Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
Fruit trees are great, but everyone knows they take forever to produce. It’s true that you won’t get a fruit harvest the first year you plant a tree, but if you pick one of the fastest-growing fruit trees for your backyard, you might get to eat fruit sooner.
Aside from planting the right trees, another way to get fruit earlier is by planting a grafted tree that you purchase from a nursery rather than starting trees from seeds. If you start a fruit tree from a seed, it takes much longer to receive a harvest, and some people argue that growing from seed will produce fruit that doesn’t taste like the original version.
Instead of waiting a decade to harvest fruit from your trees, try planting one or more of these fastest-growing fruit trees.
Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest!
Apple Tree
To grow apple trees, you need to be in an area that has some cold weather, which is known as chill hours. Also, apple trees need another tree to cross-pollinate to produce fruit. Otherwise, you'll have lovely trees without any apples.
If you live in a region that has a milder climate, be sure to take a look for tree varieties that require low chill hours.
Growing Tips:
- Select low‑chill varieties if you live in a mild climate so the dormancy break requirement can be met.
- Ensure cross-pollination: Plant compatible varieties that bloom at the same time.
- Sun & soil: full sun (6+ hours a day) and well-drained soil are essential.
- Mulch & compost: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips, leaf mold) around the base (but don’t touch trunk) and add a thin layer of compost annually.
- Prune in late winter: Remove dead wood, thin out crowded branches to improve light penetration and airflow.
- Watering: Water deeply and less often, especially during dry spells, to encourage deeper root growth.
Apricot Tree
Not all apricot trees grow as quickly as other ones. Two apricot varieties, in particular, grow fast – the “Moorpark” and the “Early Golden.” Both of these varieties grow well in USDA zones 5 to 8, producing white or pink blossoms that turn into delicious, flavorful fruit.
Growing Tips:
- Protect blossoms from late frost by covering or using frost cloth, since apricots bloom early.
- Soil & drainage: Use well-draining loamy soil and avoid heavy clay soils that stay soggy.
- Full sun exposure is critical for fruit set.
- Moderate watering: Keep soil evenly moist during fruit development but avoid waterlogging.
- Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open canopy and remove crossing branches.
Banana Plants
Technically, bananas aren’t trees—they’re giant herbs—but they produce fruit so quickly that they deserve a spot on this list. If you live in a warm climate (USDA zones 9-11), banana plants can grow up to 10 feet in a single year and start producing bananas within 9 to 12 months.
Even if you don’t live in a tropical region, you can grow dwarf banana varieties in containers and bring them indoors during the winter. Just make sure they get plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Here's a guide on how to grow your own bananas.
Growing Tips:
- Rich soil: Use fertile, well-draining soil with high organic matter (compost, mulch) and pH ~5.5–7.0.
- Full sun: Bananas need bright light and warmth.
- Consistent moisture: Keep soil evenly moist (but not waterlogged).
- Fertilize heavily: Use a balanced or high-potassium fertilizer monthly during the growing season to support fruiting.
- Wind protection: Banana leaves are fragile; shield from strong winds which can tear foliage.
- Container care: Ensure containers have good drainage holes and move indoors or to greenhouse in winter climates.
Cherry Trees
You can give planting cherry trees a try as well. Some varieties, such as black cherries, grow three feet each season, eventually reaching 50 feet in height. Black cherries grow in USDA zones 3 to 9. You’ll love their show of white flowers in the spring, and by the summer, the trees are full of cherries.
Growing Tips:
- Deep, moist soil: Prefer fertile, well-draining soil with slightly acidic pH.
- Full sun: Ensure 6+ hours of direct sun daily.
- Spring watering: Apply deep watering in spring and during dry spells.
- Light pruning: Prune in late winter to shape and remove weak branches.
- Thinning fruit: Thin clusters so the remaining fruit can mature more fully and reduce limb breakage.
- Pest & disease monitoring: Watch for fungal issues (brown rot, cherry leaf spot) and apply fungicide or pruning as needed.
Citrus Trees
Growing citrus trees is highly dependent on your climate and where you live. Typically, lemon and orange trees need to be planted in USDA zones nine and higher because they're incapable of handling frosts. So, that means most people are unable to grow citrus fruits outside.
