun to grow, with these varieties being ready within 5-6 weeks.
- Cucumbers. ...
- Baby Beetroot. ...
- Turnips. ...
- Beans. ...
- Spinach or Silver Beet. ...
- Aragula or Rocket.
You've probably wondered how long does it take for Strawberries to grow. On average, it takes 60 to 90 days for a plant to mature from a seed to a delicious berry. The duration of the developing phase depends on the growing conditions you create. Pay attention to the temperature, light, watering, and fertilizing.
How long does a peach tree take to grow? ›
You can expect your peach tree to grow 18 to 24 inches a year and take three to four years to produce fruit. Properly caring for a peach tree will give you fruits in two to four years. Most commonly grown varieties are self-pollinating, but read the tag on yours to see if you need more than one.
Which fruit plant grows the fastest? ›
Berries are the fastest-growing fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are some of the fastest-growing fruits. Fruits mature more slowly than vegetables, but some grow quicker than others. It can produce fruit in the first year.
What tree takes the least amount of time to grow? ›
1. Thuja Green Giant. The Thuja Green Giant is an evergreen tree that can grow in Zones 5 to 9 at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. After three years it can reach 15 to 20 feet and, at its mature height, it stands at 30 to 40 feet fall.
What fruit bears fruit the first year? ›
Some selections like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries might try to bloom and set fruit the first year you plant them. You will be doing your plants a favor in the long run if you pinch these flowers off to avoid fruit set in their first year with you.