You can grow citrus trees indoors, such as Meyer lemons and Satsuma oranges. The best varieties for containers are dwarf trees, and you bring them inside when they go dormant.
Unlike peach trees, citrus fruit trees are self-pollinating, so you only need one tree to produce the fruit. Typically, they start producing fruit the year after they’re planted but are fully producing by three years.
Growing Tips:
- Use dwarf or container-suitable varieties if you expect to move indoors or protect in frost.
- Soil: Slightly acidic, very well-draining (amend with sand/perlite if needed).
- Sunlight: Aim for 8+ hours of sun. If indoors, use grow lights.
- Water carefully: Water when top 1 inch of soil dries, but avoid soggy roots.
- Fertilization: Apply citrus‑formulated fertilizer (higher nitrogen) 2–3 times during growing season.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain shape.
- Overwintering: If grown in containers, bring indoors or into a frost-free structure when night temps drop below 45°F.
Fig Trees
One day, I came home, and my husband planted a fig tree in our front garden. Surprisingly, fig trees produce quickly and are easy to grow. These trees prefer warm weather, so you need to plant them in a container and bring them inside when cold weather strikes.
You only need to have one fig tree to produce, and it only takes two years to get fruit. Figs are self-fertile, so you don’t need to wait for them to flower. They just produce fruit.
When left in the ground rather than brought indoors and outdoors with a container, fig trees can reach up to 30 feet tall within five years. That doesn’t mean you need to wait until you have a large tree. Our small three-foot fig tree produces plenty each year.
Figs are growing in popularity, so you can find many different types of figs available. You can easily find one that is well-adapted to your climate zone.
Growing Tips:
- Well-drained soil: Rich in organic matter but avoid waterlogging.
- Full sun: Ensure 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Moderate watering: Regular watering during fruit set; reduce during dormancy.
- Low-nitrogen fertilization: Too much nitrogen encourages foliage over fruit.
- Pruning: Prune lightly to open canopy, remove dead wood.
- Container adaptation: In colder zones, grow in large pots and overwinter indoors or in a protected space.
Guava Trees
If you want a fast-growing tropical fruit, guava trees are a fantastic choice. Guava trees grow in USDA zones 9-11, and in the right conditions, they can grow up to 4 feet per year.
The best part? Guava trees start producing fruit in as little as two years! They thrive in warm climates but can also be grown in containers and brought indoors when temperatures drop.
Growing Tips:
- Sun & warmth: Full sun exposure and warm temperatures are key.
- Soil: Well-draining, somewhat acidic (pH ~5 to 7). Guava tolerates a range, but avoid heavy clay.
- Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering/fruiting.
- Pruning: Regularly prune to maintain structure and increase branching (thus more fruiting wood).
- Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer during active growth periods.
- Cold protection: In cooler climates, containerize and bring indoors or protect from frost.
Jujube Trees
The jujube tree, also called the Chinese date, is one of the fastest-growing and most drought-tolerant fruit trees. These trees grow over a foot per year and start producing fruit within 2-3 years.
Jujube trees grow in USDA zones 6-10, require minimal maintenance, and can handle both heat and cold. The fruit is sweet, chewy, and packed with nutrients!
Growing Tips:
- Tolerant soil: Jujubes are forgiving but prefer well-draining soil.
- Full sun: Important for fruit sugar development.
- Watering: Water moderately when establishing. Once mature, jujubes tolerate drought well, so only water during prolonged dry periods.
- Pruning: Prune to maintain open form and remove suckers.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Self-fertile: You often need only one tree, though additional trees can increase yield in some cases.
Loquat Trees
Loquat trees are one of the fastest-growing subtropical fruit trees, often producing fruit within 2 to 3 years of planting. They're native to southeast China and widely grown in warm climates. And while they can reach up to 20–30 feet, they're often kept smaller through pruning. The fruit is sweet and tangy, similar in flavor to a mix between apricot and citrus.
They thrive in USDA Zones 8 to 10 and can handle light frosts, making them a solid option for warmer parts of the U.S. Loquats bloom in the fall or early winter and ripen in late spring—providing fruit much earlier than many other trees.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to maximize fruit production.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility; tolerates a range of soil types.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the growing season; reduce watering in winter.
- Pruning: Prune after harvest to shape and control size; remove dead or crossing branches.
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer 2–3 times per year: early spring, midsummer, and fall.
- Frost protection: Young trees may need protection during hard freezes; mature trees tolerate light frost.
- Pollination: Many varieties are self-fertile, but planting more than one can improve yield.
Mulberry Trees
Mulberry trees produce after one year if you start with a grafted tree. You’ll be amazed by how fast these trees can grow, typically 2.5 feet per year. The only problem with mulberries is that volunteer trees tend to pop up all over your property.
Mulberry trees can produce for decades. A three-year-old tree can reach 12 feet tall, at a minimum. That’s impressive! Also, mulberry trees are heavy producers, so you can expect them to produce abundant harvests once the trees are well-established.
Growing Tips:
- Sun & location: Full sun is best; avoid shaded spots.
- Soil tolerance: Adaptable but prefers fertile, well-draining soil.
- Watering: Water regularly in dry seasons until established; after that they’re fairly drought-tolerant.
- Pruning: Prune in dormant season to manage size and shape.
- Containment: Control suckers or shoots and remove unwanted volunteers to avoid invasiveness.
- Thinning fruit: In heavy fruit years, thin clusters to reduce branch stress.
Papaya Trees
For those in tropical or subtropical climates, the papaya tree is a fast-growing option that can start producing fruit within the first year of planting, especially if you start with a young tree rather than seeds. Papaya trees love the heat and need to be protected from the wind. They require ample sunlight and regular watering but are relatively low-maintenance once established.
These trees are self-fertile, and many varieties are dwarf, making them suitable for smaller spaces or even container gardening. The papaya's rapid growth and early fruiting make it an exciting choice for gardeners eager to enjoy homegrown tropical fruits without a long wait.
Growing Tips:
- Warm temperature: Papayas cannot tolerate frost; use in warm zones or containers to move inside.
- Light, rich soil: Well-draining soil with organic matter is ideal.
- Full sun: Needs abundant sunlight daily.
- Moisture: Consistent moisture is critical. Soil should stay moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Feed every other work or monthly during growth spurts with balanced fertilizer.
- Wind protection: Shield from strong winds which can damage the relatively fragile trunk and foliage.
Peach Trees
Peach trees are fun to grow and are one of the fastest choices, and while peaches and nectarines aren’t the same fruit, they do have similar growing needs. So, if you end up growing and loving peaches, give nectarines a try.
Peach trees dislike soggy roots, so you need to be sure that you plant them in an area that has good drainage. Also, you'll need to plant two peach trees to produce fruit, but some varieties are self-fertile. Make sure you pick two different types of trees that will bloom at the same time. They need to cross-pollinate.
Most peach tree takes three years to fruit, but it’s dependent on how well you take care of the trees.
Growing Tips:
- Well-drained soils: Plant on slopes or raised beds if drainage is poor.
- Full sun: At least 6–8 hours per day.
- Deep watering: During dry spells and fruit development.
- Pruning: Annual pruning in winter to open canopy and encourage spur wood, remove dead or inward branches.
- Cross-pollination: Ensure compatible varieties bloom simultaneously (where required).
- Thinning fruit: Remove some fruit early so remaining fruits grow larger and reduce branch stress.
Pear Tree
Another fast-growing fruit tree for your backyard is a pear tree. Depending on the variety that you select, they can be found in USDA zones 4-9. These trees can grow up to 20 feet high, producing lovely white blossoms before turning to fruit.
Some varieties are ready to harvest in the later summer months, but some won't ripen until the early fall.
Growing Tips:
- Soil: Well-drained loam, slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure is ideal.
- Watering: Deep watering every 7–10 days, especially in fruiting season.
- Pollination: Many varieties require a second pear variety for pollination. Check your cultivar.
- Pruning: Prune in dormant season to maintain structure and remove crossing branches.
- Fertilize: Use balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-season.
Plum Trees
Plum trees are not only admired for their beautiful spring blossoms but also for their rapid growth rate and early fruit production. With varieties suitable for a wide range of climates, plums can be a great addition to any garden. These trees typically start bearing fruit within just a few years after planting.
Plum trees require well-drained soil and full sun exposure to thrive. While some varieties are self-pollinating, planting two different varieties can ensure a more reliable and abundant harvest. Whether you choose European plums for their sweet, deep flavors or Japanese plums for their juicier and larger fruits, you're in for a treat with fast-growing plum trees.
Growing Tips:
- Site & soil: Full sun and well-draining soil; avoid waterlogged sites.
- Watering: Regular watering during drought stress and fruit development.
- Pruning: Annual winter pruning to remove dead wood, thin canopy, promote airflow.
- Pollination: Even for self-pollinating types, a second variety can boost yield.
- Thinning: Thin clusters early so remaining fruits mature better.
- Fertilization: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pomegranate Trees
Pomegranate trees are known for their resilience, drought tolerance, and relatively fast growth, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enjoy fruit quickly. While they can take a few years to start producing fruit, with proper care, you might see your first harvest as soon as the second or third year after planting.
These trees prefer hot summers and cool winters, thriving in USDA zones 7-10. Pomegranates are self-fertile, so you only need one tree to produce fruit. The tree's stunning orange-red flowers add beauty to any garden, and its fruit is packed with health benefits, making it a doubly rewarding choice.
Growing Tips:
- Sun & heat: Full sun and hot summer exposure improve fruit set and sweetness.
- Soil: Tolerates many soils but prefers well-draining, fertile ground.
- Watering: Water moderately. Less when fruit is nearly mature for better flavor.
- Pruning: Prune to shape and remove dead wood; open center allows better light.
- Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer early spring and again mid-season.
- Container option: In borderline zones, container growth allows moving indoors or protecting roots from freeze.
Tips for Growing Dwarf Fruit Trees
In most cases, growing dwarf fruit trees is part of the solution if you want fast-growing trees. These trees reach a height of 10 feet or less, in general, but some can be as small as three feet at full maturity. Despite their smaller size, their fruit is normal-sized, so you aren’t ripped off getting tiny apples.
Here are some tips and suggestions when growing dwarf fruit trees.
Always Look at Chill Hours
Some fruit trees need a specific number of days when the temperatures are at or below 45℉ every winter into spring. This period ends their dormancy, encouraging the tree to flower and start the process of bearing fruit.
If you live somewhere warm, such as Texas, you might want a try with low-chill hours required.
Know Their Heat Tolerance
What type of weather does the tree prefer? Apples need cool nights and warm days. Peaches prefer long, hot summers, but cherries prefer a cooler climate. You need to make sure the fruit tree you select can handle the average summer heat for your area.
Look At Pollination Needs
Some trees need to have a second tree nearby for cross-pollination. You don’t always need to have two of the same varieties, but you do need to purchase two trees at once. Other trees self-pollinate!
Pick The Right Container Size
You CAN grow dwarf fruit trees in containers, but you need to make sure you have the right container size. Look for a 15-20 gallon container with holes for drainage at the bottom of the pot. Consider adding rocks at the bottom of the container to help with drainage.
Dig A Deep Enough Hole
Digging a hole that is deep enough for your tree is essential. The hole should be 12-18 inches deep and wide, at minimum. Also, make sure that you pick an area that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
When you put the tree into the hole, make sure the grafted joint stays two inches above the soil. The joint should be visible at the base of the tree.
Don’t Overwater
Trees need and love water, but dwarf fruit trees don’t need or want to be overwatered. This tip is especially true if you’re growing your tree in a container. Watering once or twice per week is sufficient. If you encounter a hot, dry week in the summer, you might need to add a third watering, but that shouldn’t be all of the time.
Make Sure to Feed Your Tree
Feeding your tree is an important step not to forget. Add compost around your tree once or twice a year. Try watering it with compost tea and using supplements for the soil. Feeding your tree is particularly important if you’re growing trees in containers.
Who wants to wait for years and years to eat fresh apples from their tree? Not you! While you might add some traditional fruit trees to your property, you also can and should add some of the fastest-growing fruit trees. That way, you can have a fruit harvest by the second or third year after planting!
Like this post? Don't Forget to Pin It On Pinterest!
You May Also Like:
